Imperial is academically challenging, but every student deserves a fair chance to succeed. We need to be transparent — not only about what is going well, but also about what is not. The first step is to have an open discussion within the department on issues such as overcrowded lecture theatres, overflow rooms, and lectures delivered via online recording during in-person sessions — as these impact the learning experience for all of us.
I have a background in plasma research* and start-ups, but more importantly, I bring the experience of founding and running two educational non-profit organizations centered around supporting STEM students, providing opportunities and community, as well as helping students who encounter difficulties learning STEM subjects in school. These projects helped 5,000+ students over the past years. I have advocated for both gifted and disabled students in the past, working not only with the media but also with politicians from the local level up to the Czech government.
We're freshers, but that does not mean we should not have a voice. Now we have an opportunity to work with our department and improve, but we need to be clear and direct about our experience from Day 1. That happens only through active representation, and I promise you, as my colleagues, I will do nothing less than that.
-
*If you ever want to see pure enthusiasm, just whisper the magic word "cold plasma."