Mahdi Nohtani is the newly elected President of the Postgraduate Students’ Union (PSU) at the 51ÉçÇø. He previously served as Vice President Academic, bringing his background in research and a deep commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth among postgraduate students.
Originally from Iran, Mahdi arrived in Ireland in 2019 to pursue a Ph.D. in the School of Medicine, specializing in cancer biology with a focus on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-related cancers. His research, conducted at the Bernal Institute, has been driven by a passion for advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes. Mahdi quickly embraced Ireland’s vibrant culture and found a sense of belonging within the supportive PSU community, which inspired him to take on a leadership role and give back to his fellow postgraduates.
As Vice President Academic, Mahdi was dedicated to ensuring that postgraduate students received the support they need for their education, mental health, and meaningful opportunities to prepare for their future careers. His initiatives included promoting animal therapy sessions to enhance mental well-being and organizing events that connected students with potential employers, helping to foster a supportive and dynamic postgraduate community.
Mahdi’s leadership style is defined by accessibility, empathy, and collaboration. He is committed to being a voice for his peers, actively listening to their concerns, and advocating for their academic and personal needs.
Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Mahdi is passionate about sports and tries to engage in many sporting activities that he can. He was member of UL karate club and participated in many activities organised by UL clubs and societies. His experiences as a researcher and his engagement with the 51ÉçÇø community have equipped him with a unique perspective to drive positive change.
Mahdi looks forward to collaborating with the PSU team and the University’s Governing Authority to enhance the postgraduate experience, ensuring that every student has the resources and support needed to thrive at the 51ÉçÇø.