Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
My name is Nico (he/they) and I'm currently studying a Master of Science (Atmospheric Science). My focus is on the use of data for renewable energy resources, with the aim to support and inform planning for the development of new renewable energy projects.
I previously completed my undergraduate studies at Monash in Mathematics and Astrophysics and then worked for several years as a data engineer. During this time I was an active member of the queer network at my employer, which helped me to feel supported and gave me a sense of purpose and passion.
What is your new role within the MGAEC, and what are you hoping to achieve over your term in office?
I am joining the MGAEC as the Queer Officer. I hope to provide an environment where queer and trans students feel safe and supported, and have the opportunity to achieve their goals without barriers to their success. I seek to listen to and advocate for the concerns of the queer community at Monash, and to help raise awareness of resources and services available to them. I hope that I can contribute to a sense of community among queer graduate students.
What motivated you to join the executive committee? What drives you to make a difference in your graduate student community?
I wanted to join the executive committee as I believe strongly in the power of representation and have personally experienced the benefits of queer-led advocacy and community. It was very important to me to see queer and trans people represented in my previous workplace, to know that I had their support, and to have a forum for issues to be heard and addressed.
I hope to bring my perspective as a trans man into the decisions made by the committee, and to bring forward the suggestions and concerns of the diverse community of queer graduate students that we have at Monash.