Student Senate Candidates

Ava Mears (299 votes)

Communications Major

"As a Communication major with a Marketing minor, I enjoy connecting with others and helping improve student life on campus. In my role as a Student Life Photography Intern with UND's Marketing & Creative Services, I attend a wide range of events and have seen what gets students engaged and how events can be made more inclusive and well attended. I have also consistently earned Dean's List and President's Honor Roll, showing my strong work ethic and commitment. If elected, I want to focus on improving communication between students and leadership, increasing awareness of campus opportunities, helping create events that students actually want to attend, and making sure every student feels heard and encouraged to get involved."

---

Meris Lindsay (201 votes)

Music Education Major

"Meris Lindsay is a sophomore Music Education major at UND with a passion for leadership, creativity, and building community. She serves on the collegiate board for NAFME (National Association for Music Education), is a board member of Music Students of UND, and treasurer of the Low Brass Club. Meris is also a member of the UND Wind Ensemble and Vivo Chamber Choir. Her dedication to academics is reflected in her placement on both the President’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s List. As a resident assistant, she fosters connection, inclusion, and a welcoming environment for all students. Meris is running for Student Government Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure every student’s voice is represented and supported on campus."

---

Danica Klabunde (113 votes)

Criminal Justice Major

"I am a 3+3 Accelerated Law student, majoring in both Criminal Justice and Political Science. I am proud to run for and represent my community of the arts, humanities, social sciences, pre-health majors, and more!"

Allan Martinez (217 votes)

Finance Major

"I'm from Grand Forks and am pursuing a Finance degree at the Nistler CoBPA where I serve as President of the UND Pre-Law Society.

In preparation for serving as senator, I have met with multiple college organization presidents to discuss opportunities for collaboration between students, organizations, and Student Government. I have also drafted legislation focused on increasing student involvement through academic incentives, improving civic engagement through midterm election candidate forums, and establishing college leadership councils to strengthen communication between senators and their constituencies.

My goal is straightforward: students should know who represents them and see tangible results from that representation."

---

Jake Ring (357 votes)

Marketing Major

"Hello! My name is Jake Ring, and I am honored to be running for the Nistler College of Business Senator position. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Marketing and minoring in Professional Sales and Sports Business.

On campus, I am involved in Dakota Venture Group as a Managing Associate, Communications Chairman for the UND Sales Team, a member of the UND Marketing Club, and on the executive board for the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

I’m running because I am passionate about supporting students and being a strong voice for our college. I’m committed to creating opportunities, representing student needs, and making a lasting impact."

Bryce Philpot (54 votes)

Kinesiology Major

---

Kayce Fix (87 votes)

Elementary Education Major

"My goal is to help students within the Education and Human Development field feel more supported, informed, and prepared for their futures. I am passionate about strengthening communication, increasing awareness of opportunities, and creating a sense of community with students pursuing careers in education.

As a senator, I will actively listen to student needs and advocate for resources and opportunities that help everyone feel confident and ready to succeed during and beyond college."

Dawson Beck (200 votes)

Mechanical Engineering & Aerospace Engineering Major

Hi everyone, my name is Dawson Beck, and I am honored to be running for the College of Engineering & Mines Senate position at UND. I am currently a fourth year Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering student with minors in Mathematics and Space Studies. I play an active role in many organizations on campus where I hold multiple officer positions such as Vice President of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Treasurer of the Advanced Rocketry Club, and I am currently the College of Engineering & Mines Senator for UND’s Student Government. In my current term as College of Engineering & Mines Senator, I have worked hard to represent the student body by networking with engineering students and faculty to tackle issues plaguing the campus. Some issues I have addressed during my time as Senator are improving equipment in student spaces, funding engineering events like the E-Week Carnival, and I am currently working on funding a university owned battle bots’ arena for CEM students. This term my main goal is to help CEM students find career opportunities during their time at UND. Landing internships in college is often a very stressful and competitive task, especially for young engineering students. Often, the difference between landing these internships or going home empty handed comes down to whether you have a connection within these companies. My plan for next year to address this issue is to host bimonthly presentations for CEM students to inform them on open industry & research positions, grants & scholarships and student organizations, as well as hosting networking events for UND alumni and local businesses to connect with CEM students.

---

Jackson Minor (116 votes)

Chemical Engineering Major

Hello all, my name is Jackson (JJ) Minor, and I am honored to be running as the Senator for The College of Engineering and Mines here at UND. I am currently a third-year Chemical Engineering student with a minor in math. On campus I am a part of several organizations which are not limited to The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, UND Ski Club, and Kappa Sigma. Through these clubs I have had much time to learn from my peers and seniors about not only leading with intention but also how to listen to certain groups and populations. I am running with the intention of finding more opportunities for our CEM students to break into their preferred line of work before graduating. We are seeing more and more nowadays that companies want us to graduate with experience before being hired into entry level positions. While this may be contradicting, it seems this trend is here to stay. This is why landing that internship or finding that research position is more important than ever. Finding these opportunities is highly dependent on who you know nowadays which is why I would like to find ways to encourage more UND Alumni to come back to campus and host meetings where students can learn more about their company and intern positions for the upcoming Summer. This coupled with engineering students building connections outside of the CEM by hosting joint club events can improve the odds of landing that first internship. 

 

Logan Laier (257 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

"Logan is a senior in Commercial Aviation who brings strong leadership, mentorship, and campus involvement to student government. From leading organizations to supporting fellow students, he is deeply committed to making a lasting impact within the Aerospace community and beyond. His experience across campus and dedication to student success make him an incredible advocate for Aerospace students."

---

Margaret Fitzgerald (388 votes)

Commercial Aviation & UAS Major

I’ve spent my time at UND devoted to aviation—manned and autonomous— and it’s been a joy to connect with peers and educators who share that passion.

Through engaging with aerospace student organizations, I’ve been inspired to serve as a bridge between our hard-working student groups and the exceptional educators who support us. I’m dedicated to promoting community involvement, strengthening academic access for post graduate success, and ensuring that the voices of all seven majors are heard and represented. Our college is at its best when we support one another, and my commitment is to take action that reflects what students expect from accessible and effective leadership.

Komal Mangle (98 votes)

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Major

"Komal Mangle is a third-year PhD student transitioning to candidacy in Education, Health, & Behavior Studies. She is a Doctoral Researcher studying human performance and the effectiveness of health monitoring and countermeasures in extreme environments for NASA. Her time at UND has been marked by principled action at the highest levels of governance. She currently serves as the inaugural President of the CEHD Student Advisory Council, a graduate student representative on the School of Graduate Studies Dean Search Committee appointed by the provost, and a strategist for UND's 10-year Campus Planning Initiative.
These roles stem from her dedication to social justice, integrity, empathy, and righteousness. Komal doesn't just represent student interests on paper; she applies strategic thinking and leverages institutional connections to ensure every decision truly benefits students. As your SGS Senator, she will advocate for structural security, professional support, and academic fairness that all graduate students deserve. Currently partnering with the School of Graduate Studies and the Provost's office to create global opportunities for students, Komal believes that true leadership requires the courage to do what's right for people, even when it's uncomfortable."

---

Makayla Schwichtenberg (107 votes)

Communication Sciences & Disorders Major

"Hi everyone! My name is Makayla Schwichtenberg, and I am a senior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I will be continuing my journey at UND next year as a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program.

Throughout my time at UND, I have been deeply committed to leadership and student involvement. I’ve had the privilege of serving as President and Vice President of Membership for Delta Gamma, Secretary of UND Mortar Board, and Vice President of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. In these roles, I’ve led teams, supported peers, and worked to create meaningful experiences that bring people together and drive results.

Additionally, my work at the UND Student Involvement Office has allowed me to connect with students across campus, helping them find their place and creating accessible programs and events that enhance student life. These experiences have shaped my passion for building community and advocating for student needs.

As a candidate for Graduate Studies Student Senator, I am committed to amplifying the voices of graduate students. I understand the challenges that come with graduate school and the transition into graduate school. I will work to support students by promoting community, increasing access to resources, and creating opportunities for professional growth, research, and involvement. Most importantly, I will actively listen and ensure your feedback directly shapes the initiatives we pursue.

UND has given me so much, and I am excited for the opportunity to give back in this new role. I would be honored to represent the School of Graduate Studies and advocate for you."

Cullen Murphy (35 votes)

Law Major

"I am running for the School of Law Senator position because I believe I can bring new ideas and proposals that will help all law students succeed. Because law school is demanding, providing additional support to students throughout their academic journey and beyond will help foster a stronger, more vibrant community. Additionally, ensuring that students are equipped with essential professional foundations will allow everyone to feel more confident about the future ahead!"

---

Quinn Wrigley (51 votes)

Law Major

"Quinn Wrigley is a dedicated law student and current School of Law Senator in the university’s student government, seeking reelection. Over the past year, Quinn has enjoyed serving as a voice for law students, bringing forward their concerns, advocating for their needs, and ensuring the law school is well represented within the broader university community.

With prior leadership experience and a strong commitment to advocacy, Quinn is running for reelection to continue amplifying student voices, strengthening communication between the law school and student government, and making sure law students have a seat at the table."

Alexander Samardzic (94 votes)

Medicine (MD) Major

---

Megan Lee (162 votes)

Occupational Therapy Major

"Hello! I’m Megan Lee, and I will be starting UND’s Occupational Therapy program in the Fall. I currently work in Student Involvement and am actively involved on the UND Dance Team, where I’ve learned the importance of accountability, teamwork, and representing something bigger than myself.

Through preparing for a career in OT, I’ve developed a strong passion for advocacy and supporting others, as well as the importance of listening to different perspectives. These experiences have shaped my interest in serving as a voice for students and contributing to conversations that support their success.

As a candidate for Student Senate for the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, I am committed to being a reliable and approachable voice for students within SMHS. If elected, I want to ensure that students feel their perspectives are thoughtfully heard and represented across all SMHS disciplines. I would be honored to advocate for the students within the School of Medicine & Health Sciences!"

Kenadee Gray (109 votes)

Nursing Major

"My name is Kenadee Gray, and I am a nursing student running for Nursing Senator. I am passionate about supporting others and creating a positive, connected environment. I enjoy helping people succeed and making sure students feel heard, valued, and supported. As Nursing Senator, I want to advocate for my peers by improving communication between students and faculty, making sure student concerns are heard, and promoting resources that support students. Nursing school is challenging, and I want to help build a community where students feel supported, connected, and confident."

---

Phoebe Wiken-Drescher (128 votes)

Nursing Major

"Hello! My name is Phoebe Wiken! I am a 2nd semester nursing student (junior) running for the UND CNPD senate position! I am from New Ulm, Minnesota and have a passion for helping people and advocating for all voices! I am the current secretary for the UND NSA chapter and am an active member of the RAIN program and nursing student council. I have volunteer experience with animal shelters, food shelves, and many campus opportunities—pitching in wherever I can! For my campaign I hope to bring the UND CNPD as a whole together, and create opportunities for the majors within it to work together more effectively. I also want to advocate for better tutoring or peer education opportunities, and rally for more financial assistance for those participating in distant clinicals."

Ishir Agarwal (132 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

Hi everyone!  My name is Ishir Agarwal, and I am excited to run for the opportunity to represent you as your on-campus apartments senator!  I am currently a Junior in the Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety & Operations majors, while also minoring in Atmospheric Sciences and Aircraft Dispatch!  I have lived within the Swanson Complex for just under 2 years, and I am so proud to call myself a resident of University Apartments.  My time at UND has been heavily centered around bettering myself as a leader, working on skills that I could use to advocate for the people I am passionate about.  I currently have the pleasure of serving as the Senator for the School of Aerospace Sciences, and I have had the opportunity to represent over 2,800 students within the college.  From working with all aerospace departments, I have been able to ensure that all students have an opportunity to voice their concerns, while also leading the student government suggestion box initiative for students to drop their thoughts anonymously.  Additionally, I have worked hard to serve international students within the aerospace program, primarily by helping to break down English language barriers to help support culture, while allowing for a more integrated community.  Outside of student government, I have truly embodied involvement at UND while serving as a leader within 5 student organizations and sharpening collaboration skills as we innovate future events.  Some of my student organization involvement includes leading various aviation-themed workshops where over 150 kids from the community have been able to taste the world of aviation, while also being a leader with the Student Association of India to organize Diwali Night, where over 450 people celebrated and explored Indian and Asian culture!  I plan to continue supporting students who call a UND apartment their home, working to improve living conditions, increase access to affordable housing, and advocate for renovated apartments in the upcoming campus master planning.  I strive to use my diverse background and experience to ensure that residents within university apartments feel like they can make a difference.  As a fellow resident, I truly believe that there is so much we can do together as student leaders, and I hope to be a continued resource for you!  

---

Sarah Kempel (154 votes)

Atmospheric Sciences Major

"Hello! I am a junior, majoring in Atmospheric Sciences and Spanish, passionate about leading and setting a great example for students at UND, now, and for generations to come. I currently serve as a Resident Manager in the Carleton Court apartments for UND Housing, where I advocate for a strong sense and encouragement of resident community and morale. I have served in this position for 2 years, previously in the Berkeley apartments community. Outside of my work and studies, I have had the fortune to serve as the North Dakota Student Association President this year, representing over 45,000 students across the state of North Dakota. With this opportunity, I've had the fortune to speak on topics of Mental Health, Campus Housing, and Institution Funding to legislators, campus presidents, and students at each of the 11 institutions in ND! With prior experience serving in this role of On-Campus Apartments Senator in the Spring 2025 semester, I believe I can implement innovative ideas and events for the further integration of, and strength for the on-campus apartment community at UND."

Craig Hartman (139 votes)

Civil Engineering Major

---

Daniel Masterson (150 votes)

Commercial Aviation & Airport Management Major

"My name is Daniel Masterson and I am from Annapolis, MD. I am a sophomore majoring in Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation. I currently serve in Student Government where I have worked on impactful legislation such as changes to the athletic ticketing process, University Counseling Center (UCC) reform, and Living Learning Community (LLC) reform.

Looking ahead to the next school year, I plan to pass legislation to fund a bus system that transports students to/from the Fargo airport over breaks. I look forward to using my experience in Student Government to continue making meaningful improvements for the student body."

---

 Jack Leff (98 votes)

Biology/Pre-Med Major

Aiden Schafer (502 votes)

Finance Major

"I’m running for Off-Campus Housing Senator under the Thingvold/Martin slate because I want to represent students who live off campus and make sure their voices are actually heard. As President of Lambda Chi Alpha, along with serving as Vice President and Risk Manager in the past, I’ve had the chance to work with a lot of students and understand the real issues that come with off-campus living." 

---

Anneka Dahlberg (538 votes)

Criminal Justice & Forensic Science Major

"Hi everyone! My name is Anneka, and I am excited to be running for Off-Campus Senator. I am currently a Sophomore studying Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, and I’m passionate about making sure every student, especially those living off campus, feels heard, supported, and connected to our campus community.

Living off campus comes with unique challenges, from transportation and parking to staying informed and involved in campus life. As your Off-Campus Senator, I will work to bridge the gap between off-campus students and the university by advocating for better communication, accessible resources, and opportunities that make it easier to stay engaged.

I am actively involved on campus as a Resident Assistant and a member of organizations like Norsk Club and Kappa Delta, which have given me experience listening to student concerns, planning events, and building community. These roles have strengthened my leadership skills and shown me how important it is to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong." 

---

Bennett Eriksrud (523 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

"I support the Thingvold/Martin ticket because, as a freshman, they have already proven to me that they are not going to make promises they can’t keep. They have a clear, achievable vision, which this campus needs. Their slogan, "Be Bold—build community, create opportunity for all, lead with integrity, and deliver results,” truly reflects the kind of leadership they bring. They both come from strong leadership backgrounds that they won’t need to acclimate to the workload; they can get straight to work and make campus a better place, not only for upperclassmen but also for new students, as they recognize how valuable we are as well. Through strong ideas such as streamlining our online presence and app profile, proposing a winter dome, and even small ideas that make everyday life easier, like a fingerprint reader at the Welly, I know my fellow students and I are in good hands with Mason and Kaleb." 

---

Berno Beja-Finjap (398 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

---

 

Brody Rohrich (521 votes)

Biology Major

I currently live off campus, so I understand the struggles of staying connected to the campus events. I will bring a voice to all students living off campus and make everyone feel included on the happenings of our campus. I will focus on improving communication between students and faculty so we can deliver meaningful results that affect everyone. I am easy to talk to and look forward to running as an off-campus senator for our great university!

---

Brooklyn Brouse (761 votes)

Law & MBA Major

"My name is Brooklyn Brouse, and I am originally from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of North Dakota, and after having such a great undergraduate experience decided to stay around a bit longer! I am now in my second year of law school pursuing my Juris Doctor, as well as my Master's in Business Administration dual degree here at UND. I am actively involved on campus through many organizations where I have developed strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. I am currently a fifth year student-athlete on the UND Women's Track and Field team, the President of the UND Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Secretary of Summit League SAAC, the Treasurer of the Sports Law Student Association, the 2L Representative of the Business Law Association, and a Member of Law Women’s Caucus. Through both my academic focus and campus involvement, I have gained firsthand experience listening to student concerns, working across diverse groups, and advocating for meaningful change. I believe my commitment to service, integrity, and student representation makes me well-qualified to serve as a Senator and effectively represent the voices of my peers."

---

Brylie Peterson (665 votes)

Communications Major

"Hi! I’m a UND student living off campus, so I understand challenges and benefits that come with it whether it’s staying connected, dealing with housing issues, or feeling a little out of the loop. I want to make sure off-campus students feel just as included and heard as anyone living on campus.

As an Off-Campus Senator, I’d focus on improving communication, sharing helpful resources, and making it easier for off-campus students to stay involved. I’m approachable, easy to talk to, and ready to represent your voice."

---

Cody Carroll (408 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major 

---

Edison Lunski (583 votes)

Communications Major

"I have lived in Grand Forks my entire life and have a good understand of the community and how it operates. As Well as being involved on campus through Deca and Greek Life." 

---

Elise Foell (662 votes)

Medical Lab Science Major

"My goal is to help build a community on campus that is supportive for all students. I want to be a voice for students in the university’s decision making processes." 

---

John Schulzetenberg (479 votes)

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Major 

Kaeden Maki (384 votes)

Accounting Major 

Katelynn Berg (544 votes)

Elementary Education Major

---

Kylie Kulasingham (594 votes)

Biology/Pre-Med Major

"I am a junior actively involved in Undergraduate Chemistry Club, Biology Club, Lions Club, and Women in Pre-Health, which has allowed me to connect with a wide range of students across campus. I also serve as the President of Kappa Delta, where I’ve developed a strong passion for leadership and advocating for others.

As someone who lives off campus, I understand how easy it can be to feel disconnected. I want to serve as an Off-Campus Senator to help bridge that gap by connecting students with clubs, organizations, or Greek life they may not know about, and helping everyone find a place on campus that feels like home.

I am proud to support the Blankenship/Rood campaign because their SERVEund mission focuses on putting students first through listening, supporting, and advocating - values I’m excited to stand behind."

---

Omar Jozlian (595 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

"I’m a junior commercial aviation major, serving as vice president of public relations for Student Health in Aviation and Wellness (SHAW), a mentor for the Student Aerospace Advisory Council (SAAC), and an active member in Greek life. Through these roles, I’ve worked closely with students across campus, building connections and staying engaged with the issues that impact our daily lives.

I’m running for Off-Campus Housing Senator to take a new approach to one of the greatest challenges students face: parking. While past efforts have focused primarily on working with university parking services, I believe there is an opportunity to expand that approach. I plan to work with the city to improve parking availability around campus, both during the day and overnight, to help reduce reliance on limited on-campus parking and create more flexibility for students living nearby. Off-campus students deserve thoughtful, effective representation, and I’m ready to bring a fresh perspective that focuses on practical solutions." 

---

Paige Schumacher (662 votes)

Communication Science & Disorders Major

 

Rebecca Mathison (476 votes)

Operations & supply Chain Management Major

 

Sam Strandell (469 votes)

Masters Business Administration Major

---

 

Sydnee Spivey (757 votes)

Law Major

"My name is Sydnee Spivey, and I am a second-year law student here at UND. I am running for the off-campus housing senator to ensure that all students' voices are heard and included in discussions that lead to better outcomes and enjoyment for all here on campus. As a second-year law student, I am confident I have gained the tools and skills necessary to turn student concerns into actionable solutions. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity." 

---

Tanushri Tallimani (537 votes)

Commercial Aviation Major

 "My name is Tanu Tallimani, and I am a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Commercial Aviation. As an international student, I understand the importance of feeling represented and supported, especially for off-campus students.

I am actively involved on campus as the President of the Student Association of India and a member of Alpha Chi Omega, where I have worked to build community and create inclusive spaces. I also work in the Office of the President and Provost and as an Admissions Call Center Specialist, which has given me insight into student needs and university operations.

As an Off-Campus Senator candidate, I am committed to improving communication, accessibility, and support for off-campus students, including working to connect major apartment communities to campus through a shuttle system."