David C. Saavedra

David, born and raised in NM just like many other Lobos, is currently working toward obtaining a Master of Public Administration degree.

David is running for GPSA President because he is dedicated to giving back to the community and looks forward to a fulfilling career in public service. He believes that the office belongs to all graduate and professional students; their perspectives are UNM’s most valuable asset. He commits to supporting the graduate and professional student population by serving as a mode of communication between students and UNM administration with integrity.

David looks forward to serving you as GPSA President!

Aaron Cowan

Aaron Cowan is a doctoral student in Learning Sciences.  He has master’s degrees in Public Administration and OILS, as well as undergraduate degrees all from UNM.  He is running for President after years of service in multiple GPSA committee chair positions. Aaron is committed to getting maximum benefits for UNM students.  He believes GPSA members must be paid fairly for their hard work.  He teaches citizenship at Catholic Charities, and fights for opportunity for all students, including the undocumented, while holding UNM administration accountable. He is a TA and RA and strongly supports unionization.

Benjamin Gerstner

Ben has served in various roles within the GPSA; Grants Committee Member (2017), Fill-in RDSA Representative (Spring 2020), RDSA Representative (Fall 2020 – Current), LSC Vice-Chair (Spring 2021). Given this experience and natural tenacity to understanding processes, he seeks to continue to lead the Council towards increased efficiency, transparency and RDSA participation.

He firmly believes communication is key to resolution and maintains a deep respect for viewpoints outside of his own. In this position he will work to create an official joint-research and analytics team with the executive branch, tasked with providing data-backed reports for the legislation brought forth to Council.

Alyssa Espinoza 

As a medical student at UNM’s School of Medicine, Alyssa wants to foster an environment that helps graduate students succeed by improving issues that impact them most. Improving GPSA’s communication and collaboration across campuses (as stated in their mission) is a top priority of hers. Having graduated from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, she knows the importance of educational and professional advancement and believes in championing diversity initiatives and inclusiveness policies that reflect our community and improve campus culture. When not studying Alyssa enjoys trying out new recipes from her Indian cookbook, picnics with her dog and swimming.

Aaron Cowan

Aaron Cowan is a doctoral student in Learning Sciences.  He has master’s degrees in Public Administration and OILS, as well as undergraduate degrees all from UNM.  He is running for Council Chair after years of service in multiple GPSA committee chair positions. Aaron is committed to getting maximum benefits for UNM students.  He believes GPSA members must be paid fairly for their hard work.  He teaches citizenship at Catholic Charities, and fights for opportunity for all students, including the undocumented, while holding UNM administration accountable. He is a TA and RA and strongly supports unionization.