Meet the Student Trainers

Hi! My name is Rhianna and I use she/her pronouns. I am originally from Monaghan but I’m currently studying at MTU Cork with a BA in Theatre and Drama Studies and I am so excited to be a new NStEP trainer this year!

Since first year, I have been class representative which has helped me put into perspective how important student voices and representing those voices are. I’m also currently a student leader for MTU, and I felt that working with NStEP as a student trainer was the perfect next step for me in advocacy and reaching more students across the country!

I can’t wait to meet you all throughout the year and share my experiences with you, and to have a great year with NStEP!

Hi, I’m Leahrose! I’m from Donegal and I’m currently studying Business and Politics in Maynooth University. In first year I put myself forward as Class Rep for Business, and that experience really showed me how important student representation can be. It sparked something in me, and I knew it was something I wanted to stay involved in.

I’ve always been passionate about youth advocacy and education, so becoming a Student Trainer with NStEP felt like the perfect next step. I love getting stuck into things with energy and enthusiasm, and I’m really excited to play a part in supporting the next groups of class reps.

Outside of all that,  I love catching up with friends, going to the gym & going on nights out!  I can’t wait to meet some of you over the year, share ideas and work together to strengthen the  student voice across our colleges!

Hi everyone! I am Rumbidzai Gandiwa and I come from Zimbabwe. I am currently in the 3rd year of my PhD in Marketing and International Business at Munster Technological University in Cork. I am passionate about education and I am interested in working with educators and students alike to make the learning experience a better one for everyone.

I joined NStEP as a Student Quality Assurance Reviewer in 2023 and I have benefitted a lot from that role and this led me to decide to take up the Student Trainer position in order to get more involved in student issues and ensure that student leaders are equipped with the necessary skills to properly represent their peers’ interests.

In my free time I enjoy playing board games, visiting galleries and museums, and watching documentaries. I look forward to meeting this year’s student leaders and working with them to create a better and more inclusive learning environment in Ireland’s HEI’s.

Hi, my name is Polina, and I am from Latvia. I am currently studying Psychology at Dublin Business School, where I have just completed my second year and will soon be entering my third year. I am passionate about psychology, wellbeing, and supporting others, and my long-term goal is to become a counselling psychologist.

Alongside my studies, I have been an active member of college life and student representation. I have been involved in the Students’ Union, worked as a Peer Mentor, and later took on the role of Peer Mentor Officer. Next year, I will be taking on the role of Vice President for Education, where I hope to represent students, support their academic experience, and help strengthen the student voice within college decision-making.

I have also enjoyed helping out with our Psychology Society, supporting activities and contributing to a welcoming and engaging student community. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in student engagement, leadership, and creating supportive spaces where students feel heard and included.

I am really excited to continue learning, meeting new people, and contributing positively to student life and student engagement!

My name is Elle, and my pronouns are she/her. I have a Bachelors in Arts (Psychology and Anthropology double major) and going into my final year of Masters in Community and Youth Work at Maynooth University.

My key relevant experiences include Ambassador Roles with Movember and TooIntoYou by Women’s Aid, Maynooth’s Mental Health Senator, President of Maynooth Mental Health and Cancer Societies including being a Summer Camp Counselor in the UK. I have taken part as a Teaching Assistant for children with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and ADHD.

I was also recognized as an Outstanding Mental Health Activist 2024 by the Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ) for my contribution to mental health advocacy.

Outside of college, I love travelling and spending time with friends and my dog as well as reading thrillers and/or romance books! I am looking forward to meeting students and hearing their own experiences and opinions!

Hi, I’m Jeni Christina George, a Master’s student in Biomedical Engineering at University College Dublin. My academic and research interests focus on medical innovation, biomedical engineering, and using research and data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Alongside my studies, I serve as a Class Representative, where I work closely with students and faculty to foster communication and enhance the student experience. I am passionate about student partnership, inclusive education, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to positive change in higher education.

Beyond academics, dance is my creative outlet—a space where I express my thoughts and emotions, often inspired by people, places, and everyday moments. I am currently learning the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin and reading non-fiction books that broaden my understanding of the world. With a strong interest in human behaviour and psychology, I care deeply about promoting mental well-being through empathy, open conversations, and genuine connection. I’m really looking forward to connecting with all of you!

My name is Dristi, I’m from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India – a small city known for its coal mines and surprising greenery. I hold a degree in English and Education from Banaras Hindu University.

My professional journey began in the classroom, a space I am deeply passionate about. As a part-time Language Lab Instructor, I worked with undergraduate students to develop their English phonetics, communication, and presentation skills. I also completed a five-month internship at a semi-government school in India, where I taught children from underprivileged backgrounds. Building meaningful connections with my students and supporting their learning remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.

I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the University of Limerick, where I have continued doing what I enjoy most – connecting with people and getting involved. From being a class monitor and school prefect in India to serving as a Class Representative, BIPOC Representative, and member of the Postgraduate Students’ Union and Student Council at UL, I have always been passionate about making student voices count. I am also a proud recipient of the UL President’s Volunteer Award (Gold).

For me, NStEP represents something I genuinely believe in: students should have a voice in shaping their own educational experience. I am excited to contribute to creating spaces where everyone feels heard, included, and empowered, because today’s engaged students are tomorrow’s changemakers.

Hello folks! I’m Maimoona (pronounced may-moo-na), and I’ve just completed my MSc in Public Health at the University of Limerick (UL). My education has taken me across three continents: from a Bachelor of Dentistry at the University of Health Sciences in Pakistan, to a Master’s at UL in Ireland, and even time as a visiting scholar at the University of Arizona in the United States. Experiencing these diverse systems has truly sparked my passion for improving the student experience.

I’ve been actively involved in equality, diversity, and inclusion representation in the School of Medicine at UL, and I’ve served as a Class Rep throughout both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Through NStEP trainings, I’ve polished my leadership skills and was recognized with the Advanced Academic Representation Student Engagement Award. These experiences motivated me to step into this new role as a student trainer, and I am really excited to connect with future leaders this year!

Beyond academics, poetry is my creative outlet, a space for expressing thoughts and emotions, often inspired by people, places, and everyday reflections. I also enjoy photography, and together, these creative outlets help me slow down, capture little moments, and stay inspired. With a strong interest in human behaviours and psychology, I’m passionate about supporting mental well-being through empathy, open conversations, and genuine connection. 
I am really looking forward to connecting with all of you!

Hi, I’m Shelley Ann (she/her)! 

I’m currently completing my second Master’s degree in Creative Technologies & Applied Social Science at TUS while working as a Network Engineer with LCCC. My previous experience working in education has been as the inaugural Deputy President of Postgraduate Affairs in TUSSU, a tutor and an inaugural member of TUS’s Governing Body. I’m passionate about technology, music, and student engagement, with experience in student representation, event management, and the live music industry.

I look forward to meeting everyone and making this a fantastic year together!

Hi, I’m Ihor! I’m based in Waterford, and I’m about to begin my Master of Business (Management Stream) at SETU, having completed my bachelor’s degree in Software Development also at SETU. I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned so far into this new role as a Student Trainer with NStEP.

Throughout my time at SETU, I’ve been deeply involved in student representation and community life. I’ve served on the SETUSU Executive Class Representative Council for four years, worked as a Senior Peer Mentor for over three years, and previously took on the role of NStEP Student QA Reviewer. I’m also the founder and former president of the Ukrainian Society at SETU, and proud to have been the first Ukrainian Student Ambassador in Ireland. Alongside this, I’ve served as Chairperson of the Equestrian Club and Vice President of the Eastern European Society.

Outside of college, I enjoy sailing, equestrianism, and golf. I’m really looking to get started!

Hi I’m Dhanushi and I’m a PhD researcher in Business at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), where my research explores sustainability learning in agri-food supply chains.

Alongside my research, I’m an active student quality assurance reviewer with NStEP, contributing to programme validation, student engagement, and enhancing the learner experience across Irish higher education. I’ve represented students at national and international levels through initiatives including the EU Green Alliance and have a professional background in sustainability, strategy, finance and project management.

I’m passionate about student partnership, inclusive education, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to shape higher education.

Hello, I’m Michaela! I graduated from Maynooth University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business and Accounting in 2022. In 2024, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing Practice in SETU. This year, I am starting my Masters of Business Internationalisation in SETU.

I am passionate about student issues; I believe students are experts on their own college experience and therefore are in the best position to suggest recommendations on how to improve situations. Becoming an Academic Representative was one of the best things I did while in first year! I admire those who put themselves forward for these positions, as it is not an easy thing to do but very rewarding. I am very excited to listen to your experiences so far.

I feel very privileged to be able to train new and continuing students, student representation and empowerment is something I really enjoy and makes for a much nicer learning experience.  

Volunteering, and getting involved with student life, through clubs and societies is very important to me. There is more to being a student than attending lectures, I want to encourage others to participate in voluntary activities, as you can gain so much valuable experience from it.  

In my free time, I love reading, yoga, watching Netflix and going for walks with my dog!

Hello! I’m Rani, I am a second-year student currently pursuing a BSc. (Hons) in Computing with Games Development at Munster Technological University in Kerry. My journey in higher education has been deeply influenced by my passion for student engagement and the belief that student voices are crucial in shaping a better academic experience for everyone.

In my second semester, I stepped into the role of Student Engagement Associate, where I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for greater student involvement and representation. This role has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to contribute to initiatives that aim to improve the quality of education through active student participation.

Motivated by these experiences, I joined NStEP as a Student Trainer, a role I’m excited to embark on for the first time this year. I feel privileged to have the chance to train and empower both new and continuing students, fostering a culture of representation and empowerment that enhances the overall learning experience.

Beyond my academic and engagement work, I’m passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. I also have a creative side that I express through drawing, and I love staying active through various sports, whether indoors or outdoors. Nature walks are a favourite way for me to unwind, and I have a strong sense of adventure that drives me to travel and seek out new experiences whenever possible.

As I continue my journey at MTU, I’m eager to keep exploring new ways to contribute to the student community, grow both personally and professionally, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Hi I’m Diana and I’m a graduate of Psychology in Dublin Business School, currently studying in the University of Limerick.

As a former Student Associate of the National Forum, a Public Face for the student listening service NiteLine, a past Vice President for Education in my university’s Students Union, a head girl, a peer mentor and a Class Rep, it is an honour for me to be a part of the team of Student Trainers of NStEP. Having grown up in three different countries (Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Ireland) and attended various schools respectively, my experiences are what have fuelled my goal in striving to be an advocate for all students, no matter their background, nor their experience and as such, institutions and teachers too.

It is my strong belief that student contribution through student representation (whether on a peer to peer level, an institution level, or national and international level) is vital to the academic experience. I have personally benefitted from the work of NStEP through being formally trained as a Class Rep and so I am grateful to be able to be pay this forward to future student advocates who will prove vital in student representation. I look forward to imparting what I have learnt from my journey in student advocation onto the new wave of students and learn from them in return!

A bit more about me: I’m a lover of art, poetry and dance, and a self proclaimed foodie! On rainy days you can find my watching reruns of criminal psychology shows and maybe, just maybe, napping!