Graduate School Government | 2026-2027 Candidates

Rakan Alrashdan (President)

(running with Omar Smair)

As a proud University of Akron alum, I am excited for the opportunity to continue giving back to the campus community through Graduate Student Government. I am running for GSG President to advocate for graduate student needs, strengthen engagement across programs, and help create a more supportive and inclusive experience for all students. I am committed to listening, leading with purpose, and representing the voices of the graduate student body.

 

Omar Smair (Vice President)

(running with Rakan Alrashdan)

 

Adara Turek (President)

My name is Adara Turek, and I am a third-year student in the Adult Development and Aging Psychology M.A./Ph.D. program. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Graduate Student Government (GSG), where I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with fellow graduate students and advocate for their needs. I am running for President because I want to continue strengthening our graduate community by creating more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support. I am also committed to making sure that graduate students across campus, both within and outside of GSG, have meaningful opportunities to share their concerns and be heard.

 

Julia Brooks (Vice-President)

I am a third-year student in the Adult Development and Aging Psychology doctoral program. As Vice President, I hope to create more opportunities for graduate students to meet, collaborate, and support one another beyond their individual programs. Graduate school can often feel isolating, and I want to help build spaces where students can share resources, ideas, and experiences. By fostering stronger communication and cross-department relationships, we can create a more unified graduate student community. I am excited to advocate for initiatives that help graduate students feel more connected, supported, and heard.

Courtney Malita (Senator College of Health & Human Sciences)

Ebrahim Tajik (Senator College of Polymer Science & Engineering)

Abdul-Gafaru Tijani (Senator College of Polymer Science & Engineering)