We are here to ensure you have the best postgraduate experience at Victoria University of Wellington.
PGSA Executive for 2026
The PGSA is managed by an Executive of 7 elected volunteer members of the PGSA, including the President, four Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. There is also an ex-officio seat available for a representative of Ngai Tauira.
Andrew Tipton
President
Andrew is an Honours student in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
The President is the primary elected representative of the Association. They will lead the Association in fulfilling its constitutional objects and will provide leadership of the Executive.
Sarah Douglas
Vice President (Connections)
Sarah is currently a PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the Ferrier Research Institute, investigating fungal enzymes in indole diterpene biosynthesis. In her spare time she works as a tutor with the School of Biological Sciences and takes dance classes. With experience volunteering as a student representative in undergrad, she is hoping to bring her expertise and passion to building a vibrant and active postgraduate community, both in person and online.
The Vice President (Connections) is responsible for all activities that contribute towards fulfilling the PGSA’s objective to facilitate communication between and amongst postgraduates, staff, and the University.
Esther Ahronheim
Vice President (Community)
Hi, I’m Esther Ahronheim, the new PGSA VP Community, which means I'll be leading PGSA’s events committee. I'm in the final term of my Master of Renewable Energy and I love drinking coffee, reading sci-fi and fantasy, bicycling, gardening, and competitive pinball playing (I'll be one of the 2 people representing Aotearoa New Zealand at the Pinball World Championships this year!)
The Vice President (Community) is responsible for all activities that contribute towards fulfilling the PGSA’s objective to promote and develop the postgraduate community at the University.
Midhuna Sobhana Joy
Vice President (Representation)
Midhuna Sobhana Joy is a PhD candidate at the Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, working in ultrafast laser spectroscopy and the photophysics of functional molecular systems. Her research focuses on excited-state dynamics, including ESIPT and charge transfer, using advanced spectroscopic techniques.
She is interested in student representation and community building, aiming to strengthen communication between postgraduate students and the University. Through her role, she works to ensure student concerns are heard and addressed, contributing to a more connected postgraduate community.
The Vice President (Representation) is responsible for all activities that contribute towards fulfulling the PGSA’s objective to ensure that postgraduates are represented at the relevant University boards and committees.
Mengqi Zhang
Vice President (Academic and Research)
The Vice President (Academic and Research) is responsible for all activities that contribute towards fulfilling the PGSA’s objective to advocate for and support the postgraduate community so that they can thrive in their studies and their research.
Shivani Sharma
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing all financial dealings of the Association.
[to be appointed]
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for the efficient administration of the Association, and is also responsible for maintaining an accurate membership register and for answering members’ questions about the running of the Association.