We in the Dean’s Office are always seeking to improve how we implement American University’s educational and social mission. With that in mind, we want to make sure we have a mechanism in the College of Arts and Sciences to address issues that are relevant to undergraduate students, whether issues are of an academic, social, community, or ethical nature. More specifically, the purpose of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council is to

• Identify issues of concern by reaching out to a wide range of undergraduate students and bringing those concerns to our meetings
• Keep the Dean's Office in touch with student concerns and needs
• Provide critical feedback on CAS plans
• Be a communication liaison between CAS and the student body

Subgroups

• Club Connect - bridge between student organizations and the council, fostering collaboration, communication, and support to strengthen CAS involvement.
• Tabling Team - leads in-person outreach by hosting interactive booths and events that promote DSAC initiatives, share resources, and engage directly with the student body
• Social media and Outreach - engaging the community, amplifying DSAC initiatives, and fostering awareness through strategic communication and online platforms.
• Faculty Connect – builds meaningful relationships between students and faculty, promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mentorship to enhance the academic experience.

Emma Spath

My name is Emma Spath (she/her). I’m a junior who recently transferred from Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, California. There, I served as president of the Philosophy Club, worked as a journalist and editor for our student newsletter, and was a competing member of the Ethics Bowl Team. At AU, I’m pursuing degrees in Philosophy and Sociology. I’m passionate about social advocacy, compassionate communication, yoga, and spending time in nature. I’m also involved with the Outdoors Club, Interfaith Club, and the Office of Inclusive Excellence team. Feel free to reach out at es9248a@american.edu - I’d love to hear from you!

Andi Rubenstein

Hi! I’m Andi Rubenstein (she/her) and I’m a freshman studying Public Health. I am involved in the AU chorus and looking forward to joining more organizations on campus. My AU email is ar8005a@american.edu

Kayla Kosko

Hello! I’m Kayla Kosko (she/her), a first-year student at AU from New Jersey. I am majoring in Health Promotion, planning to double major or minor in PR/Strategic Communications! I’m a dancer who also loves making matcha, attending pilates and yoga classes, and listening to health and wellness based podcasts. I’m excited to connect with everyone at AU and share my ideas and love for wellness and communication to AU. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kk1345a@american.edu !

Safiyah Edmondson

I am an Environmental Science major with a strong passion for fashion and sustainability. My academic and personal interests intersect around creating solutions that promote circular fashion and environmentally conscious practices. Through my work on campus and in the community, I strive to bridge creativity and environmental responsibility, ensuring that style and sustainability can thrive together.

Ryan Sieve

I'm Ryan Sieve, a current 2nd-year student studying African American studies and journalism. On campus, I am a scholar in the CAS Ethical Leadership and Development program, an outreach coordinator for the student organization Brave Spaces, a member of the Alpha at AU leadership team, and an assistant copy-editor for the student-run publication The Eagle. I enjoy all things related to reading, writing, history, faith, debate, and community conversation. Serving on the student advisory council allows me to represent students with similar goals, backgrounds, and concerns to my own, as well as the chance to bridge communities through hands-on work. I look forward to collaborating with my CAS peers and working towards a stronger college! I can be contacted at my email: rs6563a@american.edu

William Palmer

Hi my name is Will Palmer and I'm a sophomore studying Economics and CLEG. On campus I'm part of the School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Council and the Kennedy Political Union. Feel free to reach me at wp0191a@american.edu!

Zoe Martin

Hi, my name is Zoe Martin (she/her)! I am in my third year at American pursuing a BS in physics with a concentration in computational physics. One of my goals for this year is to help close the gap between STEM and Arts students within CAS, and foster a multidisciplinary community. On my days off, you can find me at a concert, watching F1, at the gym, or at the barn seeing my horse! You can find me at: zm9588a@american.edu.

Logan Ashby

What's up guys! My name is Logan Ashby (he/him). I am a freshman who is double-majoring in Economics and Data Science. I have recently become interested in triathlon, but I also enjoy studying and working out in general. My email is la3073a@american.edu, feel free to reach out!

Amanda Lindsay

Hi, I’m Amanda Lindsay (she/her), I’m from Clarksburg, Maryland, and I’m a senior majoring in psychology. I play violin for the AU Symphony Orchestra, I’m a member of the AU Club Sailing Racing Team, I work with the NO MORE campaign, and I'm a part of Psi Chi: the International Honor Society in Psychology. My primary focus currently is clinical psychology, as I plan to attend graduate school to study psychology on the clinical science track. I’m honored to be a member of the CAS Dean’s Student Advisory Council. My email is al4985a@american.edu if you'd like to chat with me!

Anaha Prabhakaran

Hey!! My name is Anaha Prabhakaran and I'm a first-year student double majoring in Data Science & Finance (or Business Administration). I'm interested in going to law school as well as entrepreneurship and investing. Some hobbies that I like to do in my free time would be paddelboarding, art(I love going to museums and learning about the artwork and the history behind it), and trying out new dishes. Feel free to reach out to me at ap4533a@american.edu!

Samantha Gayle

Hi! My name is Samantha, and I am a junior majoring in Public Health with a minor in International Affairs. I am really passionate about mental health and infectious diseases, and I hope to work for the WHO or the CDC one day. I am also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of this, I enjoy traveling, baking, going to the spa, and watching Netflix. My favorite show is American Horror Story!

Allison Marckel

Hello! My name is Allison Marckel (she/her) and I am a sophomore double majoring in Pure Mathematics and Statistics. I am currently the vice president of AU's chapter of Girls Who Code and I am hoping to get a PhD in Mathematics after I graduate. Outside of school I enjoy running and listening to music. I hope to represent women in stem on the Dean's Student Advisory Council. Please feel free to email me at am5310a@american.edu!

Elisha Senga

Hi!, my name is Elisha Senga (she/her). I am a freshman at AU, majoring in Neuroscience. Apart from academics, I love going out to try new restaurants, shopping, and reading. So far, I am a member of BRAIN but, I plan on joining more stem clubs. I am so excited to be apart of this year CAS Dean's Student Advisory Council as I represent first-generation students or those who are of African backgrounds. Please feel free to email me about anything! mailto:es2042a@american.edu

Alexis Mercado

Hi! I am Alexis Mercado, a sophomore neuroscience major from Cleveland, Ohio. I have always been passionate about science, and I am excited to explore how neuroscience connects with medicine and research. Outside of academics, I enjoy photography as a creative outlet and love spending time with friends, which helps me stay balanced and grounded. I look forward to contributing my perspective and experiences as part of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council.

Sarah Cardona Garcia

Hi! My name is Sarah Cardona Garcia, I use she/her pronouns, and I'm a freshman at AU. I plan on majoring in Psychology on the Pre-Med track while minoring in Political Science. I love music, I play a couple instruments, and I like to read! I'll also be a Freshman Fellow for Student's for Change this year, and am excited to participate in other Latinx, STEM, and arts orientated clubs. You can reach me through my AU email sc9726a@american.edu.

Eleanor Hoffmann

Hi! My name is Eleanor Hoffmann. I am very excited to be a new addition to the Dean's SAC as a freshman currently pursuing a major in Art History. In my free time, I love to read fantasy books, hangout with friends, stay active in the gym and on the field, discover new music, and look longingly at pictures of my labradoodle (whom I miss very dearly). Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions or concerns: eh1383a@american.edu

Quinn Helfand

Quinn Helfand (she/they) is a sophomore majoring in computer science and minoring in space studies. She is from Dallas, Texas and joined the SAC to make a positive impact here at American University. They represent queer students, disabled students, and women in STEM on campus. In their free time, Quinn enjoys hanging out with friends, exploring the DMV, and reading. You can contact her at kh5444a@american.edu.

Elsa Waichulis

My name is Elsa Waichulis, and I am a sophomore from Chicago earning a BS in Environmental Science and a minor in Biostatistics. I am so excited to have been chosen to be a part of the Dean's Advisory Council, and I cannot wait to help bridge the gap between not only the dean and CAS students, but also the faculty and staff. I am a WISE mentor to first-year STEM students and work in the Biogeochemistry lab examining organic contaminants and the general geochemistry of freshwater systems. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, my AU email is ew8431a@american.edu

Fabiana Barcena Gamarra

Hi, my name is Fabiana Barcena, but you can call me Fabi (she/her)! I’m a Dance major at AU, and next semester I’ll also be starting a minor in Marketing. I’m passionate about sharing my Latina heritage through the arts, and I’m involved with AUIM. In my free time, I love dancing, going to the gym, and watching movies. Feel free to reach out to me at fb3468a@american.edu!

Maneli Paknejad

My name is Maneli Paknejad, I'm a senior neuroscience major and I'm honored to serve as chair of this year's CAS Dean's Student Advisory Council. I work in Dr. Stoodley’s lab investigating the neural basis of autism, and I'm a member of Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity!

Ada Truett-Schriber

Ada Truett-Schriber (she/her) is a sophomore studying Art History and Political Science with a focus on Race and Gender Studies. Having been involved in several social justice related NGOs, research projects, and global movements, Ada focuses on restorative justice and community- based research techniques in order to achieve real, necessary change. She aspires to instill this same determination for achievable change within the student advisory board. Whenever she isn’t studying, Ada enjoys listening to music (loooves Sade, Cocteau Twins, and Al Green), exploring nature with friends, and going to art museums. Ada is excited to be a resource for the AU community and to be a part of bettering AU through the CAS Deans Student Advisory Board. You can contact her at at2432a@american.edu

Cooper Unkle

Hello, my name is Cooper Unkle, and I am a senior literature major. I first joined the Dean's CAS in my sophomore year in order to make a difference in AU's largest school. I am interested in education and law, and I currently work as a substitute teacher in a local public school district. After graduating, I hope to become a first grade teacher to pay for law school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, the outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family. I am looking forward to another great school year and working towards a better CAS! Feel free to contact me at cu9192a@american.edu.

Moustafa Ashour

I am Moustafa Ashour. I am from Egypt and I am a current freshmen at the college of arts and sciences. I am a computer science major. I have a huge passion for marketing and social media management. I decided to join the SAC because I wanted to help ensure all CAS students are heard. My AU email is ma1977a@american.edu! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Jeongwon Kim

Hi I am Jeongwon Kim or Ember Kim (she/her). I am from South Korea, and I am a junior majoring psychology. I am also an e-board member of Korean International Scholars Association(KISA). In my free time, I like going to the gym, eating sweets and watching movies or documentaries! I look forward to bridging Asian students with Dean’s Student Advisory Council. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to email me anytime.

Clara Brinkman

My name is Clara Brinkman and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I grew up in Cambridge, MA which is just outside of Boston. I am a freshman here at American University with a major in Neuroscience and a planned minor in French and Studio Art. I love doing things like thrifting, creating art, and meeting new people. I'm super excited to be part of this DSAC community and work on advocating for peoples voices throughout maths and sciences. I love communicating with other undergrads and being a key part of the College of Arts and Sciences community. Please feel free to email me at cb6899a@american.edu, I would love to talk about DSAC or other fun activities.

Allison Hunger

Allison Hunger (she/her) is a Sophomore majoring in Biochemistry on a Pre-med track with a minor in Justice; she is also a member of Women in Science and the DC Beta chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon. Outside of academics, she teaches tap dance to all ages and enjoys the outdoors, weight-lifting, and reading. She is excited to be more involved with CAS faculty through the Faculty Connect group of the Dean's Student Advisory Council because she can help her peers be more informed about how to optimize their CAS experiences!

Grace Ashford

Hi there :) My name is Grace and I am reporting live from the Katzen museum where I work as a gallery attendant. I love to paint, sing, and speak and I hope to make our corner of the university a bit brighter through communicative and collective action. Have a great day!

Ella Guttadauro 

Hi! My name is Ella Guttadauro (she/her). I am a second year student majoring in public health (B.S) with a minor in JLC at the moment, possibly considering a double major. I love hanging out with my friends, going to Washington Spirit games, and trying out new food places! I am excited to be a part of the SAC this year again to continue to be that voice for STEM students, those who are non-traditional college age, and those with disabilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at eg6132a@american.edu!!

Lucas del Rosario

Kumusta, everyone! My name is Lucas G. del Rosario, and I’m currently a sophomore at AU. My pronouns are he/him/his/siya—just so you know, siya is an Indigenous, gender-neutral pronoun from the Philippine Islands, thousands of years before Spanish colonization. I’m majoring in Musical Theatre/Film Studies minor; basically, I spend a lot of time acting, singing, and learning the craft of storytelling on stage and on screen. Outside of class, you’ll usually find me playing soccer or basketball, or singing and dancing with friends. I grew up in Manhattan, New York City, half Filipino, half Italian. Also an Eagle Scout and part of the Outdoors, Catholic, Asian Affinity Clubs, and Gospel Choir. Favorite roles so far have been Christopher in The Sound Inside and Troy in High School Musical. And if you ever need food recs nearby, I’ll happily point you to Kuya Jay Lechon Belly (we should plan a hangout there soon, worth the trip!). I’m truly honored to be part of DSAC. If you ever want to connect, have questions, or just want to grab a bite, feel free to reach out at Ld8149a@american.edu.

Caroline Smith

Hi! My name is Caroline Smith and I am a junior biochemistry major on the pre-med track. I work in Dr. Zestos research lab where I perform analytic chemistry and neurotransmitter research. I also work as a receptionist at the Washington Ballet. Outside of class and work, I am a company dancer with the Capital Ballet, where I perform classical ballets and repertoire such as Swan Lake and La Bayadère. I’ve had the opportunity to dance in Europe and at The Kennedy Center with the American Ballet Theatre. I am passionate about advocating for the intersection between the arts and sciences and how the two disciplines can work together to improve public health.

Evelyn Gutierrez

Hi, my name is Evelyn Gutierrez (she/her), and I am a freshman here at AU. I am from Connecticut and am planning to major in Biology. Outside of school I love to go on random adventures, travel, bake, and binge watch shows (my current show is New Girl). As a girl of Hispanic/Latino heritage, I aim to provide inclusivity for minority students not only in CAS but here at AU as well. I am very excited to serve on this Student Advisory Council and look forward to connecting and reaching out to you through this program. Contact: eg3470a@american.edu

Theodora Papish

My name is Theodora “Teddi” Papish. I am a sophomore transfer student in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Environmental Studies. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, writing, traditional drawing, and digital art. I am a new satirical writer for The Eagle, and I hope to bring wit, humor, and a little bit of silliness to every endeavor at American University! tp9736a@american.edu

Mariam Malik

Hi, I'm Mariam Malik (she/her)! I'm a Senior from Ellicott City, Maryland studying Psychology and Criminal Justice. My hope in participating in the Student Advisory Council is to help connect the interests/concerns/suggestions of minority students with CAS admin. Outside of SAC, my primary goal is pursuing Law post-grad by attending law school. I have a passion for art and community service, and I'm involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity on campus. I also love being active through yoga, hiking, running, or really any form of activity. My email is mm6468a@american.edu if you ever need anything!

Gabrielle Johnson

Hi, my name is Gabi Johnson (they/she), and I’m a junior majoring in Public Health. Alongside my studies, I am a trained EMT, which has deepened my passion for health equity, especially for women and girls. Outside of academics, I enjoy writing, cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with friends. You can reach me at gj2753a@american.edu

Griselda Perez-Valdovinos

Hi! My name is Griselda Perez-Valdovinos, and I was born in Illinois but lived in Texas my whole life. I’m currently a freshman majoring in Biology with a Pre-Medical focus. Beyond my academics, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, caring for my farm animals, and shopping. I am excited to join the Dean’s Student Advisory council, where I look forward to serving as a voice for CAS and contributing to an inclusive academic environment.

Aissatou Toure

Hi, my name is Aissatou(Ice-uh-2) Toure, and my pronouns is she/her. I’m a first-year student currently majoring in Public health. I joined the Dean’s Student Advisory Council because I hope to connect with other students and positively contribute to campus life. I’m also part of the African Student Organization and enjoy hanging with my friends, exploring and drinking matcha. You can reach me at at6366a@american.edu.