Do you know who’s running for SGA’s Spring 2021 elections? We asked the candidates to share a bit about themselves and why they are running for office.
The Technology Representative and Engineering Representative races will each have 4 positions available this election and will be selected via Ranked Choice Vote. All other races will have a single winner.
President
Samantha Ashby
No response received
Vice President
Antonio Hendricks (He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Computer Engineering: Machine Intelligence and Autonomous Robotic Systems
Home City
Tampa, Florida
Views
What should students know about you?
I chose Florida Poly over UF and the other big schools in the state because I was inspired by the story of the ambitious upstart university that wanted to the premier STEM school in the state, a lot like the high school of my former years and myself, really.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to see this campus meet the grandiose pursuit of current/incoming students and alumni. That is, the rising Polytechnic, phoenix, ready to take on the big-league universities and carve out our space in the higher-education system. There was a notion that we’re aiming to be MIT of the South; better yet, that they will soon be vying to be the Florida Poly of the North. I believe the best way for us to spread our wings is with pride and ambition and perseverance. We need to engage in competition and collaboration, with fellow phoenixes and members outside the Nest.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
SGA Senate Pro-Tempore, VP of IEEE and the Force Institute, member of NSBE, Purple Fire Robotics, and a math SEA (TA) for almost 3 years.
What do you do for fun?
I study moral philosophy, follow the latest tech news, and stay involved on-campus through RSOs, CAB events, and volunteer services when not running errands.
Chief of Staff
Victoria Andrade Correa (She/Her)
Major / Concentration
Computer Engineering
Home City
Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
Views
What should students know about you?
I’m an international student with a passion for AI/ML and Diversity and Inclusion and a love for learning. As such, I strive to be inclusive to all people in any work I do.
Why are you running for this position?
As Chief of Staff, I want to continue to help our students by paying attention to matters that concern the student body, as well as acting as the students voice when asked in order to facilitate conversations between our students and the school. I also want to continue my work as SOC Chair on supporting life on campus by continuing to sit in SOC meetings, as well as acting as support for CAB.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I’m the Vice-President of Programming Club, the treasurer for HKN, FL Poly’s first honor society, and a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador.
What do you do for fun?
Mostly study, read, watch videos/movies or play video games. I love learning, so a good portion of my time is spent studying.
Connor Murphy
No response received
Treasurer
Jake Greenberg
No response received
Technology Representative
Melia Rodriguez
(She/Her)
Major / Concentration
Computer Science – Software Engineering
Home City
Miramar, FL
Views
What should students know about you?
I’m open to hearing your thoughts, views, and wishes so if you ever have any ideas don’t hesitate to reach out! Your opinions are extremely important when it comes to changes on this campus, so I want to make sure your voice is heard.
Why are you running for this position?
I have a passion for change and want to work to make this campus a better place for all. I’ve been a part of SGA for the past year and have taken active steps towards making this campus more inclusive and accessible. Reaching out and interacting with my peers is extremely important to me and I’ve found that this is the best way to do it. I want everyone here to feel safe, secure, and comfortable.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
In the SGA, I am in the Senate, SOC, ICC, Staff Appreciation, and NOVA committees. I’m also the Event Director for Robot in 1 Weekend for Purple Fire Robotics.
What do you do for fun?
I play a lot of Minecraft, Skyrim, Pokemon Go, and Animal Crossing with my friends. I also enjoy trips to the beach and swimming.
Graham Gilbert (He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Data Science – Big Data Analytics
Home City
West Palm Beach, Florida
Views
What should students know about you?
This is more than just a position to me. My goal is to make as much of a positive impact on as many Poly students as possible during my time in SGA. My inbox is always open, and I love helping my fellow Phoenixes however
possible.
Why are you running for this position?
I was elected in October 2020 to serve as a Technology Representative and immediately I jumped into every
committee that I could. Throughout my time in SGA to date, it has been very fulfilling to be a part of something
bigger than myself and getting to work on a team with likeminded individuals to help make Poly as enjoyable for
the student body as possible. I would like to be re-elected to follow up on the goals I set this year, and hopefully
see them come to fruition.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
SGA (Current): Technology Representative, Staff Appreciation Ad Hoc Chair, ABC Vice Chair, and member of ICC,
SOC, and NOVA Ad Hoc
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy playing video games, listening to music, and watching various shows and movies. Additionally, I like helping
out whenever I can!
Engineering Representative
Douglas Poole
(He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Mechanical Engineering – Advanced Topics
Home City
Gainesville, FL
Views
What should students know about you?
I am a current freshman; I work on campus at the admissions office as an ambassador. I really love meeting and talking to new people, and having conversations with people.
Why are you running for this position?
After being on campus for a year I really fell in love with the school and the people here. I really want to get more involved with campus, also I want to be a voice for all of the students I talk too.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I am a member of the Force Academy which is a ton of fun. I also like to play bound ball on campus.
What do you do for fun?
I do cosplay! I have an Instagram and tiktok @doc.cosplay
Alexander Gage (They/Them)
Major / Concentration
Engineering Physics
Home City
Venice, Florida
Views
What should students know about you?
I’m a freshman, I have prior experience in student government, both in high school and at poly, I’m interested in researching new technologies and building my skills while I am at poly.
Why are you running for this position?
I plan on continuing my responsibilities in regulating clubs and their budgets and hope to further increase engagement for students so that the college experience here at poly feels more like a full and balanced than just classes.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
Purple fire robotics, chemistry research project with Dr. Kaushik, Work with department of educational outreach
What do you do for fun?
In my free time, I like to ride my bike and do stuff including but not limited to video games online with friends
Antonio Hendricks (He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Computer Engineering: Machine Intelligence and Autonomous Robotic Systems
Home City
Tampa, Florida
Views
What should students know about you?
I chose Florida Poly over UF and the other big schools in the state because I was inspired by the story of the ambitious upstart university that wanted to the premier STEM school in the state, a lot like the high school of my former years and myself, really.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to see this campus meet the grandiose pursuit of current/incoming students and alumni. That is, the rising Polytechnic, phoenix, ready to take on the big-league universities and carve out our space in the higher-education system. There was a notion that we’re aiming to be MIT of the South; better yet, that they will soon be vying to be the Florida Poly of the North. I believe the best way for us to spread our wings is with pride and ambition and perseverance. We need to engage in competition and collaboration, with fellow phoenixes and members outside the Nest.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
SGA Senate Pro-Tempore, VP of IEEE and the Force Institute, member of NSBE, Purple Fire Robotics, and a math SEA (TA) for almost 3 years.
What do you do for fun?
I study moral philosophy, follow the latest tech news, and stay involved on-campus through RSOs, CAB events, and volunteer services when not running errands.
Jake Karas
No response received
Gustavo Maldonado
No response received