Philosophy student Mehrafarin Sayyadi Nejad is connecting students through social events, language sessions and poetry nights, supporting people to have more open conversations in challenging times.
Mehraf first became interested in philosophy when her mum took her to a class aged 9. She knew then that she wanted to “continue doing this, continue exploring difficult fundamental questions.”
When it came to choosing universities, UCL’s global outlook and focus on ‘disruptive thinking’ really resonated.
It’s an international and intersectional hub of cultures, languages, disciplines and knowledge, you genuinely feel like you're meeting people from every corner of the world. I don’t think I would have got the unique experience I have anywhere else.
As Welfare Officer for the Iranian Society, Mehraf has made a positive impact on student life: organising events, weekly language sessions and popular bi-weekly poetry nights in an effort to bring people together, support student wellbeing and hold honest and open dialogues among the UCL community.
With the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Mehraf’s work to educate people about Iranian culture and hopes for the emancipation of people, women, and youth in the region have been hugely valuable. She has been praised for her calm and measured approach when managing more difficult conversations.
It’s so important to be patient and empathetic and give each other the chance to talk. We live in an increasingly polarised political environment, and you sometimes forget that people are living lives that can be quite similar to yours.
Whilst at UCL she has also completed the Arete Fellowship within the Effective Altruism Society at UCL, where she explored AI governance and safeguarding. Mehraf is also involved in the Data Science Society and has participated in the society-run Project Labs competition with teammates.
Now approaching her final year of study, Mehraf is looking to continue her career in academia, focusing on AI ethics and, longer-term, become a philosophy professor in Iran.
I want to give back to my community and shape the minds of Iranian youth for the future of my country. The consequences of negligence, in people not thinking clearly, not paying attention to details, not being empathetic enough, need to be addressed further.
