Muneera is an international PhD researcher in oncology, who is passionate about revolutionising treatment options for cancer patients. She has successfully designed and developed a cancer vaccine platform which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. Her findings contribute to combining fundamental science with practical solutions, integrating microbiology and oncology in innovative ways. Her goal is to improve patient outcomes and spark innovative ideas that could shape the future of cancer therapy.

As a Griffith University PhD candidate, Mahan is committed to translating frontier science into real-world health impact. As co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of biotech start-up, Veridica AI, he leads the development of a biotechnology platform that uses artificial intelligence to design next-generation anti-metastatic drugs. This initiative transforms advanced cancer research into an entrepreneurial venture focused on developing safer, patient-friendly medicines that are more affordable and accessible. Mahan unites researchers, students, and industry mentors to advance Australia’s leadership in AI-driven medical innovation.

After completing a Certificate III in Business with Aurora Training, Thomas founded a thriving web design business (Launch Web Design) when he was just 16 years old. Now aged 18, Thomas embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and is driven by a passion for creativity, technology and helping others. He co-founded the annual PAVE Summit, an entrepreneurship and marketing event, to help other teens discover entrepreneurship, and runs the Business Launch Club, supporting other students to start their own ventures.

As a SCU Student Ambassador and 2025 Gold Coast Mayor’s Student Ambassador, Anup connects with students from all backgrounds, helping them find a community in a new place. Through music, stories and genuine connection, he creates spaces where people feel safe, seen, welcome and valued. He is the founder of musical community, Himalayan Harmony, and hosts Gold Coast Nepali Chautari on 4CRB - a radio program celebrating shared experiences and reminding people that no matter how far from home they are, connection is always possible.

Shanali is passionate about fostering inclusion, empowering individuals, and building safe, supportive spaces that create real impact and lasting positive change. She’s actively involved in local community initiatives and volunteers with numerous charitable organisations including Australian Red Cross, Angels Kitchen Southport, Gold Coast Community Legal Centre and Gold Coast Health Consumer Advisory Group. She also provides peer support through a number of student organisations, supporting wellbeing and mental health initiatives, and helping international students transition smoothly into university life.

Jordan is passionate about serving his community through advocacy, volunteering and peer support. As a member of multiple youth advisory councils including Headspace Southport YAC, Gaven YAC, and Queensland Youth Parliament YAC he amplifies young voices and contributes to shaping programs that support wellbeing and inclusion. Jordan volunteers with the Australian Red Cross and Rosies, fundraises for Headspace and World Vision and is a surf lifesaver. He lives his values of leading with compassion, strengthening community and empowering others through meaningful action.

With a career spanning over 20 years working in the disability and adult learning sector, Andrew is a true champion of diversity. He's worked as a TAFE tutor educating adult learners, migrant learners and people with disabilities, followed by 11 years in disability employment and training helping others to find jobs and gain independence. He’s known for his attitude of determination, humour, positivity and fairness, inspiring many others through all he has achieved and overcome as a person with cerebral palsy.

Over the past year, Blake has served as the elected Inclusion Director of the Bond University Student Association Incorporated (BUSA). He’s led the Association's initiatives to support LGBTQ+ and differently abled students to provide a platform for them to share experiences and influence policy. Blake’s leadership has embedded inclusive practices across BUSA and its affiliated bodies, and his recent election as 2025/26 President of BUSA reflects his dedication to fostering a campus where every student feels valued, included and empowered.

As an active part of Griffith University's student community, Tajneen cultivates diversity, inclusiveness, and understanding through mentoring, volunteering and leadership roles. As a Griffith Mate and Peer Mentor she strives to make new students feel welcomed and an important part of the university and wider community. Tajneen believes bringing people together and celebrating diversity encourages harmony - she's proud to be part of a community where everyone feels recognised, appreciated, and encouraged to share their own ideas.

As a Osteopathic Medicine student and elite athlete, Ben is passionate about promoting sport, wellness, and community engagement. In 2025, he became Australian Champion and FISU World University Games Champion in the Men’s Decathlon - results that reflect dedication, balance and a commitment to holistic wellbeing. Beyond his own performance, he strives to inspire others through mentorship, education, and example, encouraging students and community members to pursue health and fitness as pathways to personal growth.

Zahra champions a holistic view of wellbeing, connecting physical activity, mental health and environmental factors to support student wellness in meaningful ways. Her efforts span on-campus events at Griffith University, community advocacy, and digital engagement. She's been a proponent of a number of initiatives, creating inclusive, low-pressure environments where students of all sporting abilities can connect, stay active, and unwind. She fosters a sense of belonging while helping students de-stress during academic peak times, empowering them to prioritise wellbeing.

As a Yr 10 student, Luke has represented his school in cross-country, track and field, and hockey at a state level. While he's won some gold medals, the teamwork, dedication and resilience it took to get these results is the real achievement. As captain of his hockey team, he coaches younger players to build confidence both on and off the field. Luke has seen first hand how sport can bring people together and loves inspiring others to be active.

Sophie is a Yr 10 student with a talent and passion for the arts. She's mastered many creative mediums ranging from drama to visual art and film making. Over the past few years she's created multiple short films that have been finalists in local and international film festivals. Sophie has done a summer course at the New York Film Academy, volunteered on an international film production and created a network of other young performers and creatives to come together to make movies.

Brock has an extraordinary passion for performing arts and a deep commitment to community theatre and joy it provides. As a leader, performer and volunteer, he has contributed to countless productions and ensembles, and in 2023 was awarded a Performing Arts Scholarship at A.B Paterson College. He's involved in multiple school choirs, bands and musicals, has performed in numerous local theatre and school productions and is a true ambassador for performing arts on the Gold Coast.

Saxon is a talented and dedicated performing artist. He excels in speech and drama, stage acting, public speaking and film acting. This year he was the state winner of the ESU Public Speaking Competition, played a feature role in his school musical, and is building his film profile with credits in three different screen productions. Saxon actively contributes to the wider arts community and is committed to fostering the arts for youth.

Natalia has delivered measurable environmental impact by driving initiatives that promote sustainability, ecosystem restoration, and climate awareness. Her projects have mobilised hundreds of students, advanced sustainable practices, and generated tangible improvements in biodiversity, waste reduction, and community engagement. By embedding scalable solutions and awareness programs into the Griffith University community, she has strengthened environmental stewardship, fostered practical action, and created lasting change that extends beyond campus to the wider Gold Coast region.

Rizal demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to sustainability through a range of initiatives that raise awareness of environmental protection and human health, spanning research, education and advocacy. He is conducting two research projects on healthcare sustainability and climate action, with the aim of advancing evidence-based solutions in the field. His passion for protecting the environment, combined with his ability to empower and mobilise his peers, reflects a dedication to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within Griffith and the wider community.

Morgan is a passionate champion for environmental sustainability on a local and global level. Throughout her school journey, she’s dedicated countless hours to inspiring sustainable action and environmental awareness within her community. Her initiatives, from caring for a thriving community garden which inspires sustainable living, to engaging in global environmental research projects, demonstrate her ongoing commitment to the protection of our planet. She strives to empower other young people to take ownership of building a sustainable future, through leadership, education, and collaboration.