As the new GSS executive council begins their time in office, they are excited to work together to enhance graduate student life academically and nonacademically. Collectively, this upcoming year’s executive council hopes to address the following priorities and projects in collaboration with the University of Vermont administration and the graduate student body:

  • Create communications infrastructure within programs, departments, and colleges so that graduate students can connect with each other, including with the senators who represent them
  • Reduce sexual violence and harassment
  • Increase graduate student compensation and benefits
  • Improve access to affordable childcare for graduate students
  • Improve access to affordable housing
  • Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect
    • Decolonize the institution
    • Bridge gaps between domestic and international students
    • Remove standardized testing barriers to graduate program admission
    • Promote equal employment opportunities for international graduate students for jobs on campus

Graduate Student Senate Executive Council (2022-2023)

GSS President
Justin MH Salisbury (he/him)
Program: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies doctoral program

Justin Salisbury was a member of the Graduate Student Senate for the 2021-2022 academic year, where he served as Chair of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Committee. Justin holds B.A. degrees in mathematics and economics from East Carolina University and an M.A. in Counseling and Guidance: Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind from Louisiana Tech University. He has worked as a design laboratory assistant, economic research fellow, therapist, legislative aide, and teacher.

GSS Vice President
Ijaz Ul Haq
Program: Computer Science doctoral program

Ijaz Ul Haq is a Ph.D. student at the Department of Computer Science at UVM. Ijaz holds a B.Sc. degree in Software Engineering and a master’s degree in Computer Science from Beijing Institute of Technology, BIT, China. He has worked as a game developer and designer, educational apps developer, database administrator, software engineer, lecturer, and research assistant within various industrial and academic positions. During his undergraduate and master's studies, he held leadership positions in both cultural and sports clubs as a secretary and coordinator of cultural events.

GSS Treasurer
Cara Simone
Program: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Ph.D. program

Cara Simone is a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership and Policy program in the College of Education and Social Services. She previously earned a master’s degree in English Literature from UVM. Within UVM, Cara works full time at the Larner College of Medicine in the Teaching Academy as an Evaluation and Research Specialist. She also serves as a member of the Antiracism Taskforce (MEAR) at the Larner College of Medicine. Cara’s research goal is to explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education.

GSS Secretary
Sandra Nnadi
Program: Plant Biology doctoral program

Sandra Nnadi is a Ph.D. student in the Plant Biology Department with advisor, Dr. Jeanne M. Harris. She is from Nigeria and has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry with focus on Molecular Biology. Sandra serves as a social media handler and member of the DEI committee for the Plant Biology Department. She has served as a Graduate Student Senator since 2019 and is passionate about adding value to people. She started the Graduate Student Parents Club in February 2022, enjoys painting with her 5-year-old son, cooking, and sewing.

GSS Communications Director
Erica Lamkin (she/her)
Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics master's program

Erica Lamkin has been a part of the UVM community since 2018. At UVM, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Genetics with minors in Microbiology and Emergency Medical Services. In 2021, Erica joined the Accelerated Master’s Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Through her work, she has studied cancer resistance to therapy, SARS-CoV-2, and dengue virus in Dr. Nimrat Chatterjee’s lab. Outside of the lab, she previously served as Director of Public Relations for her undergraduate residential hall council and has been involved in club leadership at UVM.