2024-2025 GSS Senate Executive Council

Want to get to know your 2024-2025 GSS officers and representatives? Take a look below. The Senate Executive Council (SEC), previously known as the the Senate Executive Committee, serves as the primary bridge between the GSS and the university. Are you interested in becoming an SEC officer? If so reach out to GSS today at gss@bgsu.edu to learn more.

Elected Officers

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David M. Fisher (PhD, Higher Education Administration)

  • Position: President

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.

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Syeda Zainab Akbar (PhD, Media and Communication)

  • Position: Vice President

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.

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Madison N. Altieri (PhD, Biological Sciences)

  • Position: Academic Affairs Representative

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. 

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Mmaduabuchi Godsgrant Akujuobi (PhD, Leadership Studies)

  • Position: Student Affairs Representative

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.

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Ginikachi P. Ifenatuora (Master's, Cross-Cultural and International Education)

  • Position: Treasurer

Ginikachi Ifenatuora is a master's student in Cross-Cultural and International Education at the School of Counseling, Higher Education, Leadership, and Foundations. Driven by a passion for innovative education, she is also pursuing a graduate certificate in Instructional Design and Technology. Ginikachi hails from Anambra State, Nigeria, and is deeply committed to creating culturally responsive and inclusive educational experiences, particularly for students with special needs. Her career aspirations include becoming an instructional designer who leverages cross-cultural knowledge and technology to enhance learning environments. Ginikachi aims to bridge educational gaps and empower diverse learners, especially those with special needs, through culturally sensitive teaching practices.

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Pranavesh Sunil (Master's, Computer Science)

  • Position: Secretary

Pranavesh Sunil is a master's student in Computer Science at Bowling Green State University. With a background in Software Development, he has completed a Bachelor of Information Technology from R.M.K. Engineering College and has over a year of experience as a Software Engineer Intern. Pranavesh has held positions as an SDE Intern at Aroundly and a React.js Developer at Kartexa. His expertise spans programming languages and frameworks such as C, Python, Java, React.js, and Node.js.

Driven by a passion for technology and its applications, Pranavesh is actively engaged in areas such as Computer Science Education, Programming Language Design and Implementation, Artificial Intelligence, and Natural Language Processing. He believes that his role as Secretary will offer a significant platform to enhance the student experience at BGSU, fostering both academic and personal growth. Pranavesh is committed to supporting students' welfare, recognizing its critical link to their academic success.

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Ariel Esposito (Master's, Sociology)

  • Position: Representative-at-Large
  • Pronouns: She/They

Ariel is a third-year Masters student in the Sociology program with a focus in Criminology and Social Psychology and has previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at BGSU. Ariel has previously served as the Sociology Masters program senator and Representative-at-Large. They are currently finishing their thesis examining the relationship between ADHD and arrest rates.

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Samantha P. Imrie (Master's, Art History)

  • Position: Outreach and Marketing Officer
  • Pronouns: She/Her

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.  

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Abiola J. Sobayo (Master's, Media and Communication)

  • Position: Interim Professional Development Officer
  • Pronouns: He/Him

Abiola Sobayo, hailing from Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science from Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria, where he served as the Press Secretary of the Students' Union. Abiola has extensive experience in teaching, media content creation, and public relations. He has been involved in community service, notably with the World Health Organization, and has held significant leadership roles. His skills include research, teaching, and social media management. Abiola's achievements include the Prestigious Scholar Award and a Certificate of National Service.

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Adwowa Osei (PhD, Leadership Studies)

  • Position: International Graduate Student Representative

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.

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Nancy Ransom (Master's, Biological Sciences)

  • Position: Environmental Affairs Representative

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.

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  • Position: Online Graduate Student Representative

Ex Officio Officers

Kathryn Ware (PhD, Biological Sciences)

  • Position: Graduate Student Trustee, BGSU Board of Trustees; Board of Trustees Graduate Student Representative (ex officio)
  • Pronouns: She/Her

Kathryn Ware ‘22 is a third-year doctoral candidate in Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in ecology and conservation biology following successful completion of her masters degree in the lab of Dr. Karen Root. Her dissertation research is focused on how bird communities respond to different kinds of disturbance, including forest management, hurricanes, and window collisions. Kathryn enjoys being involved on campus and has served as the Graduate Student Senate Environmental Affairs Representative for two years. She is also active in her department as a Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology labs, an officer of the Biology Graduate Student Association, founding member of the Biology Research Forum Committee, and a Biology Graduate Student Orientation leader. She completed her bachelor’s degree at The University of Findlay and currently lives in Findlay, Ohio with her husband Sam. Outside of academia, Kathryn loves to read and go birding and is an active volunteer with Black Swamp Bird Observatory as a bird bander, bird-watching guide, and advisor to the Ohio Young Birders Club.

Appointed Officers

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Richard H. Maguire (PhD, Leadership Studies)

  • Position: Data and Research Officer

Richard Maguire is a third-year Doctoral Student in Leadership Studies in the School of Counseling, Higher Education, and Leadership Foundations (SCHELF). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities. Richard is very passionate about leadership, which has a lasting impact on people's lives. His previous work includes working with non-profit organizations in Malawi, serving Malawi's rural communities to bring social and economic change. Currently, he is a Graduate Research Assistant with the Midwestern Educational Researcher journal as a managing editor and a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement.

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Saadia Farooq (PhD, Media and Communication)

  • Position: Parent-Student Representative

Hello and Salam! I am a Pakistani mother of two amazing, sassy girls and the spouse of a UToledo Rocket. I am also a Ph.D. scholar in Critical Interpersonal and Family Communication at the School of Media and Communication. I believe in taking a holistic approach to one's identity rather than confining them to a single role, such as being just a parent or a student. We all live multiple lives at once, as parents, friends, mentees, and mentors.

Allison Kidd

Allison Kidd (Master's, Interdisciplinary Gerontology)

  • Position: First-Year Master's Student Representative

My name is Allison E. Kidd and I am a first-year graduate student here at Bowling Green University. I am in the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Gerontology (MSIG) program with a concentration in Long-Term Care. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University in Long-Term Care Administration with minors in Business and Gerontology. I was born in Northeast, Ohio and have been here for my whole life, 23 years. My career aspirations are to graduate from Bowling Green with my Master’s degree and use both my Bachelor’s and Master’s knowledge to be an Administrator of a Nursing Facility. I have worked for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facilities and truly believe that the field of Gerontology is my calling. If I am not doing coursework, or working in a nursing facility, I can be found on a trail enjoying a run or at home reading a good book.

Updated: 10/10/2024 02:29PM