GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL
The Graduate Student Council (GSC) interdisciplinary organization of graduate students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, working with the Graduate Studies Office, with a common interest to improve and enhance the quality of the graduate students鈥� experience at 草榴社区. Our goal is to create opportunities for students to participate in social, academic and community activities.
We regard representing our departments in the University as a continuing and progressive movement. We believe that the change, productivity and community atmosphere we generate will be passed on to the next group of graduate student members.
REPRESENTATIVES
Cecily Ritchie - President
President: Cecily Ritchie
(She/Her)
Cecily Ritchie is a second-year graduate student pursuing her masters in Higher Education Leadership. She is from the Philadelphia suburbs, and a third-generation 草榴社区 student! Cecily graduated in May of 2023 from Lehigh University for her bachelor's degree where she studied Health, Medicine, & Society, Environmental Studies, and Marketing. Cecily was involved in many aspects of student life and leadership in extracurriculars as an undergraduate student. She hopes to pursue a career in student life after the completion of her masters. At 草榴社区, Cecily is also a Graduate Assistant in the Office for Undergraduate Students, 草榴社区 Challenge Course Facilitator, Bystander Intervention Trainer, and Graduate Student Ambassador.聽
VP of Communication - Emily Khoo
VP of Communication: Emily Khoo
Emily Khoo is a second-year graduate student pursuing her master鈥檚 in Psychological Sciences, from Malacca, Malaysia. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychological sciences with minors in philosophy and human resource management. During her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, Emily was an LSAMP research scholar and worked as a research coordinator in Dr. Eckhardt's Intimate Partner Violence Lab, contributed to neuroimaging research at Dr. Foti鈥檚 Pacer Lab, and investigated neurodevelopmental disorders comorbid to Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dr. Kelleher's lab. Extending beyond academics, Emily was also a student ambassador for the College of Health and Human Sciences and volunteered at Mental Health America鈥檚 Crisis Center as a Crisis Specialist offering suicide prevention services, crisis intervention, and more. At 草榴社区, she served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Rebecca Brand and is currently a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Ben Sachs, where she plays an active role in the Sachs Lab's research using animal models. Additionally, Emily is also a graduate research assistant in Dr. Erica Slotter鈥檚 Social Self Lab and a graduate animal research assistant for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. During her free time, she loves to play the piano, volunteer at the animal shelter, try out new recipes, binge-watch TV series, and travel. Upon graduation, Emily plans to venture into market and UX research.
VP of Social Activities - Sophia Edwards
VP of Social Activities: Sophia Edwards
Sophia Edwards is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Certificate of Graduate Study in Cell and Molecular Biology. She is from Sarasota, FL, but spent the past four years in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Boston College in May 2024, where she pursued a major in Public Health and a minor in Biology while competing all four years for their D1 varsity women鈥檚 tennis team. In her senior year, she was a captain of the team. During her undergraduate experience, she conducted public health epidemiological research under Dr. Phil Landrigan and was also involved in many student organizations and leadership roles. Given her background in public health and her love for biology, Sophia hopes to pursue medical school upon graduation. At 草榴社区, she is a Graduate Student Ambassador and competing for the Wildcats on the D1 tennis team.
VP of Finance - Eileen Park
VP of Finance: Eileen Park
Eileen Park is a second-year graduate student pursuing her master鈥檚 in Chemistry. Eileen grew up in Queens and moved to Bergen County, NJ with her family. She graduated 草榴社区 in May of 2023 for her bachelor鈥檚 degree. She was a Chemistry and Biochemistry double major and minored in mathematics. During her undergraduate experience, Eileen conducted research with the Jorn Lab and focused on battery research. She is continuing her research as a graduate student. Eileen was an active member of Blue Key at 草榴社区 and is currently a resident assistant as well as a teaching assistant in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. Furthermore, Eileen is the Chemistry Graduate Senator. She hopes to go on to get her doctorate in Chemistry.
VP of Philanthropy - David Heuring
VP of Philanthropy:聽David Heuring聽
David Heuring is a first-year graduate student pursuing a degree in Higher Education Leadership. He was originally from Taiwan but moved to Ottawa Hills, Ohio where he graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Toledo. He is currently the Coordinator of Professional Development for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, specializing in assisting students with their search for internships. David was a highly active student during his undergraduate career, including being a student employee for numerous on-campus offices such as Orientation, Career Services, and Auxiliary Services. He was also on the executive board for many student-led organizations such as student government, Asian student union, and political clubs around campus. During his free time, David enjoys debating philosophy, participating in political activism, cooking new recipes, and sunbathing by the windows with his cat.
Zach Baker - VP of Academic Affairs
VP of Academic Affairs: Zach Baker
Zachary Baker is a second-year graduate student pursuing his Master of Science in Biology. Zachary is from Houston, Texas, but comes to us from Orange County, California, where he graduated from Chapman University in 2022 with a bachelor's of science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. While there Zachary conducted research on hagfish, sparking his love for biology, and engaged in multiple student organizations ranging from university specific such as STEMTORS, a science-based mentorship program for inner-city youth, to national programs like the American Chemical Society or Tri-Beta. At 草榴社区, Zachary is the graduate senator for the biology department and a committed research student. He is always happy to chat about science, marine conservation, or student life.