Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Simon Ogundare is an MD-PhD student at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a graduate of Columbia College (’24), where he studied neuroscience while participating in the John Jay and Laidlaw Scholars’ Programs. Born in New York and raised between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, he brings a transnational perspective to questions of health, identity, and structural inequality. 

Simon's research background explores the neuroscience of comorbidity, examining how chronic pain and depression co-occur, and how their neural representations become entangled in the brain. Elected to the University Senate in 2025, Simon is committed to transparency, structural accountability, and expanding student participation in university governance. His platform emphasizes cross-campus coalition-building and ensuring that the University Senate reflects the needs of students across CUIMC, especially during a time of active review of the University Senate’s structure and scope. 

Simon’s approach to advocacy is shaped by his international background, his work as a science communicator, and his commitment to building a community that welcomes and celebrates – rather than dilutes – diverse voices. He believes healing, education, and institutional change are fundamentally communal processes: each requiring trust, shared power, and sustained dialogue. On the University Senate, Simon aims to strengthen avenues of communication through existing and novel channels, strengthen the links between Morningside and CUIMC, and push Columbia toward a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent future. He sees the University Senate not just as a governance body, but as a platform for collective action: a space to organize across schools, challenge institutional inertia, and push for a Columbia that truly reflects the values, needs, and voices of its community.

Sen. Sean Eren is an M.Arch candidate at Columbia's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP). Before coming to Columbia, he received his BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design, and then worked for two years in New York City as a design engineer for David Yurman. Sean is particularly interested in strengthening student power within Columbia's decision-making processes and in pursuing popular student demands on university functions, transparency, and institutional ethics within one of the few remaining democratic campus structures.

A Columbia College alumna with a 14-year connection to the University, Sen. Rebecca L. Xu is a second-year CSSW student specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Her research explores the therapeutic role of music in psychedelic care, complemented by a clinical practicum at CUIMC’s outpatient interventional psychiatry department.

Prior to graduate school, Rebecca spent a decade establishing housing stability for refugee and immigrant communities. Drawing from her background in community advocacy, equity building, and navigating complex institutional issues, she brings a grounded approach to serving her peers and advocating for student needs across the University.

Having served as CSSW Student Union Treasurer, Rebecca combines hands-on student leadership with deep institutional knowledge. As a University Senator, she leverages this experience to advocate for cross-campus resource equity, strengthen student support systems, and bridge Morningside, CUIMC, and the broader NYC community to ensure every student is supported and empowered.

For more information on this seat and election, please contact [email protected]

For more information on this seat and election, please contact [email protected]

For more information on this seat and election, please contact [email protected]

For more information on this seat and election, please contact [email protected]

For more information on this seat and election, please contact [email protected]

Sen. Naveen Anupoju is a master’s student in the Mathematics of Finance Program at Columbia University. Before joining Columbia, he graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and worked as a quant at an international bank, focusing on developing and refining risk models. Outside his academic and professional interests, Naveen enjoys practicing yoga, exploring music, cooking simple comfort meals, and finding new relaxing spots around New York City. He is excited to contribute to the Columbia community through his role in the University Senate.

Sen. Nasser Odetallah is an MFA student in Film at the Columbia School of the Arts. Originally from Oklahoma, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia School of General Studies (’25), studying English, film & media studies, and Mediterranean studies, and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University (’20), studying chemistry and molecular biophysics & biochemistry. 

While at Yale and General Studies, Nasser served in many leadership roles, supporting students and representing student interests to staff, administration, and faculty, most notably serving as Columbia General Studies Student Body President during the 2023-2024 academic year. Nasser is primarily interested in strengthening the voice of and engagement with students on central university issues including freedom of speech and academic freedom; financial support for students; campus access and space; expansion of key student services such as dining, health services, housing, and study spaces; and accountability from faculty and administrators in repairing institutional trust and integrity. Coming from Palestinian-American, Puerto Rican, LGBTQ+, and first-generation, low-income (FGLI) backgrounds, Nasser has experience working across student populations and interests to effect positive and long-lasting change at the university-level. Nasser looks forward to working with the other students on the University Senate to create positive change and continue to add the student voice on critical university-wide issues.

Sen. Michael Britt is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Dental Medicine. He was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and graduated from Boston College, where he studied Biology and Global Public Health. Before dental school, he worked as a Research Assistant at a pediatric hospital, investigating patient outcomes following various oral surgery procedures. He is passionate about dentistry and addressing systemic inequities in oral health. In his free time, he enjoys exploring NYC and spending time outside. He is committed to ensuring excellence, inclusivity, and transparency across Columbia University.

Sen. Marc Younker is a 3L representing Columbia Law School. Marc currently Marc co-chairs the University Senate Rules Committee and serves on the Student Affairs Committee. He is from West Orange, New Jersey, and earned his B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, graduating magna cum laude. Outside of Columbia, Marc serves on the board of Garden State Equality, New Jersey's largest LBGTQ+ advocacy organization.

Sen. Mahlon Mathieson, MS ’25, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in the Midwifery Program at Columbia University School of Nursing and serves as the School’s representative to the Columbia University Senate. Entering her second term, she remains committed to shared governance, student advocacy, and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in university decision making.

Beyond her role in the Senate, Mahlon serves on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Graduate Nursing Student Academy Leadership Council, where she contributes to initiatives that support graduate nursing students across the country. She is also a teaching assistant and SAFE nurse, combining her passion for education, mentorship, and patient advocacy to support both students and survivors.

Mahlon's academic and research interests focus on maternal health equity, reproductive health, and trauma informed care. Her scholarship explores barriers to support and access for childbearing families, with particular interests in interpersonal violence screening, lactation support, and public health initiatives that improve maternal outcomes. Through her research and clinical work, she seeks to advance evidence based, person centered care that promotes safety, dignity, and health equity.

As a student leader, Mahlon is dedicated to fostering collaboration across schools and disciplines while advocating for policies and initiatives that strengthen the student experience. She approaches leadership with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service, striving to create an environment where all members of the Columbia community feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.
 

Sen. Maeghan Sill (she/her/hers) is a Ph.D. student in the Education Leadership program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Driven by a deep commitment to educational equity, her passion for using data to drive meaningful change was forged by a teaching career spanning more than a decade in diverse school settings in the U.S. and overseas. While completing her M.S. in Learning Analytics, also from Teachers College, she served their Student Senate as a departmental senator and an active student advocate. She co-authored a bill that led to the rollout of free menstrual products in campus bathrooms and served on the Campus Safety Advisory Committee. She also represented student interests at the Student Library Advisory Council and worked to initiate a smaller meal plan option. Her research now lies at the intersection of education leadership and data science, where she explores how factors like school climate impact teacher retention and workforce diversity. As a University Senator, she is committed to serving as a bridge between students and university leadership, fostering greater equity, transparency, and community.

Sen. Madeleine Gordon (she/her) is a biomedical engineering Ph.D. student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Madeleine is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology before continuing her research career at Emory University. At Columbia, she has served as the Community Engagement Chair on the Engineering Graduate Student Council. Madeleine’s research interests include intervertebral disc degeneration, drug delivery, and orthopedic biology.

Sen. Liane Bdair is a student at Columbia College, studying economics and political science on a pre-law track. She serves on the executive board of Turath, the Arab Students Association, where she helps foster community and cultural pride among Arab-identifying students. Additionally, Liane’s Palestinian- American Background makes her deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and student advocacy. As a University Senator, Liane is focused on promoting shared governance, increasing transparency from the administration, and ensuring that student perspectives are meaningfully included in decision-making processes. With a new perspective and a dedication to building bridges between administration and student groups, she is passionate about amplifying voices that are often overlooked in university policy and governance conversations.

Sen. Kwamina Vandyke is an MBA candidate at Columbia Business School and former Creative Marketing Manager at Amazon. He spent six years in consulting with Deloitte and Accenture, during which he founded The Mayhem Collection, a luxury fashion brand based out of Ghana. He also founded New Home Football Academy in Ghana, helping to introduce and develop American football in the region. Vandyke holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Virginia Tech and a master’s in Sports Management from Hampton University.

Sen. Katherine R. Brown is a third-year student at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science studying biomedical engineering with a focus on neural engineering. Katherine is drawn to work that sits at the intersection of engineering, health, and innovation. She works as an apprentice in the Advanced Instrumentation Lab at the Zuckerman Institute, contributing to the development of novel neuroscience research instrumentation, and holds an AAUW scholarship. At Columbia, Katherine supports the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship team at Columbia Engineering through student-focused entrepreneurship events and the NSF I-Corps Regional Program. She also serves as an organizing committee leader in the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs. Through the University Senate, Katherine aims to advocate for SEAS undergraduates on issues of curriculum, student research access, and campus welfare. She is committed to expanding opportunities for students to connect with mentors, advisors, and professionals outside the university, recognizing that meaningful external networks are essential to student development.

Sen. Jolee A. Cobb is a rising senior in the School of General Studies pursuing a B.A. in Urban Studies. Originally from Orange County, California, she moved to New York City at 17 and brings more than a decade of experience to her academic and civic work. Before returning to higher education, Jolee spent ten years in the food and beverage industry, a background that informs her research into developing urban systems and balancing competing interests. Jolee previously served on the General Studies Student Council as the First‑Generation, Low‑Income, Working Student Representative, where she advocated for resource expansion and policy transparency. Beyond Columbia, she has held leadership roles in local governance serving as a Board Member and later the Housing Committee Chair for Brooklyn Community Board 9. 

As University Senator, Jolee is committed to strengthening GS representation within the broader university governance structure. Her priorities include improving communication channels between GS students and university leadership, ensuring student experiences inform policy decisions, and advancing resource distribution that reflects the realities of nontraditional, working, and justice‑impacted students. She aims to build bridges across the schools and elevate student‑driven solutions for a more equitable Columbia.

Sen. Emanuel Clemente (he/him/his) is a Master of Public Health student at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, concentrating in sociomedical sciences. A graduate of the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science, Emanuel’s work and academic interests lie at the intersections of medicine, law, and community health. Originally from South Florida and from a Puerto Rican family, Emanuel’s perspective is shaped by his experiences navigating social and structural inequities in health and education. He values organization, transparency, and collaboration as essential tools for effective advocacy and student representation. His background in community outreach, health education, and civic mobilization reflects his commitment to transforming the structures that influence population health outcomes through any role he assumes. 

Joining the University Senate during a pivotal moment in the University’s history, Emanuel is dedicated to representing student voices with transparency, empathy, and integrity. He aims to strengthen the relationship between Columbia’s Morningside and CUIMC campuses, deepen the University’s engagement with the surrounding New York City community, and foster an inclusive academic environment that promotes student wellness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public service. Emanuel believes in building a public health community that not only studies inequity but actively works to dismantle it.

Sen. Elizabeth Adeoye (she/her) is a Columbia College student majoring in political science, with a minor in sociology and a special concentration in business management. She previously served on the Columbia College Student Council as Pre-professional Representative and currently sits on the boards of several cultural and pre-professional organizations, including the African Students Association. She is also a Resident Adviser, supporting undergraduate students throughout their time in University housing. Coming from a Nigerian-American background, Elizabeth advocates for increased support and resources for FLI students, international students, and students of color. She also dances on two teams, Raw Elementz and the Columbia University Dance Team, remaining active in Columbia’s cultural life.
 

As a University Senator, Elizabeth plans to push for clearer communication between students and administration, more equitable resource distribution, and stronger representation for underrepresented communities in university policy. She brings to the role a strong track record of leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and a deep investment in equity and inclusion at Columbia.

Sen. Daniel Peishan Li is a graduate student in Columbia University’s Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences Program, where his work centers on applied data science, statistics, and interdisciplinary social research. He previously earned his B.S. at Emory University, majoring in quantitative science and economics. His interests span machine learning, political behavior, and empirical finance, with experience across investment banking, asset management, and AI adoption. At Emory University, Daniel served as President of Eta Omega Chi, a professional business fraternity aimed at strengthening career development and community-building across campus. As the University Senator representing GSAS/Social Sciences, he is committed to building equal practical support for cross-disciplinary channels, expanding actionable access to academic and career support services, and connecting social science students with the institutional and professional resources they need to thrive.

Sen. Bruce Fan is the University Senator representing the School of International and Public Affairs. Bruce is currently a first-year Master of International Affairs student at SIPA, concentrating in data science for policy. His academic and professional interests sit at the intersection of public policy, technology, and governance, with particular focus on AI governance, digital assets, and evidence-based policymaking. Prior to SIPA, he studied political science and has worked across government, policy research, and technology-oriented organizations. 

As University Senator, Bruce is focused on strengthening communication between SIPA students and the broader Columbia community, advocating for transparency in university governance, and advancing policies that support student well-being, academic flexibility, and cross-school collaboration. He is especially interested in ensuring that graduate student perspectives are meaningfully represented in institutional discussions that shape Columbia’s future. Bruce views student governance as both a responsibility and an opportunity to listen carefully, act thoughtfully, and serve with integrity on behalf of the SIPA community.

Sen. Andrew Puthumana is a student at Columbia College, majoring in financial economics with minors in sustainable development and history. He previously served as the pre-professional representative for the Columbia College Student Council, focusing on club reform and transparency regarding the student groups recruitment process. Andrew currently serves as the Financial Director of the Columbia Bartending Agency and as a Co-Executive Editor of Columbia’s Undergraduate Law Review, and remains active in other organizations related to research, student culture, and pre-professional development. 

As a University Senator, Andrew is interested in expanding dialogue around restoring student trust in the university administration and upholding shared governance–especially in Columbia’s current environment. With a dedication to work that impacts all Columbia students, he is passionate about ensuring student perspectives are recognized in university decision making and creating accountability for policy made outside of the University Senate.

Sen. Afa Nuriyeva is a student at Barnard College majoring in economics and political Science. On campus, she serves as Co-President of the Alexander Hamilton Society, Editor in Chief of the Columbia International Relations Council and Association, and a Policy Fellow at Stanford University. She also writes for the Columbia Political Review and sits on the Business Division of the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review. Afa's professional experience includes spending two years as a youth representative and co-organizer with the United Nations Foundation, where she was one of 15 students selected globally to help organize the Annual Impact Meeting for KIDsforSDGs, bringing together over 35 countries, 150 global partners, and five NGOs. Over the past summer, she interned at Deloitte as a governance intern, and previously served as Sophomore Class Secretary of Barnard's Student Government Association. As University Senator, Afa is committed to amplifying student voices, particularly focusing on ensuring that Barnard's academic priorities and student concerns are represented in University Senate.