Your goals, my drive, let’s win this together!
Hello, fellow students!
I’m Dr. Devraj Bikash Das, and I’m running for the role of Student Officer for Postgraduate Education. I’ve had the privilege of studying and working in three different countries; Ukraine, India, and now the UK. I understand what it feels like to be far from home, to face cultural gaps, and to deal with the pressures of postgraduate life.
As a medical doctor now studying for my Master of Public Health (MPH) at Queen’s, I am passionate about making our postgraduate experience as enriching, inclusive, and supportive as possible. I want to ensure that every one of us feels heard, valued, and equipped to succeed.
My Vision: I believe postgraduate students deserve more than just academic success. We deserve to feel at home, supported in our well-being, and empowered to achieve our personal and professional goals. If elected, I’ll work hard to build a postgraduate community that is inclusive, connected, and strong.
What I’ll Focus On:
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Cultural Inclusivity and Support: Having studied and worked in different countries, I know how tough it can be to adjust to a new culture and environment. I want to make sure that international students feel welcomed and supported from day one. I’ll advocate for stronger integration programs, cultural events, and a network where we can connect and share our experiences.
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Mental health and well-being: The demands of postgraduate life can sometimes be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel isolated. I’m committed to improving access to mental health support, peer networks, and workshops that help manage stress. No student should feel like they’re going through it alone.
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Academic and Career Development: We’re not just here to study; we’re here to prepare for the future. I want to make sure there are more opportunities for professional development, whether that’s through career workshops, networking events, or collaborations across disciplines. Your success doesn’t stop at the classroom, and neither will I.
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Financial Support: Financial concerns can weigh heavily on postgraduate students, especially those studying abroad. I’ll work to ensure you have access to funding, scholarships, and financial advice to help make your academic journey a little easier.
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Extracurricular Activities and Community Building: Our time at university is more than just lectures and exams. As a member of the QUB Pool/Snooker Club, I know how important extracurricular activities are for stress relief, building connections, and finding a sense of community. I’ll support efforts to encourage more postgraduate students to get involved in clubs and events that help us feel part of something bigger than just our studies.
Why Me? I’m someone who’s lived through the challenges of studying in different countries and balancing the demands of academic and personal life. I genuinely care about improving the postgraduate experience for everyone. I want to help create a space where all postgraduate students whether from the UK or abroad feel they belong and have the support they need to thrive.
Let’s work together to make our time at Queen’s something truly special.