Physics & Astronomy Building. Norlon Builders.
As the Science Students' Council SSC elections come to an end, students have had the opportunity to select leaders who will advocate for their interests and shape the future of the faculty. With platforms addressing student advocacy, academic concerns, and community engagement, this year’s election presents an exciting slate of candidates eager to shape the future of the faculty. The Current reached out to the two presidential candidates and eight councillor hopefuls to learn more about their vision, priorities, and what sets them apart.
Presidential Candidates
The role of SSC President carries significant responsibility, overseeing council operations and serving as the primary voice for science students. To provide insight beyond campaign slogans, we introduce each candidate and highlight their goals, priorities, and responses to key election questions.
Rishika Bhogadi (@rishika4scipres)
Image courtesy of @rishika4scipres on Instagram
For Rishika Bhogadi, the Science Students’ Council has been an integral part of her university experience, shaping her growth as a student and a leader. Now, as a presidential candidate, she hopes to ensure that future council members have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. One of her key priorities is improving the transition process for new council members, an area she believes has long been overlooked.
“Each year, new executives and representatives step into their roles with enthusiasm, but without the necessary guidance to maximize their impact from day one,” she explains. “Institutional knowledge is often lost between terms, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.” To address this, she proposes establishing a mentorship program within SSC, where incoming council members would be paired with experienced mentors to foster continuity and collaboration.
Beyond internal council operations, Rishika is also focused on ensuring that student advocacy is both effective and transparent. She recognizes that while large-scale policy changes take time, students need to see immediate improvements in their academic and extracurricular experience. She points to initiatives like the Tri-Sci Wellness Fair, which she helped organize, as an example of striking this balance. It wasn’t just about hosting an event — it was about creating a space where students could access tangible wellness resources while also fostering discussions about long-term mental health support in science.
Her experience working with faculty deans, student organizations, and council portfolios has taught her how to navigate institutional challenges while keeping student needs at the forefront. “Collaboration isn’t just about working together, it’s about fostering a leadership culture where others feel empowered to take initiative,” she says. As president, she aims to create a stronger sense of unity within the council, ensuring cross-portfolio initiatives are happening and that all members feel supported in their roles.
Briana Francisc (@bri4ssc)
Image courtesy of @bri4ssc on Instagram
Briana Francisc sees the Science Students’ Council as the foundation of the faculty — a platform for advocacy, change, and student empowerment. Her campaign centers on meaningful improvements, from celebrating student achievements to strengthening the faculty’s presence on campus. However, one of her biggest priorities is fostering a stronger sense of community within the council itself.
Briana explains that there’s a lack of togetherness among council members, and that’s something she wants to change. She believes that a connected council leads to better collaboration and motivation, which in turn translates to more effective advocacy for students. To achieve this, Briana plans to implement more social initiatives within the council, such as team-building events and regular council dinners, to strengthen relationships and create a more cohesive environment.
When it comes to balancing long-term goals with students’ immediate needs, Briana emphasizes the importance of delegation and structured accountability. She envisions a system where different portfolios take on specific tasks, with regular check-ins to ensure progress. “It’s important to stay balanced with our goals and accomplishments,” she says, adding that she hopes to introduce a rewards system to recognize and motivate council members.
Francisc’s leadership experience extends beyond SSC — she has previously served as President of her high school’s student government and is currently Co-President of EMPOWER. These experiences, she says, have given her insight into what makes a council successful. “I have learned the rights and wrongs of being in a position of leadership. Collaboration with the council members and uplifting their actions will allow council to be cohesive and effective.” With a focus on building a stronger, more engaged council, Briana hopes to lead SSC toward a more connected and impactful future.
Councillor Candidates
The role of SSC councillors is often less publicized but equally important. These representatives act as a bridge between students and the council, voicing concerns and contributing to committee work. We asked councillor candidates two questions to understand their priorities and strengths.
Parsa Sadeghian (@parsa_4_sci)
Image courtesy of @parsa_4_sci on Instagram
Parsa, a returning candidate, brings prior USC experience to the table. He hopes to use his knowledge of student governance to advocate for better services, ensuring that science students receive the support they need to thrive.
Candidate Responses:
What do you think is the biggest issue science students face right now, and how will you address it?
“I think that a major issue that Science students face at the moment is a lack of campus comforts, such as study spaces and 24/7 building access. I know Science students study a lot, but sometimes it feels like campus isn’t doing the best job at supporting that studying. Most of the USC presidential candidates have campaigned on adding/improving study spaces and/or building access for Science students, and so as councillor, I will ensure that the USC president is making an active effort towards these campaign promises, and work with them to hopefully see these changes come to fruition.”
What unique skills or experiences do you bring that will strengthen the council?
“Having been on the SSC and USC for the past year, I have a great deal of experience in the inner workings of council, and I am well aware of the ways in which both councils are able to create positive change for Science students. I am also very aware of both councils’ jurisdictions, and will work towards realistic and attainable goals for the next year. Additionally, as a faculty soph, I have significant experience working with my fellow Science students as a team in the pursuit of a common goal, and I hope to further translate that experience into my work as councillor.”
Sarwa Khan (@sarwa4sci)
Image courtesy of @sarwa4sci on Instagram
Sarwa believes in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for science students. She plans to introduce more academic resources such as science workshops, research guides, and networking events to enhance student success and engagement.
Candidate Responses:
What do you think is the biggest issue science students face right now, and how will you address it?
“I think that one of the biggest issues that science students face is balancing academic commitments with their own wellbeing. As councillor, I want to focus on:
i) Making it easier for students to reach their full potential by pushing for more interactive resources like workshops, increasing opportunities for networking with Western Science alumni and compiling a PDF guide on how to get involved in research during undergrad. These initiatives aim to reduce academic stress and make it easier for students to reach their academic goals!
ii) Enhancing awareness of mental health resources that are available to students. Did you know that Western offers same day appointments and mental health counselling to students, free of charge? I want to make sure that all science students are aware of the support available to them. I also want to foster a safe, supportive environment for students where they feel comfortable reaching out for help during challenging times.”
What unique skills or experiences do you bring that will strengthen the council?
“This year, I joined the Let’s Talk Science Coordinator team, which has given me the chance to connect with a wide range of science students and learn about their academic and extracurricular experiences. I’ve also been involved in the MSA Orphan Sponsorship team. Through this experience, I’ve learned the power of good listening skills and effective teamwork. As an MSA Mentor, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to connect with a first year student in my program and support them through their transition into university. My roles as a Charity Committee Member and Commissioner have strengthened organization skills and given me the ability to turn visions into reality. As a London Bridges Outreach Director, I was able to advocate for important causes, and during my training as a Health Buddy Volunteer, I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.”
Paleesa Kapoor (@paleesa_4sci)
Image courtesy of @paleesa_4sci on Instagram
Paleesa is dedicated to student participation and advocacy, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard. She emphasizes environmental sustainability, increased academic opportunities, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes to better serve all students in the science faculty.
Candidate Responses:
What do you think is the biggest issue science students face right now, and how will you address it?
“The biggest issue science students face is the lack of a strong sense of community. I’ve felt it myself, science can feel isolating, but connecting with others made a huge difference. As a councillor, I’ll create more opportunities for students to engage, whether through social events, collaborative spaces, or casual meetups. Science should feel like more than just academics, it should feel like a community!”
What unique skills or experiences do you bring that will strengthen the council?
“Through my roles as USC’s Gender Equity & Health Promotions Advocacy Commissioner and Director of Mentorship for Women in Science, I’ve seen how meaningful connections can empower students. Leading US-She Day, roundtables, and podcasts taught me how to amplify student voices, while my work with SSC’s Environmental Committee and the Western Sustainability Leaders Program strengthened my skills in teamwork and advocacy.
I’m passionate about making science more inclusive and connected. I’d love the opportunity to help shape a stronger, more supportive student community!”
We did not receive responses from Aarya Jani, Matthew Lim, Briana Mircea, Edward Yang, or Sarmad Siddiqui. To learn more about the candidates, visit: https://westernusc.ca/get-involved/usc-elections/voters/
Get Ready to Vote!
The candidates have spoken — now it’s time for science students (YOU!) to make your voices heard. Take the time to review each platform, consider how their goals align with your vision for the faculty, and cast your vote in the election by 8 P.M. tonight. Stay tuned for the results!