Your Voice. Your Future. My Commitment to Change.
MANIFESTO
Karishma Krishnan
Candidate for Postgraduate Taught School Representative
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SMED)
Queen’s University Belfast
A Stronger Student Voice. Meaningful Representation. Real Impact.
As a medical doctor with an MBBS and MD in Pathology, clinical experience, and a current Master of Public Health student at Queen’s University Belfast, I bring a combination of healthcare expertise, analytical thinking, and a genuine commitment to improving the experiences of others.
My professional background has taught me the importance of evidence-based decisions, clear communication, accountability, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. I want to bring these values to student representation.
My vision is simple: every postgraduate student deserves to feel heard, supported, included, and empowered to succeed.
My Commitments
1. A Student Voice That Leads to Action
I will work to ensure that students’ concerns, suggestions, and experiences are represented clearly and constructively in discussions with the School. I want student feedback to contribute to meaningful conversations, practical solutions, and continuous improvement.
2. Academic Excellence and Fairness
I will advocate for clear communication around assessments, deadlines, academic expectations, feedback, and available learning resources. I will encourage constructive dialogue between students and the School to help identify barriers to academic success.
3. A More Inclusive Postgraduate Community
Postgraduate students bring diverse experiences, professional backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. I will champion an environment where every student feels respected and valued, regardless of nationality, background, or previous experience.
4. Stronger Support for International Students
Having experienced the transition to postgraduate study in the UK, I understand the importance of accessible information, clear guidance, and a welcoming academic community. I will encourage better signposting to university services, peer support opportunities, and resources that help international students navigate university life confidently.
5. Student Wellbeing and Belonging
Academic success should go hand in hand with wellbeing. I will support initiatives that encourage connection, reduce isolation, improve awareness of available support, and strengthen the sense of belonging within our postgraduate community.
6. Transparency, Accountability and Follow-Through
Representation must extend beyond raising concerns. I will strive to gather feedback regularly, communicate key issues through the appropriate channels, and share updates on progress wherever possible. I believe students deserve honest communication and a representative who takes their responsibilities seriously.
Why I Am Standing
My experience in medicine has taught me to listen carefully, assess problems objectively, and approach challenges with responsibility and compassion. My public health training further strengthens my interest in understanding people’s needs, addressing inequalities, and improving systems through collaboration and evidence.
I am standing because I believe student representation should be proactive, approachable, inclusive, and solution-focused.
If elected, I will bring professionalism, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility to the role. I will seek to represent the wider postgraduate taught community, respect differing perspectives, and work constructively with students, staff, and fellow representatives.
My Promise to You
I will listen with purpose, represent with integrity, and work towards meaningful progress.
Your concerns deserve to be heard. Your experiences deserve to matter. Your voice deserves representation.
Let’s make our postgraduate experience stronger — together.
Karishma Krishnan
Candidate for Postgraduate Taught School Representative | SMED
Queen’s University Belfast