MGA Executive Committee 2025 - 2026
TROY LAU
Doctor of Philosophy (Translational Medicine)
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Alfred Centre
General Representative
General Representatives may contribute by attending the monthly MGAEC meetings, contributing to decision making and voting on issues of concern, conducting background research to support an MGA submission, liaising with graduate students to find out what the current issues are, contributing to one of the many subcommittees, and volunteering at an MGA event.
The learn more about this position, read the extract from the MGA Constitution.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
I was born in Malaysia and I have now been living in Melbourne for 12 years. I have just started my PhD based at the Alfred Centre, working on strategies to enhance T cell function through stem cell pathway activation and targeted gene delivery. I have a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science and recently completed a Master of Pharmaceutical Science. Outside of research, I enjoy photography, hunting down good food, and playing futsal.
What is your role within the MGAEC, and what are you hoping to achieve over your term in office?
This year, I’m serving as a General Representative on the MGAEC. My goal is to make the research student experience more visible and more connected. Many of us feel isolated particularly at satellite campuses like the Alfred. I’d like to advocate for stronger support and community ties, so students here feel just as included and represented.
What motivated you to join the executive committee? What drives you to make a difference in your graduate community?
I joined the committee last year while based at Parkville, after noticing how limited the MGA’s presence felt on campus. Although my term ended when my degree wrapped up, that brief experience showed me how much impact the MGA can have. I’ve always found the postgrad community to be where some of the most grounded, thoughtful conversations happen (often over free food). Those small moments matter, and I want to help create more of them. Being involved is my way of making sure postgrad voices are not just heard, but genuinely considered.
MGA's 2025-2026 Committee Members