GSA Executive Board

Zackary Davis

 Zack is a PhD Candidate in American Studies conducting his research in and around St. Louis chess publics. More specifically, his dissertation will document the ways in which local communities of chess players negotiate and complicate identity categories, such as race and gender, through their play. Zack graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in History, English, and American Studies. When he isn't working, Zack can usually be found at one of the local chess clubs. As GSA President, Zack hopes to create more robust lines of communication between the e-board and all graduate students. Alongside this, he is especially interested in reaffirming the budgetary norms for GSA which situate the financial and social needs of graduate students as the foremost concerns of the organization.  

Office Hours: By Appointment

Email: [email protected] 

Sebastian Arteaga

Sebastian is a chemistry Ph.D. candidate working under the guidance of Prof. Brent M. Znosko. Their lab analyzes the structure and stability of RNA under various conditions. Sebastian graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an A.S. degree. They went on to graduate with their B.S. degree in chemistry (focus in biochemistry with a biology minor) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Sebastian piloted the chemistry graduate student committee (CGSC) in their department. The main goals of the CGSC include hosting biweekly journal clubs and department seminar speakers. Sebastian also works part-time as a consultant for the non-profit, STL-based organization, the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Advising Group. When not in the research lab, Sebastian enjoys photography, tending to their plants, listening to music, and coffee shop get-togethers. They are very excited at the opportunity to continue serving the SLU graduate student population as the V.P. of North Campus!

Office Hours: W/R 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm (Shannon Hall Rm 209)

Email: [email protected]

Ashley Yukihiro

Ashley Yukihiro is a third-year Doctoral student studying Health Care Ethics, concentrating in Clinical Ethics. She has a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Talbot School of Theology/ Biola University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Healthcare from Biola University. In addition to her role in GSA, Ashley works as the Ethics Graduate Assistant at SSM Health and serves on the Ethics Committee at SSM Saint Louis University Hospital. In collaboration with graduate student representatives and departments, Ashley hopes to foster community building among the SLU graduate student population, support graduate student well-being, and advocate for graduate student needs. 

Office Hours: 

M 9-11 am (Salus Center Suite 515)

Email: [email protected]

Danielle  Hopkins

Danielle is a Ph.D. candidate in the Miller Lab for Perennial Plant Diversity and Evolution and is SLU alumnus! Following her graduation from SLU in 2018 (B.S. in Biology; EEC), Danielle worked for Gallo Winery in California working on grape breeding and viticulture research. She returned to SLU in 2022 to pursue her doctorate, focused on improving grapevine water use efficiency through innovative breeding and precision management practices. When she's not in the vineyard, Danielle enjoys live music, eating good food, and going on long runs with her Australian Cattledog, Pepper. Danielle is honored to serve as the VP of Finance this year and hopes to strategically utilize funds to support the current graduate student population, but also aspires to improve systems to establish long-term financial support for the future graduate student body. 

Office Hours: 

TBA

Email: [email protected]

Merlin Jenitia Chinnadurai Muthian

Merlin Chinnadurai, originally from India, is a public health graduate student specializing in Behavioral Science and Global Health. She holds an MD from Saint Lucia. During her undergraduate studies, Merlin was an active member of the American Medical Student Association, organizing medical camps and events. She also volunteered in underserved communities in Northeast India, promoting health awareness and equity. Having resided in various countries, Merlin has a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. She envisions a future where every student feels valued and supported through the  GSA. She aims to improve administrative processes, enhance communication, and strengthen community bonds at SLU. Outside of her studies, Merlin volunteers at her local church ministry and enjoys baking, reading, and painting.

Office Hours: By Appointment

Email: [email protected]

Grace Biju Thomas 

Grace is a Graduate candidate in Public Health with dual concentration in Behavioral Science and Health Equity (BSHE) & Global Health (GLOH). Grace did her undergraduate from Armenia in Medicine. She wanted to continue her career in core medicine, but destiny had other plans. During her time in Armenia, COVID 19 occurred. She witnessed the crucial role public health played in saving lives and guiding policies. This instance had a pivotal role in directing her to move beyond clinical care and address health disparities at a systemic level. Currently, Grace has stepped up bearing multiple leadership roles and responsibilities. She serves as the Student Representative for the BSHE Department. Alongside, she also serves as Social Co-Chair for Student Association for Public Health (SAPH). Through all these platforms she voices for student support and makes them feel valued. Grace has been effectively working as Research Assistant for “All of Us” Research Program at SSM Health and also serves her efforts towards working as Teacher Assistant under Professor Sam Biver. These roles have strengthened her skills in collaboration, mentorship and advocacy. When not in school, Grace loves to travel, listen to music and enjoy cooking, and eating food of different cuisine. She is very excited at the opportunity to be serving as the SLU Graduate Student’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Office Hours: TBA

Email: [email protected] 

 Nghia (Jacob) Mai

Jacob Mai is an international graduate student doing his Master of Public Health in Epidemiology with a certification in Biostatistics. Originally from Vietnam, Jacob has channeled his passion for public health into an academic career that spans continents. With a strong foundation in biological sciences, underscored by a B.S. in Biology with a minor in healthcare ethics from Saint Louis University,  Jacob has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving health outcomes through rigorous scientific research. As the Vice President of International Affairs in the Graduate Student Association at Saint Louis University, Jacob hopes to advocate for all international graduate students through programs that enhance their educational and cultural experience. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and cooking (especially baking), along with immersing himself in the world of the arts and archival fashion.

Office Hours: Email Appointment

Email: gsa.international@slu.edu

Natalie Hernandez

Natalie is a doctoral candidate in the department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) working with Dr. Elizabeth Hasenmueller. Their research assesses microplastic contamination in the air, water, sediment, and biota of the St. Louis region. Natalie received a BS in Environmental Science from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 2019 before coming to SLU to pursue a PhD. As part of the SLU WATER Institute, Natalie often volunteers by leading stream cleanup events and providing STEM outreach and education to local students. In addition to their research in the Hasenmueller hydrology and geochemistry lab, Natalie has earned a certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS). Their GIS research has focused on applications of machine learning for remote sensing of sinkholes. Outside of school, Natalie enjoys reading, crafting, and exploring the outdoors.

Office Hours: By Appointment

Email: [email protected]

Carly Koppe 

Carly Koppe is a first year PhD student in the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analysis Program. Her research focuses on braided river systems, river avulsions, and geomorphology in Nepal. Her first paper is focusing on using NASA Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) dataset to predict where along the banks of the Koshi River are most likely to avulse. Part of her research includes validation of the NASA SWOT satellite, and teaching undergraduate and graduate students in Nepal. She got her undergraduate degree in Geology and a GIS Certificate at Fort Lewis College. When she isn't researching, you can probably find her mountain biking or trail running! She is excited to step into the role of External Affairs Officer in hopes to create more collaboration and community among the graduate students. 

Office Hours: TBA

Email: [email protected]