2025-26 executive board

Nooshin KianvashRad, UNCG-GSA President

NOoshin KianvashRad

Email: gsapres@uncg.edu

Biosketch 

My name is Nooshin KianvashRad, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in Nanoscience at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN). As an international student and researcher, my research focuses on bioinformatics and antifungal drug resistance, particularly how electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers influence drug sensitivity.

I have since dedicated myself to using science as a platform for advocacy, inclusion, and education. I am the founder of a knowledge-based company focused on nanotechnology solutions for skin diseases, for which I received a national patent. I also serve as a lab manager assistant in the Genomics Lab, and I have worked on outreach programs to introduce nanoscience to students of all ages.

As a student leader, I value responsibility, knowledge, and integrity—principles that guide my research and service. I am passionate about mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowering underrepresented voices in STEM. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my American host family, volunteering at community health events, staying active through exercise, and listening to educational podcasts.

Purpose Statement

As the elected President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), I am honored to represent the voices of graduate students across our campus. My role is grounded in a commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the collective advancement of graduate student experience.

Having served in research, teaching, and leadership positions throughout my academic career, I understand the unique challenges graduate students face—academically, professionally, and personally. I plan to use this platform to foster a strong sense of community among graduate students, ensuring that their feedback is heard and valued by both GSA and university administration.

Goals for the year:

  1. Advocacy: Build on the legacy of former GSA leaders by advocating for policies that promote equitable funding, resources, and mental health support for all graduate students.
  2. Engagement & Support: Increase access to professional development opportunities and provide meaningful channels through which students can share their experiences and suggestions.
  3. Community Building: Develop initiatives that bring together graduate students from across disciplines to network, collaborate, and build friendships beyond the classroom and lab.

I look forward to working with my peers, fellow GSA representatives, and university stakeholders to strengthen graduate experience and make our campus more connected, informed, and empowered.

Kristen Daniel, UNCG-GSA Vice President

Kristen Daniel

Email: gsavppgm@uncg.edu

Biosketch

My name is Kristen Daniel (She/Her), and I am currently earning my Doctorate in Musical Arts for Oboe Performance. My research is aimed at expanding the oboe repertoire to include more diversity for the instrument by commissioning living composers. I graduated with my Master of Music degree in Oboe Performance here at UNCG in 2024, and my Bachelor of Music Education grades K-12 at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY.  For one semester, I was one of the music substitutes for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, KY. In my free time, I enjoy reading, collecting succulents, and spending time with friends.

Purpose Statement

I served as a senator in the GSA representing the School of Music during the 2024-2025 school year; during this time, I advocated for the department’s graduate students. Being a senator allowed me to meet other graduate students across campus and helped me understand the challenges that we face, not just departmentally but as a whole. Now, as the vice president, I advocate for all of the graduate students at UNCG while providing more opportunities for all to get to meet and know one another. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!  

Alexander Moss

alexander moss 

Email: gsafinvp@uncg.edu

Biosketch

My name is Alexander C. Moss. I am a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Curriculum and Pedagogy Studies in the Kinesiology department. My research centers around concept-based physical education curriculum and reforming K-12 physical education into a respected academic content area representative of Kinesiology science. My primary goal is to set students up to be lifelong movers and learners. I have taught many classes in the Kinesiology department at UNCG for the last 4 years and deeply enjoy working with undergraduate students to facilitate their learning and future success. My hometown is St. Albans, WV. I received a B.S. in Exercise Science and a B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College. I received an M.S. in Exercise Physiology and a Post-Baccalaureate degree in High Performance Coaching from the University of Kentucky. In my spare time, I enjoy sports, weightlifting, watching movies, and creative writing.

Purpose Statement

As GSA Treasurer, my primary purpose is to ensure that the funding allocation process for students goes as smoothly as possible. My experiences as Lab Coordinator for the Pedagogical Kinesiology Research Laboratory and as an instructor of undergraduate courses have prepared me to be an effective leader and communicator in large groups/ teams. I became interested in the position of GSA Treasurer because I have always wanted to become more involved with GSA, work with graduate students, and gain more experience with university finances and funding allocation.

I am committed to:

Effective Communication: Ensuring clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including graduate students, GSA members, university officials, and the Finance Committee, to facilitate understanding and collaboration on financial matters.

Accountability and Transparency: Maintaining accurate financial records, providing regular reports to the GSA Executive Board and Finance Committee, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.

Resource Allocation: Collaborating with other GSA officers and committees to prioritize funding for events, programs, and services that enhance the academic, professional, and social experiences of graduate students. Managing and overseeing the GSA’s budget, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently and transparently to support the diverse needs and initiatives of our graduate student community.

Support and Guidance: Offering financial advice and support to GSA members and affiliated administration, fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility and empowerment within our community.

Through diligent financial management and a commitment to transparency, I aim to contribute to the success and well-being of all graduate students at UNCG.

Abby Askins, UNCG-GSA Student Relations Chair

Abby Askins

Email: gsavppub@uncg.edu 

Biosketch 

Hi everyone! My name is Abby and I’m originally from Columbia, South Carolina but spent three years in Austin, Texas before returning to the Carolinas for graduate school. I earned a B.S. in Biology at the University of South Carolina, where I spent most of my time either in a lab or camping with the backpacking club. I decided to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling because of my passions for science, compassionate patient care, and making healthcare more equitable in our country. After working in a neuroscience lab at the University of Texas at Austin for three years I was thrilled to join the UNCG Genetic Counseling program, where I served as the GSA representative for our program and a member of the programming committee in my first year. As I head into my final year of training at UNCG I am excited to integrate what I have learned from last year to promote the interests of our graduate students. I aim to make graduate events more accessible through my PR role, improving engagement both through social media and in person

Qualifications for GSA Executive Board Officer: 

  1. UNCG graduate student that is enrolled in the 2025-2026 academic year 
  2. Minimum 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA 
  3. Maintains academic good standing within their department 
  4. Experience as a GSA senator or other student government/leadership experience 

You can find the E-Board position descriptions and a full list of qualification requirements in our constitution

Nicole Meritt, UNCG-GSA Advisor

Share This