AGS Candidates
Declared Candidates will show in random order up by office.
AGS Constitution
_ No, I do not approve of the proposed AGS Constitution.
_ Abstain (I do not wish to vote on this item but register my presence for purposes of establishing the voting pool)
Graduate Student Referendums
There are two referendums on the ballot this year that graduate students can vote on. Please visit the Referendum page to view them.
AGS President
Peter Liu
liup10@uci.edu
I am running for President of UC Irvine’s Associated Graduate Students (AGS) because I find the advocacy and support that AGS provides to graduate students a valuable resource. Over the past year, I have served as the Vice President of Administrative Affairs, having become familiar with what it takes to run the organization during a turbulent time for higher education and academic research in the United States. The experience emphasized to me the value of this organization, the good it does to support graduate students, and the challenges that graduate students will continue to face.
As a PhD student in the School of Education, I am familiar with the difficulties graduate students experience in trying to maintain work-life balance while juggling academic responsibilities and financial pressures. Organizations like AGS help with these difficulties by providing funding, advocating for graduate students directly with administrators, and providing social opportunities for graduate students to relax and feel connected with their peers. I want to continue the mission in a time where research funding concerns and mounting pressure against institutions of education are adding much more strain to graduate student roles.
Graduate student voices should be heard. I am a supporter of graduate student unions and workers’ rights. Their work, which is foundational to many advancements in academia, must be respected. This means, equally, that their health and well-being must be an utmost concern. Elected or not, wherever I find myself, I want to see my peers maintain peace in their lives, find joys in their experiences, and make their way closer to their dreams.
Arts
Biological Sciences
Education
Peter Liu
liup10@uci.edu
I am a second year PhD student in the School of Education and have supported my fellow education graduate students as a representative in AGS and, more often, as a peer and friend. Education itself has been a hot topic intersecting with many modern changes to policy and new advancements in technology. I personally conduct research from the technology side of this discourse, and from this perspective I see a lot of struggle in maintaining our roles without becoming overwhelmed by changes, adaptations, and newly proposed ways of approaching education. What education will look like in the future continues to change, and I want to continue to ensure that graduate student voices are part of the conversation that builds that future.
Engineering
Medi Zakizadeh
mzakizad@uci.edu
Azara Boschee
aboschee@uci.edu
Hi! I am Azara, and I am a current second year Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and I have been an AGS representative for engineering since January 2025, and I am the current co-Vice President of Social Affairs for AGS. As engineers, we face unique challenges as students and researchers, and I am passionate about making sure that we will have a voice in AGS. I am committed to representing our voices, and that is why I am running to continue my time as an engineering representative in AGS.
Lanie Le
laniel@uci.edu
As a council member of AGS for the Samueli School of Engineering, my main goals would include improving equitable access to sustainable transportation, increasing funding opportunities for conference travel, and fostering multidisciplinary research collaboration across departments. I would advocate for expanded access to OCTA buses and Metrolink, extending discounts and coverage for trains, buses, and shuttles. Additionally, I would work to connect with key conferences to secure financial support for those most frequently attended by our students, and expand funding opportunities for collaborative research, showcasing UCI’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary work in STEM. A key initiative would include creating a comprehensive and organized platform that allows students across labs to gain awareness of and potentially access cutting-edge equipment available in other STEM labs, thus enhancing the collaborative nature of our research facilities.
Information and Computer Sciences
Amy Parker
aiparker@uci.edu
Having a strong AGS means that all graduate students can get the support and resources they need – be they funding, social, or in dealing with UC administrators – to succeed in completing their programs and bringing forward world-changing research. I joined AGS during last year’s Special Election, carrying with me several years of organizing and governance experience, with the goal of fighting for international students, protecting research funding, expanding campus transit, and developing student-first financial policies. I have fought and continue to fight for these goals.
In my first meeting on the Council, I co-sponsored successful legislation to communicate to the student body their labor and immigration rights, helping avoid ambiguity in these trying times. To make AGS more democratic and increase graduate student engagement with AGS, I have worked to develop the Special Committee on Democracy, which will work to develop recommendations on how to improve our structure and connection with graduate students. I have also advocated to protect AGS’s democratic structure and autonomy during recent Constitution updates for compliance. Further, I am continuing to develop a new referendum which will expand Anteater Express service while ensuring proper democratic oversight of our student fees.
If you reelect me as ICS representative, I promise to continue this advocacy and do more to make life at UCI better for all of us. I intend to advocate for the California Science and Health Research Bond Act, which would provide $23 billion in state-provided research funding for STEM researchers like us, protecting our research amidst continuing federal cuts. I will also work to make myself available to all ICS students, helping navigate UCI’s complex procedures and departments amidst the stress of completing our programs.
Aaron Kirk
ajkirk@uci.edu
Thriving in grad school is more than research and classes; we need empathetic community, secure environments, and accessible support. Since starting the MS CS program, these have fueled my growth, and I’m motivated to ensure every ICS student has them too. I’ll advocate for vibrant community events and collaboration spaces; proactive safeguards and transparent communication on housing, funding, and visa/status; networking, mentorship, and wellness access; and above all, I’ll listen and represent the needs of the ICS graduate community.
Muskan Mehrotra
muskanm@uci.edu
My name is Muskan, and I am a Master’s student at UC Irvine. I’m excited to run for the Associated Graduate Students (AGS) Council because I strongly believe in building a graduate student community that is supportive, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of students.
Graduate school is an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with unique challenges—balancing academics, research, work, finances, and personal well-being. As someone who actively engages with different parts of campus life, I understand how important it is for graduate students to feel heard, supported, and connected.
If elected, I would focus on:
• Advocating for student well-being and resources – Supporting initiatives that improve graduate student quality of life, including housing support, campus safety, and access to essential services.
• Strengthening communication between students and campus leadership – Ensuring graduate student concerns and ideas are represented and addressed.
• Promoting community and collaboration – Encouraging more opportunities for graduate students to connect across departments through events, initiatives, and shared spaces.
• Supporting professional and academic growth – Promoting access to opportunities that help graduate students succeed during and after their time at UCI.
AGS has already accomplished meaningful initiatives—from free laundry in graduate housing to conference travel grants—and I would love the opportunity to contribute to these efforts and help expand them further.
I am committed to listening to fellow graduate students, representing your voices, and working collaboratively to improve the graduate student experience at UCI.
Thank you for your support!
Christine Head
cdhead@uci.edu
Hoping to make a better educational experience for grad students.
Humanities
Medical Academics
Harika Pulipelli
hpulipel@uci.edu
Hi everyone! I’m Harika Pulipelli, a fourth year PhD candidate in the School of Medicine. I’ve previously served on AGS as the School of Medicine representative during academic years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. As part of my AGS duties, I’ve been a member in the Internal committee, Social committee and on the ARC committee. I also served as the Disability Inclusion Chair and worked with the DSC during the 2024-2025 academic year. I’m also an international student and have been an advocate for the unique struggles international students face at UCI. In all these roles, I believe I have been a voice for graduate students in general but especially from the School of Medicine and would like to continue the same in order to improve graduate student experience at UCI.
Nursing Representative
Pharmaceutical Representative
Sally Pham
sallyp3@uci.edu
I would like to represent the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on AGS because I am passionate about ensuring that pharmacy students’ voices are heard and represented. Through my current role as an AGS member and as the Pharmacy Education Committee representative, I have had the opportunity to advocate for students and bring forward concerns that impact our academic and professional experiences. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to collaboration, communication, and meaningful advocacy. I hope to continue serving as a bridge between students and leadership, working to support initiatives that enhance student success and strengthen our school community.
Sarah Deming
demings@uci.edu
Hello! My name is Sarah Deming, and I am a first-generation college and pharmacy student running to represent the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on AGS through ASUCI.
I grew up in Anaheim at the Evergreen Hotel, where I witnessed many families facing low income, mental health challenges, and limited access to healthcare. Seeing these struggles firsthand shaped my commitment to advocating for underserved communities and pursuing a career in healthcare. These experiences motivated me to attend pharmacy school with the goal of serving vulnerable populations in a hospital setting.
Throughout my academic journey, I have actively worked to support and uplift others. I frequently volunteer at community wellness screenings where I take vital signs and help individuals learn more about their health. I believe education and awareness are powerful tools, especially for those who may not have access to reliable healthcare information. My goal is to help people better understand their health and connect them with the resources they need.
I have also advocated for many of my peers in college by raising awareness about food insecurity and improving access to medical resources. As a representative, I will continue to push for stronger medical and income outreach for students and communities who need it most.
If elected, I will work to ensure that the voices of students in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are heard while promoting initiatives that support health access, student well-being, and community outreach.
Thank you for your support. Zot Zot Zot!
Ethan Nguyen
eanguye3@uci.edu
My name is Ethan Nguyen, and I am a first-year pharmacy student here at UCI. I also completed my undergraduate studies at UCI as a Biological Sciences major. During that time, I really enjoyed being part of the UCI community and made lots of lifelong friends, had diverse experiences, and ultimately grew a lot both academically and individually. Because of those positive experiences, I decided to continue my education here at UCI’s School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Spending several years at UCI has also given me a strong familiarity with the campus, it’s resouces, the different systems that support students, and its culture. Running for AGS council is a way for me to give back to an institution that played such a large role in my development and taught me many valuable life skills. Since I will be continuing my time here for the next four years, I would love to be more involved in our campus as a whole and contribute to efforts that improve the graduate student experience.
Graduate school is demanding, but many aspects of student life outside the classroom can make a meaningful difference. Through AGS, I hope to represent my peers, listen to the concerns of students across different programs, and contribute to initiatives that help make UCI a more supportive and engaging environment for us graduate students.
Public Health
Juan Carlos Ruiz Malagon
jruizmal@uci.edu
Hello everyone,
My name is Juan Ruiz (JC), and I am a first-generation, low-income, and Latine graduate doctoral candidate in the Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health. I am pleased to run for one of the Public Health Representative roles for AGS for a third consecutive year. My passion for social justice and health justice has motivated me to pursue this position to vocalize the central issues of marginalized students within academic spaces. Over the last two consecutive years, I have served as the Vice President of Internal Affairs and as a representative in the council for three consecutive years, and have had the ability to advocate for justice and inclusion intentionally across different spaces, such as the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee as Chair. As Vice President of Internal Affairs, my responsibilities include:
- Chair the Internal Committee, which advocates on behalf of graduate students
- Represent graduate and professional student interests to all on-campus entities that affect students’ needs and rights, such as the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee
- With the President, serve as a primary advocate on issues of campus housing, health care, parking, mental health, and campus climate
- Coordinate programs related to Internal Affairs
My experience holding other leadership positions has enabled me to see the importance of representation within these spaces. I hope to be able to bring greater awareness to the challenges BIPOC, first-generation/low-income students, students with disabilities, student parents and families, and queer students face within academic spaces and find collaborative solutions to those issues. I hope to be able to expand the social justice work already engaged in by AGS through new forms of community collaborations with campus units.
Thank you so much for your consideration!
Physical Sciences
Izzie Catanzaro
icatanza@uci.edu
As your AGS School of Physical Sciences Representative, I would focus on 2 main goals in the upcoming school year.
- Student Safety – This includes advocating for safe living spaces for students; such as keeping the SoCal Gas hydrogen blending project away from densely populated areas and the new light at the MSTB bus stop.
- Student Accessibility – This includes working with Anteater Express to have a summer buss line and advocating for more inclusive restrooms (ADA and Gender Neutral) at the ARC.
If these are things that you agree with, please consider voting for me as your representative.
Social Ecology
Andrés Peñalosa Reyna
apreyna@uci.edu
I am proud to seek reelection as your Social Ecology Representative. This past year with AGS I served on the Social Committee and as a graduate representative on the Academic Senate.
Combined with three years of student government experience at San Diego State University, including service on a Student Diversity Committee, I bring a strong foundation in inclusion, equity, and representation to this role.
If reelected, I will continue to:
1) Amplify your voice in Academic Senate discussions and AGS decisions.
2) Advocate for resources and support tailored to the unique needs of Social Ecology graduate students.
3) Foster a more connected and inclusive community through meaningful programming and engagement.
I am not just running to hold a seat, I am running to use it. Thank you for your continued trust and support. I would be honored to serve you again.
Katie Lord
klord1@uci.edu
As a current council member and co-VP of Social, I’d love to continue serving on the AGS council in Spring 2026.
Allyson Muir
muira@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters!
My name is Allyson Muir (she/her) and I am a current first year in the Master of Public Policy Program. I currently serve as one of your Social Ecology Representatives. My self and co-representative Trevor Roth communicated AGS updates to folks in our graduate program and I hope with another year as representative, that I am able to broaden updates to the whole School of Social Ecology. I currently serve on the Social Committee where we create events for graduate students to socialize. I am also involved in an internal committee to evaluate AGS government structures and how to better engage and represent the graduate student body at UC Irvine. If re-elected, I will continue to bring a commitment to advocacy, transparency, and inclusion.
For this next academic year, my priorities include amplifying student voices, increasing transparency between graduate students and UCI administration, creating professional development and networking opportunities, and supporting student well-being through mental and physical wellness initiatives.
I’m committed to ensuring every Social Ecology graduate student feels represented, supported, and heard. I am so excited to bring my passion and commitment of student leadership to AGS and I would be honored to earn your vote for re-election! ZOT ZOT ZOT!!!
Christopher Ihinegbu
cihinegb@uci.edu
I am interested in running for a council position because I want to champion climate and decarbonization policies on UCI’s campus and promote students’ welfare.