Joana Rodrigues is a third year Biomedical Science student and is the course representative for her cohort.

Through her role as course rep, Joana has become the first student who has co-chaired two Student, Staff Liaison Meetings (SSLC), a meeting where course representatives provide student feedback to their course leaders. Through her role Joana has been able to shape student feedback to be more constructive and has helped to bridge students and staff together with great conflict management.

“I love advocating for other's needs. It is rewarding and it just feels like you are giving something back to the student community!”

Joana has also been able to develop her communication skills through her role and she has learnt how to read between the lines of the conversation and ask the right and appropriate questions.

The skills Joana has learnt through her role will help her to achieve her career aspiration of studying Medicine and becoming a doctor, especially learning to close feedback, essential to delivering great customer service and informed communication with patients.

“I've had an amazing two years working the SU as a course rep and have just loved all the chances given to further myself and to voice my fellow students' opinions. No feedback goes by unheard - believe me!”

Thanks Joana for your commitment to enhancing the University experience of others and ensuring fair representation for students.