2024-2025 GSS Senate Executive Committee

David is a third-year PhD student within the School of Counseling, Higher Education, and Leadership Foundations and has previously earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Music Composition. David works as a graduate assistant for the National Student Affairs Archives in the Center for Archival Collections on the fifth and sixth floor of the library and has previously held a position as adjunct faculty in music.

Syeda Zainab Akbar is a third-year PhD student in the School of Media and Communication. She holds a Master's degree in Digital Humanities and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, and English. Her previous work experience spans diverse sectors, including industry, non-profits, and for-profits with a focus on the intersection of technology and social impact. Currently, her research is centered on examining the authenticity of communication on social media platforms, delving into the implications of digital interactions on societal perceptions and trust.

Madison Altieri is a third-year PhD student in Biology and received her master's in biology from BGSU in '22. Her master's research was with canine mobile genetic elements and uncovering their molecular mechanism, while also dabbling with endogenous retroviruses research. Currently, Madison is focusing her PhD research on bacteriophages-viruses that infect bacteria. This research leads into potential avenues such as treating bacterial infections, biocontrol, and potential discovery of bacteriophage dynamics. Madison is currently a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences teaching the SEA-PHAGES course directed by the Howard Hughes Medical Center. This course is an opportunity for undergraduates to get to experience research in a classroom setting. She has also been a TA for general genetics, general microbiology, microbiology for health professionals, introduction to cellular biology, and has held a faculty position in microbiology at Lorain County Community College. 

Mmaduabuchi Akujuobi is a second-year doctoral student in the Leadership Studies program. He earned his bachelor’s and first master’s degrees in Public Administration. Due to his strong passion for teaching, he obtained a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Bowling Green State University. His research interests include humanitarianism, human resources management, advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and public governance. Mmaduabuchi believes that serving as the Student Affairs Representative will provide him with a veritable platform to advocate for BGSU’s graduate students. Mmaduabuchi believes that students’ welfare is undoubtedly connected to students’ academic success.

Sarah Olesky is pursuing a Masters in English – Professional Writing and Rhetoric as well as a Certificate in Instructional Design. Her hobbies include writing, crocheting, and taking her kids on long walks in the park. She currently serves as the Development Coordinator at Rabata, and lives in Toledo with her husband, three kids, and cat.

Samantha, Sam, Imrie is a second-year master’s student, studying Art History at Bowling Green State University. She earned her B.A. in Art History from The University of Akron, Myers School of Art. Sam has always been interested in the arts, and the storytelling aspect of art and literature. Her research interests in 15th century art in Western Europe and Italy; materiality and visual culture as presented by illuminated manuscripts; as well as gender and sexuality.

Sam has worked professionally in various arts institutions such as the Emily Davis Gallery, the Canton Museum of Art and Summit Artspace. In addition to serving Graduate Student Senate, Sam is currently the Art History and Arts Admissions Graduate Assistant, and Senior Officer of the Art History Association.  

Adwowa A. P. Osei is a Ph.D. student in the School of Counseling, Higher Education, Leadership, and Foundations in her fourth year. She earned a Master of Fine Art in Jewelry Design, Enameling, and Metalsmithing. Adwowa is passionate about enhancing graduate students' educational experiences. Her role allows her to advocate for students, assisting them in navigating administrative processes and resolving concerns that may arise during their educational journey. She is also passionate about fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus climate for students of diverse backgrounds. Adwowa is a people person who consistently exudes positive energy around the people she interacts with. She cherishes her family and her heritage.

My name is Nancy Ransom and I am biology major with an ecology specialization in Vern Bingman's lab. I'm interested in studying molt of some select neotropical migrants that travel here to breed. I've been bird banding for seven years and have lived in Ecuador, Costa Rica, the American Samoan Islands, Massachusetts, Colorado, and a few other places in hopes of forwarding my career as an ornithologist. After my recent trip to Peru, the amount of birds I have seen in my lifetime is 917 species total around the world. Since I'm so passionate about birds, I hope to have a career as an ornithologist or work for a permanent migration banding station. Being so passionate about birds and wildlife in general, I care very deeply about preserving and protecting our planet's wildlife. I hope that this position will give me even more opportunities to make a small impact on the local community, as stirring passion in others to make small adjustments to their lives to reverse global climate change can be challenging.

Tara Gerhart is a second-year online graduate student, working on an MBA in Supply Chain. She has an undergraduate degree in Management with a minor in Accounting. She currently works at QSCC in Dublin, which provides supply chain services for the Wendy's Corporation. She looks forward to representing and serving her fellow online students at BGSU. 

Are you interested in joining GSS, we have elected positions currently vacant. Additionally, we will select a few students for various appointed positions. If you are interested or have position suggestions please let us know at gss@bgsu.edu