COS Senator
Platform
Have you ever missed out on an event because you didn’t know it was happening? Or perhaps you’ve joined a club’s Discord but felt disconnected from its activities? If elected as your College of Science Senator, I will prioritize community engagement, inclusivity, and expanding opportunities for students, ensuring that everyone in our college feels seen, supported, and involved. (1) Community Engagement: Students often feel isolated within their specific disciplines, missing out on valuable opportunities to network with peers in other fields of study. To combat this, I propose organizing scientific collaboration events where students can team up to work on interdisciplinary projects or participate in friendly competitions that challenge their skills in new areas. This initiative will help break down barriers between majors and encourage collaboration across the College of Science. In the long term, I envision establishing more cross-major social events, such as study groups, or interdisciplinary panels. These events would give students the chance to connect with others outside of their majors, share experiences, and discover new perspectives on their academic journeys. (2) Inclusivity: One of the key ways to enhance student engagement is through active participation in clubs and extracurricular activities. Underrepresented clubs in the College of Science often struggle to gain visibility and attract new members. I would work to establish “Meet the Club” events where students can get to know the clubs in a casual setting. This would foster a more welcoming atmosphere and allow students to explore clubs beyond their own major or academic focus. (3) Expanding Opportunities for Students: RIT is well-known for our competitive Co-op program, but not all science students have equal access to similar professional development opportunities. As your senator, I would advocate for designated office hours for research opportunities, where students can meet with professors or graduate students in an informal, low-pressure setting. These sessions would provide students with the chance to explore potential research experiences, discuss project ideas, and learn about upcoming opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. Additionally, I would work to create more collaborative research showcases, where students can present their work to their peers and faculty. These events would create opportunities for students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build their professional networks.