Duncan Lowther
My name is Duncan Lowther, and I am a PhD student in the School of Computing Science standing for the post of PGR Convenor for the Colleges of MVLS and Science and Engineering with a view to ensuring that the views and concerns of PGRs across the University are heard and addressed.
PGRs are in a unique position: on paper we are considered students, but our working arrangements and the challenges we face are far more similar to those of research staff. Due to this we are often overlooked, despite the fact that we are absolutely essential to the functioning of the University and the Higher Education sector as a whole. The continued vacancies in the SRC PGR Convenor seats have not helped matters.
As an officer of UCU Glasgow, the trade union for academic and research staff, I have experience fighting for the needs of staff, including GTAs. If elected PGR Convenor, I will coordinate efforts between the UCU and the SRC to ensure that all PGRs are treated fairly, in particular with respect to workload, stress, and mental health considerations.
Kieran Roberts
Hi all. My name is Kieran and I'm a PhD student in the Optics group. I was a course rep during my undergrad and Masters and now at Glasgow. Originally it was the classic shtick of CV boosting, but I learned quickly that being a representative puts you in a unique position. You're not a PI or postdoc, you’re another student going through similar experiences.
Being a representative allows you to listen to your colleagues' concerns on an even keel, then do something about them. The most important thing I learned was that sometimes people need someone to turn to who's in the same situation as them, who will look out for them, not the institution.
I won't promise the world, but if you have an issue, I will treat it seriously and confidentially, be it minor or gargantuan. I will document your concerns, see if the issue is affecting other PGR students, gather information, find who can make an impact, then fight on your behalf, hounding people until there are results. I will raise hell if there's the slightest possibility it could make a difference and I believe the best way to do this is as your PGR Convener.