Meet the 2025-2026 PhD rep candidates
Diya Agrawal
Hello ChemEngers!
Have you enjoyed all the festive celebrations in our department, the day trip to Bath, and all other social mixers since last October? As your social events manager, I was behind hosting all of those. If you'd like to see more of it, and would like to take part in planning these events too, do vote for me!
Gabriela Bezati
Hello everyone,
I am Gabriela, a first year PhD student exploring the fun world of polymer membranes for electrolysers (yes, someone has to make plastics sound exciting)! When I am not in the lab...(I am in the library), but you'll probably find me testing new coffee spots around campus or pretending to be artsy. Doing a PhD can feel like you're in your own little bubble, but I believe that there is plenty of room for that bubble for others, and that's exactly what I'd like to help create: more space for communication, collaboration and community!
Cristiana Darie
Hi everyone, I’m Cristiana, a first-year PhD student running to be one half of the social events manager duo!
Surely a PhD is more than the cycle of researching and writing, or pursuing acclaim for our efforts in the form of publications and conference presentations, and even just chasing the end-goal itself - I'm willing to bet that a fulfilling PhD experience also lies in all the people we meet, the connections we forge and the memories we create! That's why in this role, together with the second social events manager, I hope to organise a number of events which consider our faculty's diverse range of interests, all the while learning more about the department and meeting the student body.
As the secretary of the Chemistry Society during my undergraduate studies here at Imperial, I have previous experience in all the meticulous planning that goes on behind the scenes having helped to deliver seasonal events such as the Christmas dinner, pancake day cook-off and summer party, as well as quiz/movie nights, careers fairs and academic seminars. As your social events manager I would be dedicated to:
- arranging as many opportunities as possible for both networking and chilled hang-outs alike
- introducing fortnightly Friday socials and putting on London excursions, mixers, cultural events and bar nights/quizzes, to name a few
- ensuring an approachable, friendly and united student voice in our department, so any event suggestions would be warmly welcomed
- promoting conversation and collaboration between students through our exciting events
A PhD doesn't have to be overwhelming, so if elected you can count on me to help our postgraduate community unwind from the stresses of academic life whilst making friendships along the way! :))
Chimnay Haritas
I enjoy connecting with my fellow PhDs and learning about your unique journeys. Being on this journey myself, I want to see some things happen in the department and I am sure you want too
- On the social front, I want to continue the fun events with increased frequency more mini-events through the year - both physical / sportsy events, mental / games-triviay events and such.
- On the wellbeing front, I want to increase the check-in from us the reps, and also keep a confidential anonymous channel open where you can express any views to the department.
- Also on the wellbeing front, I want to make the coffee machine in the DCR stay open through the full day Friday and on through the weekend - perhaps when we need it the most.
- We need a few more vending machines in the building!
Sophia Lee
Having been part of the Department of Chemical Engineering for the past five years, I have developed an understanding of our academic environment, research culture, and the professional challenges faced by the students. During my undergraduate studies, I served on the departmental Internal Relations Committee, where I helped to organise and promote career and networking events. In addition, as part of the pilot plant public engagement activities, I have multiple experiences with presenting and communicating with groups of industrial and political visitors from various sectors. These early experiences inspired my interest in student engagement and professional development, value I aim to continue as your PhD career events manager.
- I will organise a structured career-focused events tailored to chemical engineering PhD researchers, including industry networking sessions across energy, sustainability, process, pharmaceutical and other relevant sectors.
- I will organise professional development workshops on various skills including leadership and communication.
- I will reach out to different companies, research centres and professional organisations to promote engagement and opportunities.
If elected as your PhD representative, I will dedicate myself to enhancing the quality and inclusivity of career events within our department. By working collaboratively with other representatives, academic staff and external partners, I aim to ensure that every PhD student benefits from a positive, engaging and well-rounded experience throughout our doctoral journey.
Tzu-Yi Yang
Hi everyone! I’m a third-year PhD student running for your PhD Student Rep. I’d love to build a stronger community through networking events, social gatherings, and cultural exchanges that let us share who we are beyond the lab. Let’s turn our diverse backgrounds into real chemistry — the good kind! Vote for me, and together we’ll make our department more connected, collaborative, and full of good vibes.