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
President - Sophia Edwards
President: Sophia Edwards
(She/Her)
Sophia Edwards is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Biology. She is from Sarasota, FL, but spent her undergrad 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 competed for the Wildcats on the D1 tennis team during her first year of graduate school.聽
VP of Communication - Tony Udo Merenini
VP of Communication:聽Tony Udo Merenini
Tony Merenini is a second-year graduate student pursuing a master's in education with a concentration in Higher Education and Leadership from Nigeria. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Pontifical Urban University, Rome, an MA in Theology from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, a master's in ministry and theology from 草榴社区, majoring in Christian ethics. Tony has a passion for social justice and believes that education is one of the powerful tools in addressing social justice issues. Tony worked as a Graduate Resident Minister between fall 2022 and spring 2024, and as an intern in the office of the associate vice-provost for integrated student experiences, where he worked with the Sophomore Student Learning Community (SSLC) in spring 2025. Tony is a graduate exam proctor assistant in Learning Support Services (LSS). Upon Graduation, Tony hopes to work in higher education and subsequently pursue a Ph.D. in Education/Theology.
VP of Social Activities - David Heuring
VP of聽Social Activities:聽David Heuring
David Heuring is a second-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.聽
VP of Finance - Alex Holt
VP of Finance: Alex Holt
Alex Holt is a second-year student earning his masters in Higher Education Leadership. He was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, where he earned his bachelor's degree in history from Temple University in May of 2017. He is a graduate research assistant for Dr. Yee in the counseling department. He has worked for the City of Philadelphia as a Judge of Election and knows the importance of helping the community. He has worked for the Philadelphia Phillies since 2007 and the Museum of American Revolution since 2019. He has been thankful for the opportunities that he has earned so far at 草榴社区, which includes a practicum at Haverford College last spring and a summer internship at Penn State, University Park. He looks forward to this new chance to contribute to the 草榴社区 community.聽聽
VP of Community Outreach - Sarah Wright
VP of Community Outreach:聽Sarah Wright
Sarah Wright is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Theatre. Sarah relocated to Philadelphia from Ashland, Oregon, after five years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and has worked for theatre companies in Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. They spent four years on the road as a Tour Actor/Director for Missoula Children's Theatre, traveling around the US, Canada, and Europe, and have written and directed for youth programs around the country.聽 Outside the rehearsal room, Sarah and their partner Amy enjoy hiking, backpacking, and kayaking, usually with their dog. Sarah's studies at 草榴社区 are preparing them for a future in literary management and production dramaturgy.
VP of Academic Affairs - Natalie Irwin
VP of Academic Affairs:聽Natalie Irwin
Natalie Irwin is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Biology. She attended Seton Hall University as an undergraduate student and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Her passion for academics flourished as she grew up in Ithaca, NY. Growing up in Ithaca provided her with the opportunity to experience the powerful outcomes produced by an environment that fosters education and opportunity for all. As the Vice President of Academic Affairs, she intends to uplift the graduate student community in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences by representing the student body during meetings with the faculty and advocating for the educational needs of every graduate student within the college. Although she spends the majority of her time researching genetics, she is dedicated to her role as a supportive leader in the graduate student community. Whether you are starting your journey or finalizing the last revisions to your thesis, she is honored to assist you in your educational endeavors as a graduate student at 草榴社区.