Derek DeMello

Name: Derek DeMello

Contact info: derek.demello@gmail.com

Degree Program(s): History PhD

Home Country: United States

Role in Graduate Student Government: Liaison Officer

Reason behind joining the GSG as an officer: As an active member of the UMaine Graduate Workers Union organizing committee and member of the Graduate Student Government, this position was a natural fit that I was enthusiastic to take on.

 

As an officer in the GSG, how would you like to contribute in such a way that you improve the situation for graduate students?: As Liaison Officer it is my responsibility to be a bridge between the undergraduate University of Maine Student Government, the UMaine Graduate Workers Union, and other groups as needs arise. I believe in coalition-building and solidarity, and know that my work in developing a spectrum of positive relationships will earn trust, help us understand others, and have our needs better comprehended and respected by others.

 

Long-Term Career Goals: Public education and social justice are core values of mine. I will maintain lifelong ties to academia, while doing public history outreach, curriculum development, and advocating alongside Indigenous communities.

 

Research at UMaine: Indigenous peoples of northeast North America

 

Involvement in clubs and other organizations: Secretary of History Graduate Student Association (HGSA), University of Maine Graduate Workers Union (UMGWU)

 

Hobbies: Traveling, baseball, LEGOs, and spending time with family and friends