Who am I?

Hey everyone, my name is Joel and I'm a current Pharmaceutical Science student here at Queen's. For the past 3 years I've had the privilege of working as your course rep, including chairing Student Voice meetings specifically for BSc students. As a result I've had the pleasure of working closely with our current School Rep Maria. This year I am also lucky enough to be a part of the School of Pharmacy Mental Health and Wellbeing Group, something which I believe in strongly. Further, I am also an Undergraduate Student Representative on Student Council and as such I am well versed in working on behalf of students to improve their university experience. Currently I am on 4 society committees (including the Pharmacy Society) as well as being the co-events officer for RAG and consequently I feel as though I have my finger on the pulse of the student experience and am more than capable of delivering on promises and producing quality work you can be proud of.

Why am I running to be your School Rep?

For 3 years I have seen the power that your voices and opinions have to create change within the SoP. But I also know that there is a mountain of work yet to be done and that you all deserve better. I believe myself to be the best woman for the job to help further amplify your views. I love working with lecturers and staff within the school and supporting students has become my greatest passion at university (besides choral singing).

What are my Aims?

If elected, I intend to;

Strive for improved teaching practices - Some of our students are paying upwards of £20,000 a year and travelling halfway across the globe for the "privilege" of sitting in a massive lecture hall and having powerpoints slides read at them. This is unacceptable. I have had the honour of being able to liaise with many world-leading educators within queens. We are all in agreement that for truly effective and inspiring learning to occur students must be engaged in the classroom. Look around you in your next lecture and count how many people are just on their phones. Are we truly being engaged? Pedagogy within the School of Pharmacy must improve - whether that be via group learning, captivating students with questions or any other teaching method. Every student learns differently and this is something lecturers must hold in consideration. Furthermore, lecture recordings must always be made and uploaded to Canvas ASAP. There is no evidence to support that lecture recordings reduce attendance in class.

Work to make the School more sustainable - While sustainability may have become a buzzword in recent years its importance cannot be overstated. While the SoP may be more sustainable than some other schools that is not a high bar to clear and we must strive to be better. Whether that be simple things like ensuring lights and devices are switched off when not in use or more involved steps such as reducing wastage in practical classes.

Improve sense of community within SoP - Many students find it challenging to make friends within their course, which unfortuantely contributes to a sense of loneliness and isolation while they are away from home. I plan to host a wide range events for students and staff within the school to better engage with each other. From coffee mornings to board game nights and guest speakers I intend to make sure every student has the opportunity to make friends for life in a friendly environment.

Across all degree pathways within the school we are the next generation of healthcare leaders. Your voices and concerns deserve to be listened to and respected.

You give so much to your education, it's time your education gave something back.