Graduate School Government | 2025-2026 Candidates

Aimee Trunko (President)

(running with Nikolina Kravljaca)

College: Arts and Sciences

Academic program and degree: Psychology ADA

I am a 4th year student in the Adult Development and Aging PhD program. I do minority research on older transgender populations. I am a graduate assistant and teach for my assistantship and so have the unique perspective of being both a student and an instructor. I have had multiple leadership roles including being lab manager for TriLab and Diversity Chair for the Ohio Psychological Association of Graduate Students. I am already the Vice president of GSG and hope to continue and expand upon what we have begun. I am ready and willing to take on a more active role as President.

Nikolina Kravljaca (Vice President)

(running with Aimee Trunko)

College: College of Arts & Sciences

Academic program and degree: Adult Development & Aging PhD Program

My name is Nikolina, and I am in my fourth year of the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. program. I am heavily involved in research and have taken on multiple leadership roles, including serving as a lab manager and as the Academic & Research Chair for the Ohio Psychological Association of Graduate Students. Within GSG, I currently serve as Treasurer, giving me a strong understanding of how GSG operates. I am passionate about mentoring and creating a graduate experience that minimizes stress and promotes success. Having also completed my undergraduate degree at The University of Akron, I am familiar with the university’s evolution over the past decade. I am applying for the Vice President position because I want to take on a more active role, advocate for graduate students, and contribute more meaningfully to GSG’s mission.

Leon Contreras (President)

College:  College of Health and Human Sciences

Academic program and degree: MPH in Dietetics

My name is Leon Contreras, and I am a graduate student pursuing my Master of Public Health (MPH) in Dietetics at the College of Health and Human Sciences. I came to the United States from the Dominican Republic with one dream—to make America healthier in all dimensions, beginning with the social determinants of health. I believe that access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities should not be a privilege but a right for all. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to community health, advocacy, and education. Through my experiences, I have worked to bridge gaps in health disparities and empower individuals to take control of their well-being. As President of the Graduate Student Government, I will bring my passion for leadership and service to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all graduate students at The University of Akron.

Adara Turek (Treasurer)

College: Arts and Sciences

Academic program and degree: Psychology ADA- M.A./Ph.D.

My name is Adara Turek, and I am currently finishing my second year of the Adult Development and Aging Psychology program.  I am currently the Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, and I am running for Treasurer. During my GSG career I have headed the mental health and social media task forces. I have helped to plan and set up events. I am also a member of two university council committees. In addition to my previous experience in graduate student government, I also have budgeting experience from undergrad when I was an officer in my undergrad’s chapter of Psi Chi (the international psychology honor society).

Ebrahim Tajik (Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science)

College: Engineering and Polymer Science

Academic program and degree: Biomedical Engineering – PhD

I am a second-year PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering department. I have a background in Polymer Engineering from Tehran Polytechnic in Iran, my home country. I have experience working as a senator-at-large in the current GSG group, helping to make a better community for graduate students to have a better experience at UA. I am committed to advocating for graduate students’ academic, professional, and personal well-being. I believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students' concerns are heard and addressed effectively, not limited to the College of Engineering and Polymer Science graduate students. I aim to work closely with other members of GSG and the university administration to create a stronger graduate student network, improving the professional development resources to ease the graduate students’ lives and even futures.

Courtney Malita (Senator for the College of Health and Human Sciences)

College: College of Health and Human Sciences

Academic program and degree: School of Counseling- Clinical Mental Health Counseling

My name is Courtney Malita and I’m a 1st year graduate student in the School of Counseling for the clinical mental health counseling track. I graduated with a B.A in Psychology and Philosophy. I’m currently a student assistant in the Philosophy Department and the Vice president of the Philosophy club. I am qualified for this position because I have extensive knowledge of the university and its programs, as well as strong connections with departments, students, and professors.  Working as student assistant gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of people and developed my problem-solving, critical thinking and effective communication skills. Possessing these skills and experiences are not only important but also will allow me to be successful in this position.