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Meet Our
Bargaining Committee! Learning more about our elected bargaining committee which is comprised of both members on our executive board and district representatives!
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The Negotiating Committee
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The negotiating committee is a subsection of the bargaining committee and are those who will be at the bargaining table with the university administration negotiating for our next contract!
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Role: President
Department: History Pronouns: She/Her |
Grace Easterly
When I’m not organizing with the union, I’m a PhD student in the History department and mom to orange cat Murphy. I started organizing with the union my first year as a PhD student because I was so inspired to see what a difference a union could make for us as Grad Assistants and postdocs at UConn. Since then, I’ve been a steward and then staff organizer and am excited to take on the role of president. Bargaining is an opportunity to advocate for our vision of a truly democratic, equitable, diverse, and vibrant university. By workers raising our voices and sharing our perspectives, we can help shape a university that contributes to the public good. |
Role: Vice President
Department: History Pronouns: He/Him |
Alex Kueny
I am a second-year History PhD student and I'm thrilled to be the Vice President of the UConn GEU. I was inspired to run for this position because I believe in the strength and resiliency of organized workplaces. When I'm not working with the union I'm usually riding my bike, or working on my historical research, which centers around the relationships between slavery, capitalism, revolutions, and state formation in the US and UK. I'm excited for this year's bargaining campaign because I think strong unions and strong contracts are what will save higher education in this country. |
Role: Financial Secretary
Department: Educational Psychology Pronouns: He/Him |
Marcus Harris
I a second-year PhD student in the University of Connecticut's Research Methods, Measurement, and Evaluation program. Since the first General Membership Meeting (GMM) I attended in the fall of my first year, I have been present and active in the union. I am a part of the organizing committee where we strategize on how to recruit and educate graduate students about the benefits of being a part of the union. I also helped start the union’s first Research Committee. I am passionate about bargaining with the UConn GEU UAW Local 6950 because it is how we build power, hold the university accountable, and ensure graduate workers have a strong collective voice. |
Role: Sergeant-At-Arms
Department: Natural Resources and the Environment Pronouns: She/They |
Anika Agrawal
When I’m not dissertating or organizing, you can find me reading, crocheting, or playing with my cat Mishti. I’m a PhD Candidate in Natural Resources and the Environment. I study how contaminants move through food webs and what that means for marine organisms as well as human consumers of shellfish. I love all things ocean! I am excited about bargaining to be able to protect grad workers’ rights and to fight for what is important to our community. |
Role: District 1B Representative
Department: Biomedical Engineering Pronouns: He/They |
Alexander Blagojevic
I'm a fourth year BME PhD student researching laser fabrication of neurostimulation devices. I'm learning to play bass, I have a growing pin collection, and I'm a cancer survivor. I'm passionate about bargaining, because I've seen how much of a difference just a small group of people who care can make for our friends and fellow students. |
Role: District 2 Representative
Department: Political Science Pronouns: She/Her |
Lily Luo
I am a scholar, poet, and teacher who is currently working on a dissertation about the revolutionary legacy of Grace Lee Boggs and the power of radical pedagogy. Before graduate school, I worked in Boston as a community organizer and activist, organizing around issues of racial and economic justice with seniors and people of faith throughout Massachusetts. I am pumped to be part of the bargaining committee so that we can collectively fight for our international workers' rights, a dignified living, and our ability to stand in solidarity with workers around the world. Together we bargain, divided we beg! |
Role: District 3 Representative
Department: Natural Resources Pronouns: She/They |
Olivia Bradberry
I'm a GA in the Natural Resources department working on a project about human-carnivore interactions in urban areas. In previous wildlife technician positions, I've experienced egregious workplace conditions and expectations, so I feel so lucky and energized to not only be represented by the GEU but also to help work towards the best possible contract for my current and future coworkers! |
Role: District 6 Representative
Department: Marine Sciences Pronouns: She/Her |
Anne Gilewski
I am a second-year PhD student in the Marine Sciences Department at Avery Point. I started union involvement as a unit steward since our campus needed representation for questions or issues that a GA might have concerning our contract. I was inspired to join the Grievance, Organizing, and Bargaining Committees because I could see myself making a difference for our members, and more importantly, I am a resource for the Avery Point community. Our rights as graduate assistants must be preserved and protected. Having the good fortune to become a member of this committee while in the early phase of my program ensures that I, and my fellow cohorts, enjoy a safe and productive learning environment. |
Advisory Committee
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The advisory committee is a subsection of the bargaining committee and consist of members of the bargaining committee who help prepare for negotiations.
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Role: Trustee
Department: Agriculture and Resource Economics Pronouns: He/Him |
Jimmy Palmer
I am in my second year of the Agriculture and Resource Economics (ARE) PhD program. My work assesses the predicted economic impact climate change has on resources pivotal for survival and to find what economic institutions can be created to mitigate such harms. I gladly and continuously pay union dues, participate in union meetings, and work with the union’s executive board to give back to others who share our common interests as a bargaining unit. As a Trustee of our local union, I will help ensure and improve the fiscal soundness of our union by participating in physical and financial audits. Serving on our bargaining committee is important for me to share our recommitment to each other and our incomes. |
Role: GA Unit Representative
Department: Engineering Education Pronouns: She/Her |
Erin Egersheim
I am a first-year PhD student in Engineering Education. Outside of academia, I like to read fantasy books, embroider/crochet and be active outdoors. I joined the union in the fall of 2023, and I am excited to be the Graduate Assistant Unit Representative. In my role, I will be attending the general membership meetings, participating in e-board decision making and discussions, as well as sitting in various committees and union activities. My goal is to meet members across the unions, so I can properly advocate their interests. As graduate students, time is limited and meetings are not always doable. I hope to be a voice for those who have limited time but would like to be heard. I am excited about bargaining because it is our chance to fight for expanded rights and benefits. |
