We help student governments succeed

MA, PhD, University of Toronto
BA, University of Ottawa

Justin Patrick is an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at Wenzhou-Kean University. His research focuses on student leadership in global perspective, including ways that students can develop leadership skills while actively making a difference to enrich their school and campus communities.

Dr. Patrick’s research explores students’ potential to benefit the world around them, even before they graduate. He goes wherever his research focus takes him, which has resulted in publications involving qualitative research, quantitative research, as well as theory and philosophy. He researches student leadership in both K-12 and higher education contexts. He is passionate about developing courses and practical research opportunities that empower students to publish academic works, so they can maximize their chances of success on post-graduation job markets.

During his years as a student, Dr. Patrick served in a variety of student leadership roles from campus to global levels, culminating in his role as President of the Global Student Government (2022-2024). In 2024, he negotiated a merger between the Global Student Government and the Global Student Forum to unite students around the world and give a boost to their extracurricular activities.

MMASc, Western University
BA, BSc, University of Waterloo

Trevor Potts is the Director of Research and Policy at Evidence for Democracy. Trevor has previously worked in Global Operations with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as well as Program Coordinator with Aga Khan University, having completed his Global Health Masters degree at Western University.

From 2022-2024, Trevor led policy development at the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), advocating for improved research funding, student aid supports, and optimized federal programs for Canada’s post-secondary students. During his time as Policy Analyst – and later Senior Policy Advisor – with CASA, Trevor published 11 policy papers on core student issues, including graduate research, mental health, international students, financial aid, and food insecurity. He also served as a policy advisor on multiple parliamentary consultations, including the CMHC consultation on GST removal for new student residences. Trevor’s foundational role in CASA’s advocacy efforts was a contributing factor in major student advocacy wins, including the creation of a $500 million Youth Mental Health Fund, the removal of federal student loan interest, and the first investment in graduate student scholarships in over 20 years.

Trevor has been a regular contributor to the Ontario Undergraduate Student Union’s Educated Solutions and Shared Perspectives publications since 2022. He has also previously worked for the Canadian Science Policy Centre and Fair Vote Canada, and is an active member of the Canadian International Council, Coalition for Canadian Research, and Angus Reid Forum. His publications include contributions to The Hill Times, Policy Options, The Equation, and the National Observer.

MSc, Université de Montréal
BA, Burman University

Oleksii currently manages the McGill Community for Lifelong Learning, a student-led community based on peer learning. He previously worked at the International Political Science Association. His graduate research project, which focused on measuring the efficacy of Belgian student unions, provided the foundation for a methodology for the Canadian Student Unions Index. He has also held leadership roles at the International Association for Political Science Students and the Canadian International Council. His publications include contributions to the Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education, Le Devoir, and Politikon: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science.