Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Zuha Mohiuddin is a first-year MPH student in the Health Policy and Management department at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. She is a native of New York City and graduated from Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College with a degree in biology. At her undergraduate institution, she served as a student senator and held positions in the Governance and Grading committees. She is a current Public Health Scholar within the class of 2026 and plans to explore the intersection of healthcare and business. In her free time, she likes visiting local restaurants and spending time with friends.

Sen. Yvonne Hou is currently pursuing an MA in Biotechnology in the School of Arts and Sciences. She graduated from UC San Diego with dual degrees in Mathematics and English Literature. Yvonne has gained valuable professional experience as a clinical research coordinator at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Montefiore Einstein. Yvonne’s research adventures have taken her to Memphis, Tennessee, and Starkville, Alabama, where she worked on implementation science and behavioral change studies focused on HIV prevention. Driven by a commitment to advancing her knowledge in cutting-edge biomedical technologies, Yvonne is passionate about translating scientific innovations into meaningful benefits for patients. In her spare time, Yvonne loves staying active with Pilates and enjoys playing board games! Don’t hesitate to reach out – she’d love to connect!

Sen. Wena Teng (CC’25) is a Senior at Columbia College, studying race/ethnicity studies and history with a specialization in political economy on the pre-law track. In the University Senate, she serves on the Student Affairs Committee, Education Committee, and the Commission on Diversity.

Born and raised in Queens New York, and attending Columbia as a proud First-Generation student, Wena understands the importance of community relations, financial security, housing, labor rights, and more. She is excited to take these experiences to the University Senate, with a focus on continuing to grow student life on campus and in our city through improvements in diversity, student affairs, labor justice, financial accessibility, and community solidarity.

As a Laidlaw Scholar, Truman Scholar (NY), and legal research assistant, Wena is dedicated to studying and building a career in immigration and labor law. Her experiences drive her political and legal advocacy to build inclusive and multilateral institutions for migration labor and diasporic communities. Educated in New York City Public Schools, she has served as a director of the educational equity nonprofit IntegrateNYC and has been involved in local elections. Her dedication to labor and immigration rights has been nourished by her experiences as a White House Intern and organizer with the Urban Justice Center. 

Outside of the University Senate, Wena served as Co-President of the Asian American Alliance, Director of the Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Team of the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, and a member of the Columbia Pops Orchestra and the Housing Equity Project. Though Wena is on the pre-law track, she is also a fan of tea culture, and literature, plays the Chinese harp (guzheng), and might just open a bookstore/teahouse one day. 

Sen. Sophie Gasparian Chinchilla is a French and Brazilian student at the Graduate School of Business. She received her undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics from Columbia Collage (2018). Prior to returning to Columbia, Sophie worked in banking and consulting, with a focus on strategic and research projects. As a member of the University Senate, her areas of focus include streamlining health access, working with the University to improve infrastructure and space management, and helping bridge the gap for underrepresented groups. Her personal interests include photography, comedy, and South American literature.

Sen. Shamika Dhar is a first-year MFA film student, concentrating in creative producing, from Bangalore, India. As an undergraduate at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Shamika served on the Student Senate. She is a former D1 tennis athlete who majored in theatre arts and technology with a double minor in communications and journalism.

Sen. Sergine Delma's background as a Haitian immigrant drives her mission and has uniquely shaped her dedication to making a positive impact in healthcare and her devotion to service. Her keen interest in pursuing a doctoral degree as an advanced practice nurse is deeply rooted in her passion for healthcare advancements, advocacy, and community service. Throughout her undergraduate journey, Sergine channeled this passion for advocacy, serving as vice president of the student government association and a resident assistant, committed to both listening to and amplifying student voices.

Sergine's commitment to service extends beyond campus. Her involvement in volunteer work in Kisumu, Kenya, advocacy for immigrant rights in L.A/Mexico, and engagement with Partners in Health, a platform for meeting local government leaders to share experiences and to advocate for legislation that eliminates barriers to care, have further solidified her devotion to service. She is drawn to serving as the University Senator for the School of Nursing to advocate for student concerns and needs within the larger University framework. Representing student perspectives on various forums, aligns seamlessly with her past leadership roles and her mission to be of service to her community.

Sen. Oscar Luckett (CC'25) is a senior in the American Studies department and representative of Columbia College on the University Senate. As a native Brooklynite, Oscar is enthralled by all things NYC history, culture, and politics. During his time at Columbia, Oscar has cultivated a passion for local advocacy, working as a tenant organizer in West Harlem, a city council policy aide, and a member of his local community board. During his tenure as a Senator, Oscar brings a focus to the expansion of critical student resources, the revision of campus demonstration norms and administrative transparency, and Columbia's reinvestment in the economic well-being of Morningside Heights and Harlem. Beyond his studies, Oscar is the Interviews Directing Editor for the Gadfly, Columbia's philosophy magazine, and a member of the Eric Holder Initiative's Student Advisory Board. He has also moonlighted as a programmer on WKCR, an editor for the Undergraduate Law Review, and a research assistant at the Law School.

Sen. Matthew Beck is a mechanical engineering Ph.D. student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science SEAS studying 2-D materials. Matthew is from Monmouth County, New Jersey, and earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University. At Rowan University, Matthew served in several university leadership roles, including Student Government Association (SGA) President and Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. Matthew also has several years of industry experience working at Lockheed Martin in advanced electronic packaging. While at Columbia, Matthew has served as a department representative for the Engineering Graduate Student Council and as Ph.D. Career Chair for the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Association.

Sen. Maria Martinez is a first-generation Latina from Miami. On the University Senate, Maria co-chairs the Student Affairs Committee, and serves on the Executive Committee and the Commission on Diversity.

Maria has immersed herself in the ethnic mosaic of Columbia culture, proudly advocating to the Columbia Administration on behalf of the unique student population and the vibrant Harlem community. Whether organizing a drive to support Harlem families or researching the COVID-19 protocols of peer institutions, Maria knows what students value in their undergraduate experience. When the powerful voices of students unite, they can enact meaningful societal change, starting with Columbia – what motivated Maria to run for the University Senate. Maria hopes to bring light to these issues and to give back to the community.

Sen. Leena Haider is a master’s student in political science, concentrating in American politics and political theory. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from New York University, with minors in law and society and anthropology. Before starting her studies at Columbia, Leena worked at a law firm, where she developed a deep interest in the role of justice in society. She also served as a teaching assistant for the Intro to American Politics course at Columbia, helping guide students through foundational political concepts. Leena’s passion for human rights has driven her to work with multiple non-governmental organizations after high school, experiences that shaped her commitment to advocacy and research. She is deeply dedicated to pursuing a Ph.D. and advancing her research career, with the goal of contributing to the field of political science.

Sen. Jaxon Williams-Bellamy is a J.D. candidate in the Law School. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Jaxon graduated with a B.A. in economics, political science, and French from Columbia College in 2021. After a year spent teaching high school English in northern France and volunteering with the Columbia Global Center in Paris, Jaxon matriculated as a J.D. candidate at Columbia Law School. On the University Senate, Jaxon co-chairs the Student Affairs and Rules of University Conduct committees, and serves on the Executive Committee.

As an undergraduate, Jaxon served as a peer adviser at the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement and, since graduating has maintained close ties with the Columbia College community as an alumni mentor with the Odyssey Mentoring Program. As a law student, Jaxon has continued to promote the many opportunities for collaboration and exchange available at the University and, as the Law School’s Student Senator, hopes to foster greater modes of connection between the Law School and the greater University community.

Sen. Jalaj Mehta is the School of Engineering and Applied Science Undergraduate Student Senator. Jalaj is a junior majoring in materials science and engineering and minoring in computer science. He has an interest in the intertwining of science and politics and hopes to have an impact on the school through the University Senate. He is also a part of the Men's Ultimate Frisbee club team and does research with the Gang Group. He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in materials science after graduating.

Sen. Helen Han Wei Luo is a Philosophy PhD student whose dissertation centers the relationship between ethics and etiquette, following the Confucian tradition. Her research is partly supported by the SSHRC doctoral fellowship. Raised in Vancouver, she holds a B.A. in French and Political Science from Simon Fraser University and a M.A. in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. A creative writer in her spare time, some of her representative work is featured at the CBC Literary Prizes, in The Plentitudes Journal, and in the Best of Canadian Poetry 2023 anthology.

Sen. Gabriella Ramirez is a second-year Master of International Affairs candidate at Columbia University SIPA, with a concentration in International Security Policy. Her academic focus lies at the intersection of human rights and security issues, where she is committed to advancing mechanisms that minimize harm in conflict-affected communities while ensuring accountability for violations of international law.

Gabriella earned a Bachelor of Arts with Specialized Honors in Political Science from Drew University. Following her undergraduate studies, she gained valuable experience as a legal assistant. Her diverse background also includes roles in the non-profit, philanthropic, policy, and research sectors, including internships with Senator Cory Booker and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

At Columbia, Gabriella serves on the University Senate on the Committee on the Rules of University Conduct and the Student Affairs Committee.

As a proud first-generation college graduate from Newark, New Jersey, Gabriella is passionate about mentoring students, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Eki Uzamere is a fourth year Columbia College student pursuing a major in computer science. As Chief of Staff, Eki supports the work of the Student Affairs Committee in its endeavor to ensure that every student at Columbia feels seen, heard, and valued.

She also serves as a page editor for the Opinion Section of the Columbia Daily Spectator and plays a pivotal role in celebrating diversity on campus as a leader for Black Mecca, a special interest community at Columbia for Black students on campus.

Sen. Ebonnie Goodfield ('24GS, '26SW) is a Navy Veteran, Columbia Center for Veteran Transition & Integration staff, Columbia Alumni Association Board member, Founder and President of Women Veterans of Columbia University and Campbell Award Recipient for GS 2024 graduating class. During her undergraduate she updated the university's antibullying policies, co-created intercollegiate fellowship programs for women students and served as Vice President for Columbia Milvets, assisting in coordinating the Dean's Women Roundtable series, sitting on Columbia University Military Ball committee, and introducing the university's first Women President at her inaugural event. She is now pursuing her Master's in Social Work with a policy focus aimed at informing and tailoring the transition of women veterans. Ebonnie has been the recipient of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Hero award (2018), the GS Service and Change Agent awards (2021-2023), the Columbia Alumni Association Campbell, Restorer of Broken Walls DV Ministry Purple Shoe and National Alliance on Mental Illness Max Gabriel Awards (2024) and most recently accepted the William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award with her colleagues at CVTI for visionary leadership, advocacy and transforming the landscape of higher education for veterans.

Sen. Carissa O'Donnell is from Larkspur, Colorado. She recently graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy from Oregon State University, where she served as Student Body President for the 2023-2024 academic year. She is a current MA candidate at the Climate School, has involvement in higher education advocacy at the state and federal levels, works in the Undergraduate Program Office at the Climate School, and, in her free time, practices and produces music.

Sen. Camille McGriff was re-elected to the University Senate in Spring 2024. She is a dual degree student in the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and Master of Critical, Conceptual, and Curatorial Practices (CCCP) programs at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She received her undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies and Writing & Rhetoric from Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2022). As a member of the University Senate, she focuses on the campus experience, including spatial planning and development, and Senate structure and operations. She is passionate about the spatial politics of architecture and their resulting rhetorical practices. Her personal interests include fiction writing, running, and sailing.

Sen. Bruce Goumain is a French Air Force veteran studying neuroeconomics at the School of General Studies. 

Bruce deeply values the Columbia Experience for students and officers and wants to ensure that all individuals have at their disposal the necessary tools and resources to stay healthy and to thrive academically and professionally. His areas of focus are the availability and accessibility of campus student space, financial aid, access to mental health care, and course search and registration innovation. On the University Senate, Bruce is Vice-Chair of the Student Affairs Committee and serves on the Information and Communications Technology and Executive committees. He is a member of the Columbia Alumni Association Board. 

Before joining the French Air Force, Bruce worked in the laboratories of Veolia Water Technologies, focusing on the provision of drinking water in humanitarian emergencies. He also worked for Rotary International, organizing fundraising to support rural electrification and the structural transformation of schools and villages in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo. Bruce strongly believes that we must speak up for those whose voices are not heard and that we each have a role to play in reducing the inequalities we witness, remaining conscious of the impact that we have on people and on society.

Sen. Atman Satpathy is a MBA candidate at Columbia Business School. Originally from Chicago, Atman graduated from Wake Forest University with a double major in Economics and History. After graduating, Atman worked in consulting for two years in Washington D.C. before pivoting to business school. Passionate about leveraging his consulting background, Atman aims to further his impact in the business world through his studies at Columbia.

Sen. Anne Louis is a passionate Technology Management graduate student in the School of Professional Studies, with a strong background in content management, digital strategy, and technical operations. Her experience spans multiple roles and numerous philanthropic initiatives worldwide. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a parent advocate with Little Lobbyists, and a volunteer with MamaBaby Haiti. She is also a former At-Large Representative with student government at the School of Professional Studies. At SPS her goal is to bridge the gap between technology and user experience for children with disabilities, and chronic health concerns ensuring that products and solutions are truly impactful and user-centric. Being part of Harlem’s rich community and attending graduate school at Columbia is an honor for her. As she transitions her career while balancing motherhood, she thrives in collaborative environments, enjoys problem-solving alongside fellow parents, and is always looking for ways to create meaningful impact in technology and the international community.

Sen. Alex Roman is pursuing an M.A. in Education Policy at Teachers College, with a concentration in law and education. He is the son of a public school teacher, who fueled his passion for education reform and challenged him to think critically about the education system. While a student in Chicago Public Schools, Alex witnessed the city close more than 100 public schools in Black and Brown neighborhoods and reopen them as charter schools, effectively displacing students from their neighborhoods and forcing them to attend for-profit charters. This experience pushed him to pursue graduate studies. In 2022, Alex graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Education Studies, a B.S. in Political Science, and a minor in Chicano/a and Latino/a Studies. He is thrilled to represent Teachers College and looks forward to collaborating with colleagues in the pursuit of progress.

Sen. Alex J. Rouhandeh is a Master of Arts student within the politics concentration program at the Columbia Journalism School. On the University Senate, Alex serves on the Student Affairs Committee and on the External Relations and Research Policy Committee. Additionally, he serves as a special correspondent for Newsweek. Before coming to Columbia, Alex worked as Newsweek’s congressional correspondent and was selected as one of the National Press Foundation’s 2024 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellows. His writing has also appeared in The American Prospect, Vice News, and a number of regional publications. Alex graduated as a Remembrance Scholar at Syracuse University where he majored in magazine journalism through the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and both policy studies and citizenship & civic engagement through the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. At Syracuse, Alex represented the undergraduate student community as a university senator.

Sen. Akash Kapoor is an MD/MBA candidate at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. Akash is excited to serve and represent the VP&S community on the University Senate. In addition to his role on University Senate, Akash also leads VP&S’s Innovative Medicine Group and serves as the Co-Director of the Columbia-Harlem Homeless Medical Partnership (CHHMP) student-run free clinic.

Before starting medical school, Akash graduated from UCLA with a degree in neuroscience and, subsequently, worked as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Academically, Akash is passionate about learning how to develop and implement novel technologies that can solve our most pressing healthcare challenges. For fun, he likes traveling, snowboarding, rock climbing, and hosting Kash’s Koffee, a free monthly coffee shop for his classmates in his apartment. Please reach out to him at [email protected] if you would like to connect or have any questions.

Sen. Aarsh Ray was born and raised in Katy, Texas, a suburb west of Houston. He attended Texas Tech University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology. Currently, he is a member of the class of 2027 in the College of Dental Medicine. He is passionate about learning about the issues and challenges facing the oral health care system and how to approach them. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing basketball and football. Within the University Senate, his main passions lie in ensuring that Columbia University is an encouraging and safe place for all students to excel in their collegiate endeavors. He is thrilled to serve his institution, Columbia University, which has been a pillar of educational excellence for centuries.