BA Cultural and Media Studies student Yalian Liu elected as an Executive Officer at Leeds University Union

Final year BA Cultural and Media Studies student Yalian Liu has been elected by University of Leeds students to serve as International and Postgraduate Officer for Leeds University Union in 2025/6.

In this full-time role as an Executive Officer, Yalian will act as a trustee of Leeds University Union (LUU) and contribute to strategic decisions about the Union's direction as an organisation. She will also represent the voice of over 40,000 students in high-level decision making at LUU and the University of Leeds.

Yalian (Katrina) Liu began her time at the University of Leeds through an International Foundation Year before taking up her studies in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.

As an undergraduate student on the BA Cultural and Media Studies course, she has actively engaged in many events and initiatives in the university (including as an Intercultural Ambassador). She was a programme-level student rep and is now one of two School Representatives.

Election announcement for International & Postgraduate Officer at Leeds University Union with photo of Yalian Lui

Katrina Lui, International & Postgraduate Officer for 2025/6. Photo courtesy of Yalian (Katrina) Lui.

Yalian said:

“This is my fourth year in Leeds, and this community has become a cherished part of my life. I’ve had a wonderful time here and am considering pursuing my Masters studies in this university.

“The support I’ve received from the School of Fine Art, History of Art, and Cultural Studies has been incredible and I’m grateful for their encouragement throughout this journey.

“Over the past four years, I have actively engaged in community events and discussions, participated in several university projects, and gained valuable insights into the system.

“I now look forward to contributing to this diverse community and driving positive change.”

Yalian (Katrina) Lui in her home town in Guangxi province, taken shortly before starting her studies at the University of Leeds.

Dr Claudia Sternberg, Senior Lecturer in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies and Yalian’s personal tutor, said:

“I have known Yalian since she came fully on board from the International Foundation Year and think that her broad academic interests – which range from anime and CCD (charge-coupled device) photography to Tolkien – have been well served in the school.

“Yalian has built strong networks and knows the university really well through her work as a student rep and ambassador. It is a great achievement that one of our Cultural and Media Studies students has won a university-wide election.

“I am convinced that Yalian will be a committed and effective LUU Officer in the next academic year.”