CDU Student Council

I am enthusiastic about making a positive impact on students experiences and I am currently a student in the Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration)programme at Sydney campus. I feel that the leadership, teamwork, and effective communication skills I've gained from my nursing education will help me to successfully represent the interests of my peers. In particular, I'm dedicated to fostering an environment that is encouraging and welcoming so that every kid may succeed both intellectually and socially. The chance to positively influence and contribute to significant changes within the academic community excites me.

I am Ayush Dutta, a Master of Data Science student at Charles Darwin University. I am driven by a deep interest in data-driven solutions, which has shaped my academic journey and professional aspirations. My passion for problem-solving, combined with a solid technical foundation in data science, allows me to approach challenges with creativity and precision.  What inspired me to apply for the CDU student council is my desire to contribute to the well-being of my fellow students by creating an inclusive, supportive environment. I believe in the power of collaboration and community, and I aim to bring fresh perspectives to the council that reflect the needs of both local and international students. I plan to advocate for initiatives that promote mental health, academic integrity, and technological advancements to enhance student life.  With experience in leadership through volunteering and team projects, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to the council's mission. My goal is to ensure that every student's voice is heard and that we work together to create a thriving campus culture.

I, Bipu Ojha, am thrilled to nominate myself for the CDU Student Council. As a passionate Network and Cloud Engineer specializing in cybersecurity, and currently pursuing a Master's in IT (Cybersecurity) at CDU with the prestigious Vice Chancellor's Scholarship, I bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to community service.  Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong dedication to giving back to the community. As a member of the Forbes Cybersecurity Awareness Club, I have led initiatives to educate government bodies, colleges, and offices on cybersecurity best practices. I believe in empowering others and making a lasting, positive impact.   If elected, I will work tirelessly to represent student interests, advocate for better support services, and foster a more inclusive and engaging campus environment. My goal is to enhance the student experience by promoting new opportunities, listening to diverse voices, and ensuring that all students feel heard, supported, and valued.  I am committed to using my skills and experience to serve the CDU community, and I am eager to contribute to the long-term growth and success of our university.  Thank you for considering my nomination.

Self-Nomination Statement for CDU School Representative Council  As a dedicated 38-year-old mother of two and a published Australian author, I feel i have the natural leadership and drive to submit my self-nomination for the CDU School Representative Council. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at CDU, I am enthusiastically committed to advocating for the enrichment and inclusivity of our educational environment. My diverse experiences and background have equipped me with a unique perspective that I am eager to bring to the Council.   My journey has been shaped by a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and socioeconomic equity. As an author and Learning support officer for diverse learning and inclusivity, I have explored various narratives and perspectives, and this insight drives my passion for nurturing an inclusive setting where every student feels valued and supported through their pathway at CDU. My academic pursuit in education is heavily driven in passion which reinforces my dedication to these principles.   I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to CDU's ongoing efforts to create an innovative and progressive educational environment. By advocating for future movements and embracing all cultures and backgrounds, I aim to support our shared vision of a vibrant, inclusive community. Thank you for considering my nomination. 

As a 2nd year Bachelor of Environmental Science student, I am passionate about sustainability and promoting environmentally responsible practices. My transformative experience with the Field Intensive to India with CDU under the Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) allowed me to gain valuable insights into innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. I am applying for the NCP Alumni Representative role within CDU, which will see me promote CDU’s commitment to sustainability, international collaboration, and educational excellence, while further developing my leadership and organisational skills. I am attending the NCP Alumni Forum in Canberra this month, which focuses on cultural diplomacy in science and prioritising First Nations perspectives. These valuable insights will enhance my ability to contribute to a role within Student Council. I am keen to promote sustainability education, waste reduction, and renewable energy initiatives, empowering the CDU community to adopt greener practices. Additionally, I would strengthen partnerships with local and global organisations to advance CDU’s leadership in sustainability research and community engagement. As a mature-age student studying online for two years and on campus in 2025, I offer a unique perspective to represent students effectively. I am eager to promote sustainability and ensure that CDU students’ voices are heard.

I am an international student studying Bachelor of Information Technology at CDU Casuarina Campus. Being a sports-spirited person, I love to be a part of a community where I can explore myself. I am a good learner and quickly adaptive to the environment. I believe that being a member of CDUSC will allow me to strengthen my skills and knowledge, where I can also contribute effortlessly. With a focus on continuous improvement and a passion, I am excited to take on new challenges and develop further both personally and professionally. 

I am currently a student leader at Charles Darwin University (CDU), where I am dedicated to assisting students through advice and event organization. As an active member of various student groups such as the CDU Music Society, Engineering Student Society, IoT Club, and several other clubs, I am deeply involved in the campus community. My commitment extends beyond CDU, as I also volunteer with Emergency Services at Red Cross and Inspired NT. Additionally, I have gained valuable experience as an emcee, hosting numerous events. My broad involvement and hands-on experience in student support have equipped me with the skills necessary to help students achieve their goals effectively. I am eager to leverage this background and my passion for student advocacy by serving as the president of the CDU Student Council.

Hello, I’m Katherine Lockhart and I am a first-year undergraduate student.  Since finishing high school I’ve worked retail, been a bus driver during a brief stint in Perth and currently work in aviation as a store person in the logistics department. In this role I handle highly sensitive aircraft parts, arrange dangerous goods to be shipped by air and road, and monitor stock levels to name a few.  I’m known as a go getter and problem solver, willing to go the extra mile to make sure that people have the resources and knowledge to perform their roles. Weather it’s training in applications, finding that obscure reference or having a chat with the managers to discuss sourcing a new tool.  I love making sure that people have a voice and are being heard, and I enjoy ensuring that everyone is being treated equally.  I wish to use my experiences to the benefit of students at CDU and continue to develop my leadership skills and to represent issues that matter to my fellow students. I want to be an advocate for CDU students during board and committee meeting, contribute to decisions that impact students and support community development within CDU and make it a safe and fulfilling community for students.

I have 24 years of experience as an educator in education sectors. Leadership: My extensive experience in various educational settings has equipped me with strong leadership skills. I have a proven track record of guiding teams, inspiring others, and driving positive change. Governance: My understanding of educational institutions and my ability to manage diverse teams would be valuable in overseeing the CDUSC's operations and ensuring effective governance. Representation: My deep understanding of student needs and my commitment to fostering student success make me a strong advocate for the student body. Administration: My experience managing educational programs and resources would be beneficial in overseeing the CDUSC's finances and ensuring efficient operations. Role Model: I am passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments and empowering students to reach their full potential. This makes me a strong candidate to represent the diverse student body at CDU and serve as a positive role model. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the key responsibilities of the CDUSC. I am eager to contribute to the success of the CDUSC and represent the interests of CDU students.

Being a postgraduate student at Charles Darwin University, I am excited to represent my fellow graduate students and their needs and experiences. I have learned and gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in my academic journey. My role will be focused on creating an inclusive environment that supports graduate students to thrive and achieve their goals even after university life. I believe in promoting research excellence, collaborating, and engaging with diverse communities, and increasing the presence of students at the international level. My motive is to raise the voice of students and support them by helping, encouraging, and celebrating their achievements.

Myself Mohammad Yasin Arafat, a Bangladeshi international student currently pursuing a Master's by Research in Smart Grid Data Management at the scenic and dynamic Charles Darwin University. I hold a Bachelor of Software Engineering from the University of Malaysia Sarawak, where I was honored with six Dean's List awards. During my time there, I was actively involved in student activities, organizing events, and engaging with the international community. Professionally, I have five years of experience as a Software Engineer, working as a Team Lead at a top multinational corporation (MNC). In this role, I collaborated closely with clients, global authorities, government bodies, and various stakeholders on high-impact projects. This experience has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which I am excited to bring to broader leadership roles.  I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to serve and uplift the student community, and I believe the CDU Student Council is the perfect platform for me to make a meaningful impact. I want to advocate for the needs of students while creating an inclusive and vibrant campus environment where everyone feels empowered to succeed. My particular focus is on developing initiatives that enhance student engagement, create professional development opportunities, and build a stronger sense of community among international students.  Looking to the future, I see my time on the Student Council as a way to further develop my leadership skills and continue contributing to the university community. My goal is to blend my technical expertise with my leadership experience to drive positive change in both my academic pursuits and future professional endeavors. By serving on the CDU Student Council, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of growth, collaboration, and progress that benefits all students.

Inspired by my roles in ESS and as an Engineers Australia Ambassador, I aim to amplify student voices and promote inclusivity on the CDU Student Council.

My name is Safal Sapkota. I was born in a beautiful and vibrant district known as Chitwan in a heavenly country like Nepal. I completed my schooling in Chitwan. During my school days, I was good at my studies. I always wanted to be the leader of a team, or a group of members but didn't get any opportunities during my school time. Now at university I have an opportunity to express my leadership so, I will like to use it at it's best. I have been through a lot of hurdles in my life. As a student, I have seen the tears of success and the broken heart of the failure. I think I would be one of the best way to raise the voice of the students; whose voice is never heard because of shyness of the student or failure of the concerned authority. If I get a chance, I will make a inclusive group of students and discuss with them about their experience as a student in CDU via real table talk or online seminars. I will make chunks of groups of students coming from different enthnicity, language and culture. It will help me to know specifically what problems are they facing on ground level and raise the voice as a whole. This will help the students of CDU to express their unheard voice and will be an opportunity to CDU to be it's best. Thanking you and hoping for the best study experience in CDU. 

I'm currently juggling a few roles at CDU - secretary of ITSA, Guest Instructor for the IoT Club, mentor, and Course Instructor. It's been quite a ride, and it's really opened my eyes to what our students need and how the university ticks. What really gets me fired up is making our learning experience at CDU better, especially when it comes to those soft skills that are so crucial these days. I've had a blast organizing tech talks and meetups, and it's amazing to see how these events bring students together, sparking new ideas and connections. If I get the chance to join CDUSC, I've got this idea brewing for a workshop series. I want to help bridge that gap between what we learn in class and what we'll face in the real world, you know? It's all about those skills that employers are after. Why am I throwing my hat in the ring? Well, I've seen firsthand how student leadership can really shake things up - in a good way! All these different hats I've worn have taught me how to get stuff done and make a real impact. I'm itching to use what I've learned from training and guiding others to really push for what students need. I want to be that voice that makes sure we're heard loud and clear at the top levels of the university. It's not just about talking the talk - I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and make things happen for us students at CDU.

As a student deeply passionate about personal and professional growth, I firmly believe that when students are given the right opportunities, they become empowered and resilient. My vision for CDU is to create a space where students feel encouraged to voice their ideas, take risks, and learn through experiences, even mistakes. University is the ideal environment for personal development, with the support of a connected community that helps students grow.  As the Vice President of the CDU IoT Club, I’ve seen how eager students are to grow professionally but often struggle with limited support. I believe students need guidance from both faculty and peers who have recently faced similar challenges. This is why I advocate for establishing a student growth group where individuals can come together weekly—regardless of their goals, whether academic, physical, or mental health—and hold each other accountable. This initiative would foster a sense of belonging and support within our already close-knit community.  Additionally, I aim to collaborate with all student groups to organize programs that enhance professional portfolios while encouraging cross-group collaboration. With my leadership experience, I am committed to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard, and that programs are effective, time-efficient, and resource-friendly. My goal is to create a connected, empowered, and supportive student community at CDU.

I am excited to announce my nomination for the CDU Student Council. My inspiration to apply for this role stems from a deep desire to contribute to the enhancement of the student experience, especially for those like myself, whose courses are primarily based on external modes of study. While this limits my ability to be present on campus, it also provides me with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by remote learners.  My primary goal is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for both on-campus and external students. I plan to work on initiatives that promote mental health awareness, academic support, and stronger engagement for remote learners through improved online resources and virtual events. Additionally, I would advocate for better communication channels between external students and university administration, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.  Despite the physical distance, I am confident that my leadership skills and passion for community building will enable me to serve effectively. By joining the Student Council, I aim to bridge the gap between external and on-campus students, ensuring CDU remains a place where everyone feels connected and supported.  I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to positive change and make a difference for all CDU students.

As an international student at CDU, I want to ensure that every undergraduate student's voice is heard in all matters. Having personally faced the challenges in Darwin, I understand that public transport and safety concerns, such as robbery, are critical issues that must be addressed to make our campus and community safer. Additionally, with stricter student visa regulations since 2023, the number of international students is declining, and many struggle to secure their first jobs, leading to mental fatigue and, in some cases, relocation to other states. The university can play a vital role in helping students find employment opportunities and easing their transition into the workplace