Presidential Welcome 2026/7
Hi everyone, and a huge welcome to the Biomedicine Students' Society!
BSS Committee 2025/6 at the Annual Charity Ball
My name is Andre, and along with Tessa, we are honoured to be your BSS Co-Presidents for the 2026/7 (hehe 67) term! Whether you're a returning member or stepping into our space for the very first time, we'd be delighted to be part of the ride!
The Biomedicine Students' Society was founded in 2009, and is the faculty society for Bachelor of Biomedicine Students under the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
This year, Tessa and I aim to follow the following ethos:
Our Ethos
Inclusivity & Community Focus
Commitment
Growth & Collaboration
Academic Support & University Transition
Extracurricular Relief and Wellbeing
The BB Family
As we say farewell to our 2025/6 committee, we want to express our deepest appreciation for their efforts in bring together family they've fostered over the past year. A special thank you to our 2025/6 Co-Presidents, Dan Wulff and Izzy Rykers, for their support, mentorship and dedication to our team.
We also want to thank our departing executives and committee members from the 2025/6 term - Belle Phung (Secretary), Vanessa Dong (Treasurer), Tabitha Burge (Events Director), Zelda de Souza (Publications Director), Evelyn Yang (Welfare Officer) and Emily Matthews (Projects Director) for their incredible efforts throughout the year! It has truly been a pleasure working with you all!
To the new BSS team, fasten your seatbelts - it's going to be one hell of a ride. Tessa and I cannot wait to see what you all bring to the table, and see how this next chapter of BSS unfolds as we continue to grow our community!
With the torch passed on, let's introduce the lovely bunch who'll be taking us to the next chapter:
Executive Team:
Co-Presidents: Andre Alberto & Tessa Kashkarov
Secretary: Krisha Mahinay
Treasurer: Yuzu Liu
Committee:
Events Officer: Kate Liu
Welfare Officer: Shuying Jiang
Education Officer: Rupert Sternson
Projects Officers: Emma Mubalama & Karine Tan
Publications Officer: Merna Mekha
Sub-committee:
Alessia Mancarella
Ruby Hacker
Edison Vergara
Ravindu Kappagoda
Ishaan Patel
Itim Kangwansurakry
Satrio Wijoyo
Christabelle Kyla Tjokrosaputro
What We Do
BSS exists to make your Biomedicine degree feel less like a timetable and more like a community. Here's a peak into what's on the cards this year:
O-Week Activations 🎉
Biomedicine Induction
Welcome BBQ
How-to-Melbourne Series
Socials and Community
BSS BBQs on South Lawn 🌭
BSS x Monash Biomed Soc Trivia Night
Cocktail Night 🕺
Camp 🏕️
The fastest way to meet your cohort
The Annual Charity Ball 🪩
Academic Support
BSS Revision Lectures
Study with BB 🧪
GAMSAT Preparation
Why Join BSS?
Had you asked me in first-year, I would've never seen myself joining any university club/society, let alone becoming Co-President of one. Stepping into University, it was quite daunting as the path ahead was full of uncertainty and an incredible amount of work. It was easy for me to think that my life at uni had to be coursework-focused, and while it is quite important, I thought it would leave me no time to make friends and meaningful connections that could last me a lifetime.
So... I didn't. I said no to BSS. I said no to camp. I said no to distractions.
And eventually, I realised that my uni experience wasn't fulfilling. My transition to this new environment was mundane, uneventful, and honestly, quite grim. My social circle was small, and most of my high school friends were attending other universities, so I was often alone.
Until one day, one of my dear friends encouraged me to run as a Second-Year Representative for the BSS near the end of Semester 2, 2025 (shoutout to Ezann). She had served a term as a First-Year Representative, and shared her great experiences as part of the BSS family. Her experience going to BSS BBQs, meetings and other social events is what I was lacking. It was the one thing I wished I had more of in my uni-life - a social calendar. Despite not knowing many people in my Biomedicine cohort, I went out on a limb, pitched myself to an audience of strangers, and left the room having met some of the most incredible characters - of whom I know I'll be with through thick and thin.
So, take it from me. Your university experience is defined by the choices you make outside of the classroom, which leads me to my challenge!
My challenge to you is simple: don't wait until Second-Year to say "yes".
As you stand at the start of your University journey, know that you don't have to do it alone. BSS is not just a club - it's a community and your support system!
Don't forget to follow us @bss.uom on Instagram and come say hi at our next event!
Again, welcome to the BSS! We're incredibly excited to meet you and help you write your own story, make lifelong friends, and find your family away from home.
Want to become a member?
Join BSS through the UMSU website or by clicking the button below:
Memberships are $10, but you receive exclusive member access to discounts for BSS events and partner discounts!
See you soon!
~ Andre & Tessa
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