In 2026, PGSOC remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant postgraduate community at the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Our mission is centred on enhancing well-being, building connections, and promoting an inclusive environment for all members. This year, PGSOC continues to benefit immensely from the support of the school and Arc, whose contributions—ranging from funding to moral and infrastructural assistance—have been pivotal to our success.

The success of our initiatives would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our executive members and the invaluable help from the school. Their dedication and collaboration ensure that PGSOC consistently delivers engaging and meaningful events for our postgraduate community. With their commitment, PGSOC has curated a diverse range of activities that foster connection, engagement, and support within our postgraduate community. These events not only celebrate cultural diversity but also strengthen social networks, encourage academic growth, and promote teamwork and wellness. Here is a snapshot of our 2025 events:

Cultural Events:

  • Lunar New Year
  • Persian New Year
  • Eid Al-Fitr
  • Diwali

Entertaining Events:

  • Bowling Evening
  • Blue Mountains Trip
  • Second Bowling Evening
  • South Coast Trip

Professional Events:

  • Poster Competition and Industrial Networking Night
  • Coursework Welcome Event

These gatherings are more than just events; they are celebrations of our shared experiences, fostering meaningful connections and long-lasting bonds among postgraduate students. As we move forward, PGSOC remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive space for everyone.

 For inquiries, please contact PGSOC via email at materialsPGSOC@unsw.edu.au

Stay informed and updated about news and events by joining PGSOC on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

PGSOC 2026 Executive Team

Husn Ara Chauhan

President

As a PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, I am deeply passionate about building a strong, supportive, and inclusive postgraduate community. I believe PGSOC plays a vital role in creating an environment where students feel valued, connected, and supported throughout their academic journey. Beyond research, PGSOC represents a space where friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and a true sense of belonging is fostered.

It is a great honor to serve as President and work alongside a motivated and dedicated team committed to enhancing the postgraduate experience across academic, professional, and social aspects. Our vision is to further strengthen our community by creating impactful opportunities for networking, celebrating cultural diversity, and organizing engaging events that promote collaboration, well-being, and balance during the demanding research journey. I am truly excited to work together to make this year meaningful, inclusive, and memorable for every member of our postgraduate community.

Cathy Deng

Vice President

As a former postgraduate student and now a second-year PhD candidate, I have been fortunate to experience years of PGSOC’s warm welcome as well as the various events it has brought to our community.  Now, it is my turn to give back.  As vice president, I support our president and work closely with the team to help create a collaborative, inclusive and creative working environment.

PGSOC is a small group, but we are highly committed to supporting the MSE student and staff community through effective teamwork and 100% participation.  I am proud to be part of this team, and I hope we can bring connection, enthusiasm and a few bright moments to make this year truly memorable.

Rehan Khalid

Secretary

Hi all! I’m a PhD student and the Secretary for PGSOC 2026. I’m looking forward to supporting the society by helping with events and keeping communication organized for our postgraduate community. I enjoy meeting fellow postgraduates and am always happy to have a quick chat on campus. Hope to see you at our events this year!

Shrirang Manohar Pathak

Treasurer

Hi, I’m Shrirang, the Treasurer of PGSOC, a fun and welcoming community for our postgraduate students. I manage the society's finances to keep our events and initiatives well-supported, transparent, and sustainable all year long. Working closely with the rest of the PGSOC executive team, I focus on making life beyond the lab and classroom more enjoyable by organizing social, cultural, and professional activities that bring everyone together. I aim to help postgrads connect, share experiences, and feel right at home in our community.

Adnan Irshad

ARC Delegate

I’m the ARC Delegate for PGSOC, serving as the link between the club and Arc UNSW. I support the committee with compliance, funding processes, and required training, helping ensure our events and initiatives run smoothly. I’m committed to building an inclusive, well-organized community where postgraduates can connect, learn, and feel supported.

Mahak Chhabra

Peer Mentoring Coordinator

I am thrilled to join PGSOC and contribute to this welcoming and supportive community. My aim is to be a reliable source of guidance for students in every way I can whether it’s offering academic advice, helping manage the pressures of exams, or providing support and insights about future opportunities. I want to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their doubts, asking questions, and seeking guidance without hesitation. As a peer mentor, I am committed to listening attentively, sharing my experiences, and assisting students as much as possible to help them settle in and thrive. Beyond mentoring, I hope to foster meaningful connections, make the journey enjoyable, and ensure that every student feels supported, confident, and empowered throughout their time here.

Nooshin Bahadoran Baghbadorani

Peer Mentoring Coordinator

I am the Peer Mentoring Coordinator at PGSOC. In this role, I focus on building supportive connections, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges throughout their educational journey.

Shadi Zolfagharian

Peer Mentoring Coordinator

Through my involvement in PGSOC activities, I have become familiar with the academic and social environment of our school and the support structures available to students. This engagement has motivated me to contribute positively and to support fellow members in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

My goal is to help all members smoothly transition into their new environment, ensure they are well informed, and enable equitable access to the academic, social, and support resources offered by our school. Whether individuals are facing academic challenges or emotional concerns, I am always available for open conversation, attentive listening, and thoughtful guidance.

Beyond my engagement with PGSOC, I have a deep interest in painting and playing the violin, and I enjoy adventurous travel experiences that broaden perspectives and foster cultural understanding. I am also passionate about reading and ice skating, activities that help me maintain a balance between creativity and physical well-being. I welcome opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and share meaningful experiences in an open and supportive environment.

Can Ding

Peer Mentoring Coordinator

I’m Can, and as the Peer Mentoring Coordinator, I will oversee the planning and delivery of our peer mentoring program, ensuring it runs smoothly and supports members in a meaningful way. My goal is to build an inclusive, well-structured mentoring environment where members feel welcomed, supported, and confident to learn, connect, and grow together.

Saba Dadpour

Social Media Representative

Hi everyone! I’ll be running our Postgrads Society’s social media. I love connecting with fellow postgrads and sharing event updates, useful info, and celebrating our members’ achievements. My goal is to create a friendly, inclusive space where we can stay connected and support each other during our postgraduate journey.

Ishan Yadav

Coursework Coordinator

Hello everyone, I’m a postgraduate student and it’s my privilege to be part of the executive team of the Postgraduate Society at the  School of Materials Science and Engineering. I’m deeply interested in materials technology and strongly motivated to contribute to initiatives that enhance both academic excellence and student engagement. I’m eager to work collaboratively with the team to strengthen our postgraduate community, support student development, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and growth. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making a positive impact.

Meysam Amini

Welfare Officer

As a member of the PGSOC community, I am passionate about supporting the wellbeing of MSE postgraduate students. Experiencing the kindness, support, and excellent events within PGSOC firsthand has inspired me to give back as a Welfare Officer. I look forward to meeting you at upcoming PGSOC events.