UQ Wellbeing Student Representatives

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About Me

Hey there, awesome people! This is Kusumitha, coming to you from the vibrant city of Bengaluru, India! I'm a second-year PhD student in plant epigenetics, and let me tell you, it's been an absolute thrill ride so far! Not only do I speak English, but I'm also fluent in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada - talk about a linguistic powerhouse!

I'm stoked to be a part of this incredible Advisory group, where I get to engage in real, meaningful conversations to improve the mental health and well-being of students at UQ. I'm passionate about being an advocate for student voices, and this group has provided me with an amazing platform to express my views openly and make a difference. 

In the past, I've volunteered with several advisory groups and support programs at UQ, which has really honed my social skills to a fine edge. But when I'm not busy being a social butterfly, you can find me indulging in my love for movies and diving deep into the fascinating world of scientific knowledge.

My research is focused on bettering our understanding of the Sorghum endosperm, and extending that knowledge to develop improved varieties. The ultimate goal? Improving food security for the world through a gluten-free powerhouse like Sorghum! It's a mission that gets me fired up every single day.

So, if you're ever in need of a friendly ear, a problem-solving partner, or someone to represent your thoughts at the Advisory group table, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm always ready to lend a hand and make a positive impact. Let's do this, team!
 

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About Me

Growing up in Singapore, a country that celebrates multiculturalism, I was exposed to a diverse range of languages, cultures, and traditions. This exposure instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a desire to promote inclusivity. I started my academic journey at UQ in 2020. This was the year COVID-19 hit Australia, I experienced first-hand the unique challenges that Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students face when it comes to accessing healthcare services. The pandemic highlighted the existing health disparities faced by CALD communities, including language and cultural barriers, which can lead to a lack of understanding and fear of seeking help.

This experience led me to take a greater interest in the health and wellbeing of CALD students. As a student of Occupational Therapy and a representative of the School of the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, I have gained a better understanding of the physical, social, and psychological aspects of health and wellbeing. Additionally, my work as a tutor for ‘English as a Second Language’ and a support worker for people with disabilities has allowed me to gain practical experience in supporting individuals with different needs and those from diverse backgrounds.

As a UQ Wellbeing student representative, I am passionate about promoting mental health and sexual health-related issues. I believe that students from CALD backgrounds may face additional challenges when it comes to seeking help for these issues, including a lack of knowledge about the available services and cultural stigma. I am committed to raising awareness about these issues and the available support services. I am passionate about promoting inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by CALD students when it comes to their health and wellbeing. I am more than happy to have a chat with any student who may need support or direction towards the right resources.