Academic Student Representatives
As Academic Student Representatives (ASRs), we take part in University committees to share student perspectives and help shape decisions that impact learning and support services.
We work closely with staff to improve courses and academic policies, making sure the learning experience at 91²Ö¿â is engaging, supportive, and always evolving to meet student needs.
University Governance and Research Committees
|
Position |
Student Representative/s |
Bio |
| Student Member | Josh McKeiver | I am a PhD candidate in the School of Science, Engineering, and Digital Technologies, researching in mathematical physics, nonlinear physics and quantum mechanics. I enjoy advocating for the neurodivergent community, participating at 91²Ö¿â events when I can, and helping others succeed. I previously worked as an M/LWD engineer, operating and maintaining oil and gas drilling operations tools to gather real-time data while drilling. As the elected student member of Council, I am also a member of the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate. |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Undergraduate | Mia Hancock | Hi my name is Mia, I am an appointed member of the Academic Board in a student representative capacity. I am currently studying an undergraduate degree in Law. I have to say that my interests consist of studying (I love my area of study), reading leisurely, and everything outdoors! I also love being a part of the 91²Ö¿â, the community, opportunities, and people have all made and continue to make my study experience positive and inclusive. |
| Postgraduate | Pema Wangchuk |
Hello!, I am Pema Wangchuk, from Bhutan, currently studying a Master of Professional Engineering in Civil Engineering. As a postgraduate student representative, I am passionate about supporting students and helping create a friendly, inclusive, and positive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Being an international student has helped me understand the different challenges students can face while balancing studies, work, and personal life. This experience has encouraged me to be approachable, supportive, and committed to representing student voices in a meaningful way. I have a strong interest in structural engineering and sustainable infrastructure, and I also enjoy taking part in leadership and teamwork activities. Outside academics, I value connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and contributing to a strong and supportive university community |
| Higher Degree by Research | Brintha Karunarathna | I am Brintha, an international PhD student focusing my research on crop modelling. I enjoy building connections and strengthening a sense of belonging at 91²Ö¿â. I also contribute through my roles as a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee, Student Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee and the Student General Misconduct Committee at the 91²Ö¿â. |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Undergraduate | Taylar Mehaffey | Bio coming soon! |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| Postgraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Undergraduate | Taylar Mehaffey | Currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Arts, I am majoring in Archaeology, with a minor in International Relations, and have previously studied and obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. I'm really interested in Marine Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology, however I can also be found pottering around the garden at home. I have previous experience advocating for clients in different areas of law, often on a volunteer basis. I'm looking forward to putting these skills to use through the coming year. |
| Higher Degree by Research | Muhammad Umair | Bio coming soon! |
| Sana Bashir | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Higher Degree by Research | Peter Giess | Peter is a second year Master of Research student researching Student Representation in Higher Education, is a strong advocate for Student Voice in the university. Peter is the current Deputy Chair (Student) of the 91²Ö¿â's Student Guild. He and has been a student representative on the 91²Ö¿â Academic Board for the past three years and is currently a student representative on the Research Training Subcommittee and a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee he also is the post graduate representative to the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways, and a student representative to the Student Success and Retention Committee. Peter has also held positions in the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate and representative roles on the Education Committee, Learning and Teaching and Quality Committee. Peter completed a Bachelor of Business in 2024. He is a first in family, mature aged student and lives in the Lockyer Valley. You can find Peter on the Ipswich campus on a regular basis at the Student Guild breakfasts, he also leads the GRS weekly meet-up for HDR students. Before commencing his studies, Peter worked in the Financial Services (banking) sector, where he held business development roles and senior management positions. |
| AHM Farhad Palash |
AHM Farhad Palash is a PhD candidate at the 91²Ö¿â, focusing his research on Business Information Systems, building upon his background with a Master of Cybersecurity. Farhad is a passionate and active student advocate who strongly believes in the power of the student voice to shape a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive university experience. Having previously represented the university at the STARS conference to speak on student advocacy, he is dedicated to ensuring that HDR students are well-supported, heard, and empowered throughout their research journeys. |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Undergraduate |
Isla Airs | Bio coming soon! |
| Sienna Hutton | Bio coming soon! | |
| Postgraduate | Peter Giess |
Peter is a second year Master of Research student researching Student Representation in Higher Education, is a strong advocate for Student Voice in the university.
Peter is the current Deputy Chair (Student) of the 91²Ö¿â's Student Guild. He and has been a student representative on the 91²Ö¿â Academic Board for the past three years and is currently a student representative on the Research Training Subcommittee and a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee he also is the post graduate representative to the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways, and a student representative to the Student Success and Retention Committee. Peter has also held positions in the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate and representative roles on the Education Committee, Learning and Teaching and Quality Committee.
Peter completed a Bachelor of Business in 2024. He is a first in family, mature aged student and lives in the Lockyer Valley. You can find Peter on the Ipswich campus on a regular basis at the Student Guild breakfasts, he also leads the GRS weekly meet-up for HDR students.
Before commencing his studies, Peter worked in the Financial Services (banking) sector, where he held business development roles and senior management positions. |
| Brintha Karunarathna | I am Brintha, an international PhD student focusing my research on crop modelling. I enjoy building connections and strengthening a sense of belonging at 91²Ö¿â. I also contribute through my roles as a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee, Student Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee and the Student General Misconduct Committee at the 91²Ö¿â. |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Undergraduate | Glen Parkes | Bio coming soon! |
| Undergraduate Reserve | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Postgraduate | Brintha Karunarathna | I am Brintha, an international PhD student focusing my research on crop modelling. I enjoy building connections and strengthening a sense of belonging at 91²Ö¿â. I also contribute through my roles as a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee, Student Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee and the Student General Misconduct Committee at the 91²Ö¿â. |
| Postgraduate Reserve | Josh McKeiver | I am a PhD candidate in the School of Science, Engineering, and Digital Technologies, researching in mathematical physics, nonlinear physics and quantum mechanics. I enjoy advocating for the neurodivergent community, participating at 91²Ö¿â events when I can, and helping others succeed. I previously worked as an M/LWD engineer, operating and maintaining oil and gas drilling operations tools to gather real-time data while drilling. As the elected student member of Council, I am also a member of the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate. |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Online Student Representative | Catherine Jackson |
Catherine is a Toowoomba local working full time in the transport sector as a Strategic Account Manager (Mining). She is commencing the first year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Astronomy, as a mature age online student through the Toowoomba campus. Having previously balanced full time employment with part time external study, Catherine brings a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by online learners, particularly around engagement, connection, and retention. She is committed to representing student perspectives and contributing constructively to initiatives that support academic success and inclusive learning experiences. Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Catherine is a member of the Toowoomba Choral Society (Contemporary) and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and mountain biking. |
| On-Campus/Multi-Modal | Peter Giess |
Peter is a second year Master of Research student researching Student Representation in Higher Education, is a strong advocate for Student Voice in the university. Peter is the current Deputy Chair (Student) of the 91²Ö¿â's Student Guild. He and has been a student representative on the 91²Ö¿â Academic Board for the past three years and is currently a student representative on the Research Training Subcommittee and a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee he also is the post graduate representative to the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways, and a student representative to the Student Success and Retention Committee. Peter has also held positions in the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate and representative roles on the Education Committee, Learning and Teaching and Quality Committee. Peter completed a Bachelor of Business in 2024. He is a first in family, mature aged student and lives in the Lockyer Valley. You can find Peter on the Ipswich campus on a regular basis at the Student Guild breakfasts, he also leads the GRS weekly meet-up for HDR students. Before commencing his studies, Peter worked in the Financial Services (banking) sector, where he held business development roles and senior management positions. |
School-Specific Committees
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Pathways |
Patrick Chopping | Hi! My name is Patrick. I am a headstart student here at 91²Ö¿â and I represent all of the University's diverse and incredible pathway students. Despite my young age, I am studying law and criminal justice which I absolutely love. I am passionate about improving the life of students here at the University and am always happy to lend an ear. I promise that any issues brought to my attention will be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity. Have a great 2026 and I wish you the best of luck with your studies! |
| Undergraduate | Stephanie Maguire | I am currently a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student, studying English Literature. I plan to commence my PhD studies at 91²Ö¿â in 2027, with a specialty in Early Modern English Theatre history. As a member of the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways Learning and Teaching Committee, I hope to contribute to the overall student experience and ensure that all students receive the best education possible. The academic programs have had a profound impact on my interests, dreams and sense of self, and I hope that my contributions will inspire similar insights in others. After completing my studies, I aim to pursue a career in academia in research and teaching. I hope that one day, I can extend my joy of education to the next generation of students and help others the way that 91²Ö¿â’s academic cohort has helped me. |
| Postgraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Higher Degree by Research | Peter Giess | Peter is a second year Master of Research student researching Student Representation in Higher Education, is a strong advocate for Student Voice in the university. Peter is the current Deputy Chair (Student) of the 91²Ö¿â's Student Guild. He and has been a student representative on the 91²Ö¿â Academic Board for the past three years and is currently a student representative on the Research Training Subcommittee and a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee he also is the post graduate representative to the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways, and a student representative to the Student Success and Retention Committee. Peter has also held positions in the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate and representative roles on the Education Committee, Learning and Teaching and Quality Committee. Peter completed a Bachelor of Business in 2024. He is a first in family, mature aged student and lives in the Lockyer Valley. You can find Peter on the Ipswich campus on a regular basis at the Student Guild breakfasts, he also leads the GRS weekly meet-up for HDR students. Before commencing his studies, Peter worked in the Financial Services (banking) sector, where he held business development roles and senior management positions. |
| Position | Student Representative/s |
Bio |
| Learning and Teaching Student Success Committee - Creative Arts | Briar Wilder | Bio coming soon! |
| Learning and Teaching Student Success Committee - Education | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Research Committee - HDR (Either) |
Cathy Tame |
After 40 years as an educator working in Secondary Education and Vocational Educational Training and Higher Education sectors, I have retired. Now retired I feel I have the time to give back to education in other ways. My long-life journey of learning has led me to my final studies of a Doctor of Philosophy focusing on ethical understanding and responsible use of AI in early primary education. After 30 years of part-time, online and external studying, I am excited to return back to being an on-campus student. I enjoy the focus of study and the learning as well as camping and the outdoors, weightlifting and gardening. |
| Research Committee Honours - Creative Arts | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Engagement Committee - Creative Arts | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Engagement Committee - Education | Chloe Tookey | Bio coming soon! |
| Industry Advisory Group (Education) - Undergraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Industry Advisory Group (Education) - Postgraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Industry Advisory Group (Creative Arts) - Undergraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Industry Advisory Group (Creative Arts) - Postgraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s |
Bio |
| Paramedicine Program Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! | |
| TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| LTSS - BNSG | Stephanie Taylor | Hi, I am Stephanie Taylor, a third year Bachelor of Nursing student at the 91²Ö¿â with a strong interest in delivering patient-centred care, fostering a positive learning environment, and helping fellow students succeed throughout their studies. I am committed to representing student voices and contributing to ongoing improvements in nursing education and student support. |
| LTSS - Postgraduate | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
| LTSS - Midwifery | TBA | Bio coming soon! |
91²Ö¿â Student Guild
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Student Director | Peter Giess |
Peter is a second year Master of Research student researching Student Representation in Higher Education, is a strong advocate for Student Voice in the university. Peter is the current Deputy Chair (Student) of the 91²Ö¿â's Student Guild. He and has been a student representative on the 91²Ö¿â Academic Board for the past three years and is currently a student representative on the Research Training Subcommittee and a member of the Student Academic Appeals Committee he also is the post graduate representative to the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways, and a student representative to the Student Success and Retention Committee. Peter has also held positions in the 91²Ö¿â Student Senate and representative roles on the Education Committee, Learning and Teaching and Quality Committee. Peter completed a Bachelor of Business in 2024. He is a first in family, mature aged student and lives in the Lockyer Valley. You can find Peter on the Ipswich campus on a regular basis at the Student Guild breakfasts, he also leads the GRS weekly meet-up for HDR students. Before commencing his studies, Peter worked in the Financial Services (banking) sector, where he held business development roles and senior management positions. |
| David Petit |
I am a Ph.D. student in the Centre for Astrophysics at the 91²Ö¿â, conducting research on exoplanets and small satellites through Project Swift, in collaboration with the iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative. My research interests sit at the intersection of astronomy, applied instrumentation, and emerging space systems. Outside of academia, I enjoy spending time in nature, particularly camping, hiking, and bushcraft. I also have an interest in insight meditation and yogic practices. I have been a strong supporter of the Student Guild since arriving at 91²Ö¿â, and I am passionate about community engagement and equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of university life. This includes advocacy for, but not limited to, First Nations peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, international students, minority groups, and other, often-marginalised, groups. Since 2024, I have been the founder and schoolhead of Toowoomba Jujitsu Kai, Australia’s only martial arts dojo dedicated to teaching Danzan-ryÅ« jujitsu. In addition, I enjoy team sports here such as volleyball, badminton, and basketball. I look forward to contributing to the Student Guild Board and working with fellow representatives. |
|
| Hayley Shea | Hayley Shea is a full-time domestic student studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature and Creative Writing. She also works as a Student Experience Officer for the Student Guild, based at Springfield and Ipswich campuses. Within this role, she has facilitated various on-campus and online events which promote social wellbeing among students, including Free Breakfasts and Painting Crafternoons, as well as working the Orientation and Student Expo events. Her dream is to one day be a published children’s author. Her core values are kindness and integrity, and she lives with a glass-half-full mindset. | |
| Deepathi Handapangoda | Deepathi Handapangoda is a passionate and driven postgraduate student at the 91²Ö¿â, currently studying a Master of Information Systems with a focus on digital innovation and business analytics. With a strong academic background in computer systems and networking, he combines technical knowledge with growing expertise in project management, leadership, and digital transformation. Deepathi has gained industry experience through roles in IT support, infrastructure services, and project coordination, building a solid foundation in both technology and teamwork. Beyond academics and professional work, he is actively involved in student leadership and community engagement, proudly contributing as a student representative and ambassador. Known for his energetic personality, strong communication skills, and commitment to making a positive impact, Deepathi aims to build a meaningful career in technology, project leadership, and entrepreneurship. He is especially interested in innovation that creates practical solutions for people, businesses, and communities. | |
| Anisha Anwar | I am a Civil Engineering student at the 91²Ö¿â with a strong interest in leadership and creating meaningful impact within the student community. I am passionate about representing student voices, enhancing the overall student experience, and promoting an inclusive and supportive university environment. I am driven, adaptable and committed to contributing positively through my role on the Student Guild Board. |
Additional Committees
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| N/A | Gazzal Duggal | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| First Nations Student | Taylar Mehaffey |
Currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Arts, I am majoring in Archaeology, with a minor in International Relations, and have previously studied and obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. I'm really interested in Marine Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology, however I can also be found pottering around the garden at home. I have previous experience advocating for clients in different areas of law, often on a volunteer basis. I'm looking forward to putting these skills to use through the coming year. |
| First Nations Student | Seth Bishop | I am a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student, studying a double degree of Law and Arts. I am a Student Ambassador, an Engagement Coordinator in 91²Ö¿â's First Nations Unit, a student advocate at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, and a volunteer within our region's Indigenous community, so I know what issues and struggles First Nations students face, and what it takes to help us thrive. |
| First Nations Student – Observer/Proxy | Harry Haddad | Bio coming soon! |
| Position | Student Representative/s | Bio |
| Safety, Wellbeing and Harm Prevention Working Party |
Anna-Selina Young | Bio coming soon! |
Contact a Student Representative
Email | representation@unisq.edu.au
Contact a student representative |
Have a question? We're here to help.
Monday - Friday
9.00am - 4.00pm (AEST)
Student Central (R Block), Toowoomba
Atrium (B Block), Springfield
Library (H Block), Ipswich
Monday - Friday
9.00am - 4.00pm (AEST)
Phone: +61 7 4631 2285
Freecall: 1800 007 252
Monday - Friday
9.00am - 4.00pm (AEST)
Chat with us using the live chat bubble, available during business hours.