UBC Computer Science Student Society

Elections 2026–2027

Meet the candidates running for the CSSS Executive Team.

Vote Here

President

1 candidate
Photo of Renata Liu

Renata Liu

President

Hi, I’m Renata, the current VP Social and a third-year Computer Science student who has been involved with the Computer Science Student Society for the past three years. During this time, I have had the privilege of organizing events that foster community amongst UBC’s CS students, and hope to continue doing so if elected to become CSSS’s President. I have witnessed first hand how meaningful student events can be, whether they be social ones that give students a break from coursework, or academic ones that create opportunities to connect with peers and mentors.

If elected, my main goal would be to ensure initiatives led by CSSS are accessible to all students in the student body. One way to achieve this is by expanding sponsorship efforts to lower entry prices to ticketed events and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in our events. I also want to broaden the types of events CSSS offers by highlighting career paths beyond traditional software development, including product management, research, entrepreneurship, and research. To ensure as many students are aware of our events as possible, I would also like to strengthen collaborations with other clubs across campus to create larger events that bring together different student communities.

VP Academic

2 candidates
Photo of Belal Mohammed-Nur

Belal Mohammed-Nur

VP Academic

Hi, I’m Belal.

This current 2025-26 academic year, I’ve been a member of the CSSS academic team, serving as a lead organizer and conference chair for the UBC CSSRC.

Since joining the team in summer 2025, I quickly rose to the task of leading on all fronts of the conference. From refining the conference vision and bringing new ideas to the table, to defending these ideas to the CS department’s Student Development Committee (SDC), to leading and working directly with sub-teams on bringing these ideas to life: designing the website/branding, tackling outreach to sponsors like Google Deepmind, communicating with our cohort of authors and panelists, and beyond. This role demanded consistency, drive, and a significant sacrifice of time and energy. A faculty member on the SDC said: “This conference needed a champion like Belal, if you want to succeed, get yourself a Belal.”

For the upcoming 2026-27 academic year, my vision is to continue to serve the increasing interest in research from the CS student body, while reaping the benefits of a united UBC CS research community. In our first CSSRC, we focused on providing undergrad and graduate students a realistic conference submission experience, the venue to share their work and network, and to learn from senior researchers across academia and industry. New goals involve bringing senior research figures, faculty, and nascent student researchers front and center. I’m excited to get to work on these ideas and to deliver an even better 2nd edition of the CSSRC.

Photo of Muzammil Chunawala

Muzammil Chunawala

VP Academic

Hi I’m Muzammil. I am a fourth-year combined major in Computer Science and Mathematics. I am also the former President of the UBC Data Science Club. During my term as President, our team successfully organized 5+ events that catered to over 200 students.

I am now running for the position of Vice President, Academic. This position interests me because I have personally experienced the difficulties that students face, managing courses, resolving conflicts, and navigating academic policies. I want to make the academic experience smoother, more transparent, and more supportive for everyone in the Computer Science community.

My goals for the upcoming academic year include improving the current conflict resolution system, creating a safe space where students feel comfortable opening up about their academic issues, and ensuring that the academic department hears the students’ voice clearly.

My main goal for the upcoming academic year is to improve the research opportunities available to students, especially important for first- and second-year students. My goal is to work closely with research labs at UBC to ensure that students can easily get involved in research.

Following the success of the first Computer Science Student Research Conference, my goal for the upcoming academic year is to make even more resources accessible to students who are interested in presenting their research and connecting them with people who will propel their research further.

VP External

2 candidates
Photo of Matthew Andersen Haryanto
Photo of Alexis Danielle Widjaja

Matthew Andersen Haryanto & Alexis Danielle Widjaja

VP External

Hi everyone, my name is Alexis, and I’m a third-year standing Data Science major at UBC. In the past 2 months, I’ve served as the External Vice President of the UBC Data Science Club, where I focus on building partnerships that connect students with industry.

In this role, I’ve worked on outreach and successful collaborations with companies such as Microsoft and RBC, and I’m currently coordinating an upcoming event with Databricks. I’ve also helped invite industry professionals to speak at student events and gained experience developing sponsorship relationships to support programming and workshops.

Through these experiences, I’ve noticed that one of the biggest concerns among students is not just learning technical skills, but understanding how to break into the industry. Many students are unsure about internship pathways, hiring expectations, or how different roles in tech actually work.

If elected as VP External for CSSS, my goal is to expand partnerships with companies and bring more opportunities for students to interact directly with industry professionals. I want to support initiatives like the Technical Career Fair while also organizing more panels, technical workshops, and networking events that give students clearer insight into career paths in technology.

My goal is to help CSSS strengthen its role as a bridge between students and the tech industry. Thank you for your support.

Hi, my name is Matthew, a third-year Combined Major in Computer Science and Statistics student. Over the past two years, I have been deeply involved in UBC’s tech community as a Frontend Lead Developer at UBC Orbit, a Web Developer for Gado-gado Indonesian Student Association, a Quantitative Developer with the UBC Trading Group, and a member of the UBC Game Development Club.

Through these roles, I have had the chance to collaborate with talented teams, work closely with industry professionals, and see firsthand how meaningful connections between students and the broader tech community can be. I’m running for VP External because I want to use that experience to strengthen CSSS’s external relationships and create more opportunities for CS students to connect with industry.

From my experience working across multiple clubs and teams, I have noticed that CS students at UBC rarely struggle with the technical side of things. What’s often missing is the bridge between the classroom and the industry. Students want to learn from professionals, hear real-world perspectives, and build connections that go beyond what a lecture or textbook can offer. I believe VP External is the perfect role to help close that gap, by fostering stronger relationships with companies, alumni, and industry leaders so that students have more chances to learn, grow, and excel beyond their coursework.

If elected as VP External for CSSS, my priority is to build tight-knit, lasting partnerships with companies that give UBC Computer Science students a real edge, creating internal pipelines where our students are top of mind for opportunities.

Photo of Saurav Roy
Photo of Apoorva Devarakonda

Saurav Roy & Apoorva Devarakonda

VP External

Hi everyone! My name is Saurav, a third-year CS Major and I’m excited to run for CSSS Co-VP External.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the External team as a Corporate Relations Coordinator, where I collaborated to organize events such as the Google Resume Review Workshop and the CSSS Technical Career Fair. During the career fair, I also served as one of the lead volunteers, helping coordinate logistics and ensuring the event ran smoothly for both students and company representatives.

This term, I have been contributing as an Assistant VP External, to help the external team better track and support ongoing external event initiatives. Through these roles, I have seen firsthand the value well organized events can bring to students who are exploring careers, networking opportunities, or preparing for internships.

I want to apply to the Co-VP external role to continue to strengthen the bridge between the UBC computer science community and the tech industry. If elected, I will focus on improving the engagement, quality and quantity of our external events. This includes supporting more meaningful interactions between students and companies, expanding opportunities for career focused workshops, and ensuring our flagship events continue to grow in impact. I am dedicated to supporting our community as Co-VP External. Thank you for your consideration!

Greetings everyone! My name is Apoorva Devarakonda, and I’m a fourth-year Computer Science student running for CSSS Co-VP External.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as an External Officer for CSSS (2024–25) and currently as the Interim VP External (2025–26). In these roles, I’ve helped manage the External team in coordinating industry-facing events, working on sponsorship outreach, and collaborating with companies such as Google and Atlassian. I was also one of the head organizers for the 2026 Technical Career Fair, where I contributed to organizing logistics and strengthening connections between students and industry partners.

As a CS student who is also navigating the process of searching for internships and co-op opportunities, I understand how valuable it can be to have accessible ways to connect with companies, learn about different career paths, and hear directly from people working in the industry. Events like networking sessions, workshops, and career fairs can make a real difference in helping students feel more prepared and informed as they explore their next steps.

If elected, I hope to continue supporting initiatives that bring meaningful industry engagement to the CS community. My goal is to help maintain strong partnerships with companies, support impactful events, and create opportunities that allow students to learn, connect, and grow professionally.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this role and work alongside Saurav to continue building these connections.

Thank you for your consideration.

VP Internal

1 candidate
Photo of Marcus Lim
Photo of Draco Ferreira Souza

Marcus Lim & Draco Ferreira Souza

VP Internal

The cube should feel like a second home on campus. Whether using the microwaves, playing games, or resting, we are committed to making the cube a space where every student feels welcome, supported and energized.

We’re 3rd year CS students who regularly use the cube between classes, grabbing snacks, unwinding with friends or catching up on work. We’ve seen firsthand what makes the cube work well, and where improvements are needed.

This past year, we’ve noticed operational challenges that need to be addressed. Together as Co-VP Internals, we believe the cube can become a stronger, more reliable hub for connection, relaxation and collaboration. We plan to:

  1. Have transparent and more detailed hiring processes to ensure consistent availability and reliable restocking throughout the year

  2. Develop comprehensive training for all officers to improve professionalism, accountability and the overall student experience

  3. Refresh food and drink options based on student preferences to better meet community needs

  4. Open regular feedback channels including the whiteboard and Discord to ensure student voices shape cube decisions

  5. Hosting social events and gatherings, including game nights, to strengthen community connection and increase cube engagement

VP Culture

2 candidates
Photo of Angelina Zoght

Angelina Zoght

VP Culture

The following was written with Grok, reader discretion is advised (side effects may include giggles and the urge to fight dragons). Greetings, CSSSers! I’m Angelina Zoght, fourth-year CS BSc (low-key mid unc, fight me). I come in peace to run for the position of Cultural Vice President with good vibes and six seven.

My biggest passion is ensuring you have actual fun in this economy where ramen is a flex.

Confession: I’m a human, for real, I feel the post-debug existential void after leetcode hell, examlets, and that one assignment (iykyk).

Been there: Interned at SAP last year and organized a team outing where we fought dragons (which was bussin’, no cap). Volunteered with SUS to help run career events, so I can plan without total implosion. (Rare skill.)

If elected VP Culture, I’ll: Auramaxx the club (max vibes, connection, goated energy) Actually use your feedback instead of “post in #general and pray” Vibe-code epic socials, retreats, and your wildest ideas (dragon team-building arc loading…) Make a secret exec/officer webpage for idea submissions (no more lost bangers in chat) Keep us thriving in peace, harmony, and fewer segfaults

Culture = “we survived, time for snacks and big yikes energy” “Yeah, I’m the fun side of the operation” ~ my Discord PFP “Let that sink in” ~ Elon Musk “Why aren’t there forks in the Cube?” ~ me, probably

Vote Angelina for less mid, more maxxed aura. Peace, love, and trusting the natural recursion, Angelina Zoght

Photo of Ashley da Roza

Ashley da Roza

VP Culture

Hi! I’m Ashley da Roza, your hopefully upcoming VP Culture for CSSS! I’m a second-year BSc CS major who likes drawing and writing when I have the time (and also a fair bit of watching anime). In this position, I hope to plan and execute some amazing team-building events to promote a happy and healthy club environment among our execs! In my group of friends I often serve as the planner. I love organizing social get-togethers and making sure they go smoothly, so this really is my dream role!

Depending on the weather, I hope to have a variety of both indoor and outdoor events (especially the latter since we have to beat the CS student allegations)!

Expect hikes, board game nights, and maybe even some more extensive getaways (if budget allows)! Going into next year, I aim to keep spirits up so my club teammates can deliver all the events and services you love from our very own CSSS!

VP Admin

1 candidate
Photo of Christopher Chen

Christopher Chen

VP Admin

Hi Computer Science students, I am running to be your next VP Admin!

As VP Admin, I will do important things, such as overseeing technical projects, keeping up to date with our constitution and bylaws, and taking good meeting minutes.

Most importantly, I will advocate for and represent the wants and needs of the computer science student body. If you think I’m a good fit, please vote for me!

#computersciencerocks

VP Social

1 candidate
Photo of Cindy Wu

Cindy Wu & Jonathan Li

VP Social

Jonathan (Jonny) Li and Cindy Wu are ecstatic to be running to be your next Co-VP Socials! Both of us have extensive team-based event planning experience, and are confident that our respective experiences in these collaborative environments will allow us to work and lead effectively.

We both have experience planning fun social events, primarily through our 2 years in UBC’s Science Undergraduate Society/SUS. This year, Cindy has taken on leadership positions as SUS HR Co-Chair as well as Computer Science Representative (meaning she also has a term of experience on the CSSS exec team!), and Jonny has also been planning events with the Chinese Student Association (CSA). Combined, we have a cumulative, distinctive 21 events planned under our belts!

The two of us are ready to bring our past event planning, teamwork, and leadership experiences to keep running fun events with the Computer Science Student Society!

VP Finance

2 candidates
Photo of Albert Guo

Albert Guo

VP Finance

The CSSS is a club that consistently delivers meaningful, high quality events and opportunities for students. From the Tech Career Fair to smaller workshops and socials, strong financial management is the backbone that makes these experiences possible. I’m committed to ensuring that the club’s resources are used effectively to maximize their impact on the student community.

I’m Albert, a third-year Computer Science and Statistics major. Through using the club’s spaces, resources, and attending its events, I’ve seen the important role the CSSS plays in supporting students. I want to contribute by ensuring the club remains financially organized and well-supported so it can continue providing value to the community.

We all know how important strong finances are to running a successful club, and any improvements can have a significant impact. In particular, I believe there are opportunities to strengthen transparency and decision-making. As VP Finance, I want to build a system that is not only efficient, but also open and data-driven.

I plan to:

  • Expand fundraising efforts to increase available funds to support more of and increase the quality of all the club’s impactful events and resources.
  • Improve financial transparency by sharing clear budget breakdowns and receipts so students understand how funds are being used to improve their university experience
  • Use analytics to evaluate spending, helping guide decisions toward what benefits students the most
  • Create accessible channels for financial questions and feedback, such as Discord or email

Overall, my goal is to help build a financially strong, transparent, and student focused CSSS.

Photo of Lily Liu
Photo of Madhur Singla

Lily Liu & Madhur Singla

VP Finance

We’re excited to jointly run for the VP Finance position and to bring together our shared commitment to supporting the UBC CS community! As members of the CSSS, we are motivated to contribute to the further growth of the club, and finance plays a huge role in enabling many of the club’s initiatives. We aim to ensure that funding is managed responsibly and maximizes value for CS students.

If elected, we plan on maintaining clear and accessible budget tracking, ensuring timely reimbursements and invoice processing, and strengthening communication between internal teams part of the CSSS and external partners/sponsors.

VP Communications

1 candidate
Photo of Jennifer Li
Photo of Jasmine Xu

Jennifer Li & Jasmine Xu

VP Communications

Hi everyone! Our names are Jennifer and Jasmine, and we’re excited to run as Co–VP Communications this year.

Jennifer has served as VP Communications for the 2025/26 year, and she aims to continue working hard with the communications team to ensure CSSS events are consistently marketed and accessible to students. She hopes to expand into more interactive content—such as short-form videos and reels—to strengthen student engagement, as well as develop a comprehensive branding guide for CSSS to maintain a cohesive brand.

Jasmine worked as a Graphic Designer with the 2025/26 CSSS Communications team. After collaborating with CSSS throughout the year, she is thrilled to co-run as VP Communications with Jennifer. Jasmine strives to establish clear communication and goals for the team and proposes to design blueprints and media templates that will streamline the workflow in the production of promotional products for all committees across CSSS.

Together, we are committed to leading the Communications team and supporting CSSS in effectively connecting students with Computer Science events and initiatives that will foster a strong CS community at UBC.