Expressions of Interest
Independent Representative
Oluwaseun Soneye
My research in ethnomusicology examines how music shapes diasporic identities, migration experiences, and practices of belonging, particularly among African and other marginalized communities. This work, grounded in qualitative and ethnographic methods, has trained me to listen carefully, represent others’ voices ethically, and attend to the power dynamics that structure whose needs are heard and acted upon. As I progress in CSPT, I am further deepening my engagement with questions of social justice, cultural politics, and institutional change, questions that are central to effective representation for graduate students across disciplines.
As an Independent Representative, I would bring a broad, cross-faculty perspective that is attentive to the complex realities of students who do not always see themselves reflected in traditional categories or well-served by existing structures. I am interested in supporting international students and those whose research or personal trajectories cross multiple disciplinary, cultural, or social boundaries. Drawing on my mentoring experience, I would prioritize clear communication, accessibility of information, and proactive outreach, ensuring that graduate students know how to engage with the GSA and feel confident bringing forward their concerns.
I would be honoured to continue contributing to the GSA in this new capacity as an Independent Representative and to collaborate with council, executive, and the wider graduate community to foster a more inclusive, responsive, and critically engaged association. Thank you for considering my Expression of Interest.
My name is Oluwaseun Soneye, and I am a first-year PhD student in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought at the University of Lethbridge, with a research background and ongoing work in Ethnomusicology. I am seeking to serve as an Independent Representative on the Graduate Students’ Association Council. This role aligns closely with my interdisciplinary research, my commitment to equity-focused graduate governance, and my ongoing engagement with diverse graduate student communities.
Over the past three years, I have served as a Graduate Peer Mentor, supporting incoming and continuing students in navigating academic expectations, research demands, and the broader social and emotional challenges of graduate life. In addition, I have represented Fine Arts as a council member, where I actively participated in meetings, contributed to committee work, and helped communicate concerns and opportunities between the GSA and my faculty colleagues. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how policy decisions, funding structures, and communication practices directly affect graduate students’ day-to-day realities.
Independent Representative
Natasha Dhiman
My name is Natasha Dhiman, and I am a Master of Science candidate in Mathematics at the University of Lethbridge. I am seeking to serve as an Independent Representative on the Graduate Students’ Association Council. I am deeply committed to contributing to our campus community and advocating for the academic and personal success of my peers.
My daily life on campus revolves around student support and academic assistantships. Working actively as a Graduate Assistant, math tutor, and exam proctor has given me a direct, front-row perspective on the graduate student experience. Through these roles, I regularly talk with peers about the real-world pressures we face, from managing heavy workloads and research milestones to navigating departmental expectations and assistantship responsibilities. I understand the practical challenges of graduate life, and I am eager to use this insight to ensure our collective needs are effectively communicated to the GSA.
My academic training in mathematics fundamentally shapes how I approach advocacy and leadership. Dealing with complex, logical frameworks daily has taught me to analyze systemic challenges methodically, focus on objective problem-solving, and seek out transparent, structured solutions. Additionally, presenting my research at university conferences and scientific forums has helped me develop strong communication skills, allowing me to bridge gaps between different disciplines and speak confidently on behalf of others.
If appointed as an Independent Representative, I will bring a highly organized, collaborative, and practical mindset to the council. My primary goals are to improve the visibility of GSA resources, champion fair working conditions for graduate assistants, and foster an inclusive environment where students from every department feel heard. I welcome the opportunity to dedicate my time and energy to the GSA Council and serve the UofL graduate community.
Council Positions Filled
Executive Positions
Jade Oldfield:
Akeem Bamigbola:
Brannon Sumner:
President
VP Academic
VP Finance
Representative Positions
Clara Juliano Cunha:
Olympia Tomasta:
Kelly Grannon:
Razeen Mujarrab:
Tara Laverty:
Madison Gal:
Mary Siever:
Dan Pearson:
Amanda Ervin:
Bisi Amanwi:
Harshal Kaur:
Independent
Arts & Science
Social Sciences
International
Sexual Awareness
Natural Sciences
Student Parent
Calgary Campus
Health Sciences
Disability & Accommodated Learning
International
Positions Not Yet Filled
1 Faculty of Arts & Science (1 Humanities)
1 Dhillon School of Business
1 Education
1 Indigenous
2 Independent Representatives (general graduate representatives)
1 Community Engagement
These roles will be filled through a subsequent Expression of Interest (EOI) process following the conclusion of the current election and throughout the year.
Expression of Interest Process for Vacant GSA Council Positions
When a GSA Council Representative position becomes vacant outside of the regular election period, eligible graduate students may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for the role.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Students interested in a vacant representative position should submit an Expression of Interest by email to gsa@uleth.ca
Your Expression of Interest should include:
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Your full name
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Your graduate program
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The position you are interested in
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A brief statement explaining why you are interested in the position
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Any relevant experience, skills, or involvement you would bring to the role
What Happens After an EOI is Submitted
After an Expression of Interest is received, the GSA will post the student’s name and the position of interest on the GSA website.
The Expression of Interest will be included in the next scheduled monthly communication to the graduate student body, typically distributed around the middle of each month. Graduate students will then have one week from the date of that communication to contest the appointment.
If the Appointment is Contested
If another eligible student contests the appointment within the one-week period, the position will proceed to a by-election.
If the Appointment is Not Contested
If no eligible student contests the appointment within the one-week period, the Expression of Interest will proceed to GSA Council for ratification by motion.
Once ratified, the student will be appointed to the vacant representative position.
Questions
Students with questions about vacant positions or the Expression of Interest process can contact the GSA at gsa@uleth.ca
