BUSPH Student Senate.
Student Senate Mission Statement:
As a reflection of the mission and values of BUSPH, the mission of the Student Senate is to connect students to the SPH community, develop student engagement on campus and ignite student led community action.
We seek to foster a respectful, collaborative, diverse and inclusive community within SPH to promote connection and holistic student success; to hold the faculty, staff and university community accountable to the mission and values of SPH by developing channels for student voices; and to ignite positive change beyond our academic walls through engaging with people, communities and institutions to promote justice, human rights and equity.
We accomplish this by:
- Creating social, educational and professional spaces for students to connect with: fellow students, alumni, BU graduate students outside SPH and public health students outside of BU SPH
- Equipping student organizations to collaborate on events and initiatives
- Advocating for resources to aid academic success of students
- Gathering and representing student concerns and evaluations to the faculty, staff and university community
- Advocating for and monitoring timely responses to student feedback
- Supporting student initiated projects
- Providing and promoting opportunities to serve at SPH and in the local community
Want to get involved?
Email phsenate@bu.edu.with project ideas, questions, apply to join student senate or to talk with one of our Student Representatives!
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/BUSPHStudentSenate
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/busphsenate/
Student Senate Corner
We encourage students to read the SPH Weekly and also check out the Student Center Corner to learn about upcoming events and updates from us. You will find information in the lower right corner!
Student Senate General Board Meetings
Fall General Board Meetings: TLB 307C and Zoom | 5:00-6:00pm
- Tuesday, 10/10/2023
- Tuesday, 11/14/2023
- Tuesday, 12/12/2023
Please contact Phsenate@bu.edu with any questions!
BUSPH Student Feedback Form
Below is the link to the Student Senate Feedback Form. Comments that are submitted are completely anonymous. Your email address will NOT be included in your submission. The BUSPH Student Senate will do their best to get your questions and concerns addressed.
Student Feedback Form
Student Senate 2023-2024 Executive Board:
Katie Harrison-Cunningham, President
Katie, President
Pronouns: She/Her
Katie graduated from James Madison University with her B.S in Health Sciences and a minor in Chronic Illness. During her gap year between undergrad and grad school she worked as a Covid Case Manager in a Title I elementary school. During this year she became extremely passionate about health equity and health education within underserved communities. She served on Student Senate last year as a Co-Director for Community Engagement. Katie is thrilled to serve as your President for the 2023-2024 academic year and hopes that all BUSPH students, faculty and staff will be able engage and enjoy the events planned for the year! Some fun facts about her are she adores animals, loves to cook and is an Aries! Please email her at kpharcu@bu.edu or at phsenate@bu.edu!
Soraiya Lalani, Vice President
Soraiya, Vice President
Pronouns: She/Her
Soraiya is a dual degree MPH/MS student pursuing Healthcare Management and Medical Sciences. She is originally from Vancouver, Canada! She has a passion for improving hospital operations and improving access to care for underserved communities. In her free time, Soraiya enjoys hiking, pilates, and Taylor Swift!
Haruka Matsuura, Admin Director
Haruka, Admin Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Originally from NJ, Haruka graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2020 with a major in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Music Performance. She had the opportunity to give back to Buffalo medically as an ED Medical Scribe and an ENT Medical Assistant, as well as musically, by teaching music lessons for the refugee and historically marginalized youth through Buffalo String Works. Being a musician and dancer, Haruka understands how much the arts shaped and benefited her life, making her a passionate advocate for accessible fine arts education. She is currently working as an ENT Medical Scribe at BMC and plans to pursue medical school after completing her MPH. When she’s not working, Haruka loves doing karaoke, playing Minecraft, rock climbing, and exploring Boston to find the best restaurants and boba shops!
Haruka joined Senate last semester as a Spring 2023 Cohort Representative and is excited to continue being a part of Senate as the 2023-24 Admin Director! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her anytime at harukama@bu.edu!
Anushka Reddy Marri, Communications Director
Anushka, Communications Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Anushka is a doctor from India with an undergraduate degree in MBBS and is pursuing her Master of Public Health from BUSPH. She fancies herself a jack of all trades and indulges in writing, dancing, watching cricket, reading, and reviewing books. She was the Editor-in-Chief of Lexicon, a medical magazine, for three years. Through all her experiences and learnings, she hopes to help reduce the inequities in her country.
Anushka is elated to join Student Senate as the Communications Director. Through this role, she wants to contribute to the family of BUSPH and provide the students with a relatable and approachable platform. For any ideas or collaborations or conversations, reach out at anrmarri@bu.edu.
Tarim Fahim, Diversity & Advocacy Co-Director
Tarim, Diversity & Advocacy Co-Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Tarim graduated with a bachelor’s in dental surgery from Pakistan in 2021. Since her graduation, she has served as a full-time dentist in a public sector hospital to complete her essential training as a licensed healthcare provider. She believes it is by understanding and further expanding different areas of the healthcare system can our community further flourish. Being an immigrant and a person of color herself, Tarim believes diversity and inclusivity will strengthen and further help the healthcare sector to have a more promising future. As a part of the BUSPH community and the Student Senate, she hopes to bring her ideas forward and introduce them as projects that will benefit everyone equally and give every voice a chance to be heard. Please feel free to reach out to her at tarimf@bu.edu with any questions, ideas, or projects.
Ayanaa Sudduth, Diversity and Advocacy Co-Director
Ayanaa, Diversity and Advocacy Co-Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Ayanaa graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Prior to attending BUSPH, Ayanaa participated in research conducting a toxicologic assessment of microplastics on zebrafish embryos at Saint Mary’s College. She also dedicated time to volunteering at COVID vaccination sites and social justice organizations across the SF Bay Area.
Her passion lies in fostering health equity and driving educational empowerment within BIPOC communities, with a specific focus on the youth demographic. Ayanaa has an extensive background in advocating for underserved communities and hopes to continue this throughout her life. As a student senate member, she aspires to amplify student voices, nurture inclusivity, and foster a supportive BUSPH environment. She envisions building meaningful relationships with peers and offering assistance both within and beyond the BUSPH realm. Please feel free to reach out to her at ayanaas@bu.edu.
Adriana Sanguedolce, Community Engagement Director
Adriana, Community Engagement Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Adriana graduated from University of New England in 2021 with her BS in Public Health. During her time at UNE, she was involved in her university’s Habitat for Humanity club and the Care for the Underserved Pathways AHEC Scholars Program. She spent her practicum working with York County Community Action Corporation in 2020 as a COVID-19 Health Educator in Sanford, Maine and surrounding areas. In between her undergraduate and graduate studies, she worked at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute coordinating care for cancer patients in remission and those who were actively on treatment for gastrointestinal cancer, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Adriana is interested in public health and preventative care awareness, as well as addressing inequities. She likes to read, listen to music, crochet, and cook and bake in her free time.
As Community Engagement Director, Adriana looks forward to connecting her cohort with BUSPH and the local community. For any suggestions or ideas for service engagement, please feel free to contact her at asangue@bu.edu.
Mahima Jain, Student Organization Council Director
Mahima, Student Organization Council Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Mahima obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from India in 2021, and her career trajectory took a significant turn during her internship as a frontline worker in a hospital, where she was prompted to pursue a path in Public Health and deepen her understanding of health research. The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in shaping her career aspirations. In addition, she has gained valuable experience working in charitable health center units situated in rural areas of India. As an international student, Mahima is driven by a strong determination to establish a robust and inclusive community for students at BUSPH. In her capacity as the Student Org Council Director, her objective is to foster collaboration among diverse organizations and facilitate meaningful student engagement within their community. For inquiries, event coordination, or any further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out at majain@bu.edu.
Skyler Lesser-Roy, Events Co-Director
Skyler, Events Co-Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Skyler graduated from Kenyon College in 2022 where she majored in Political Science and Music. While at Kenyon, she worked with faculty, staff, and other student leaders to improve campus mental health resources. After graduating, she worked for a non-profit foundation in Columbus, OH, where she worked to provide low-income Ohioans with dental care, lobbied state officials to increase dental medicaid reimbursement rates, and coordinated scholarships for dental students. In her free time, Skyler enjoys going on road trips, embroidery, singing in community choirs, and going to live concerts.
As an events co-director, she is excited to promote activities that bring the BUSPH campus together. She hopes future senate events provide students a space to make new connections and take a well-deserved break from their studies.
Feel free to reach out to Skyler with any questions or comments at sjlr@bu.edu!
Brett Ranieri, Events Co-Director
Rhea, Events Director
Brett hails from the popular southern New England watering hole of West Hartford, Connecticut. He received an illuminating undergraduate education from just another small liberal arts school, where his mettle was put to the test with a grueling curriculum of dance and musical theatre courses. Post graduation, Brett enjoyed the life of an international rolling stone. His overseas endeavors aided in his commitment to refining his skills in haphazard cooking, useless Germanic languages, and purveying that perfect glass of wine. He is even a proud co-creator of a wildly unpopular food blog that documented the everyday challenges of cooking!
Upon his arrival at BUSPH, Brett elected to pursue a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics. When asked what he plans to do next, one can still hear Brett quietly weeping with dreadful sorrow, “I have such doubt”–much akin to Meryl Streep’s Academy Award nominated performance, but he hopes the support and guidance he has found with the SPH community will relieve some of his vacillation.
Known for his infectious mood swings, cunning wit, and easily cartoon-able face, Brett is oft found power-walking the streets from the South End to Brighton or lounging along the docks of the Esplanade. If you encounter him in the wild, feel free to engage in affable, yet brief, conversation, as he likely has more Pokemon to catch.
Brett is excited to be joining the Student Senate as an Events Co-Director and looks forward to interacting with this year’s BUSPH community!
Student Senate 2023-2024 Student Representatives:
Cala Renehan, Part-Time Student Representative
Cala, Part-Time Student Rep
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Cala graduated from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health – Community and Global Health. Her public health passions include harm reduction and empowering People Who Use Drugs. She will be working with John Snow Inc. as she finishes her MPH here at BU this year.
As the part-time student representative, she hopes to help create an environment that builds upon the supportive, fun, and enriching environment offered to full-time students for other part-time students.
Lauren Payne, Part-Time Student Representative
Lauren, Part-Time Student Representative
Pronouns: They/She
Lauren graduated from Boston University with a Business Administration degree and is now a second year MPH student in the Environmental Health program. They are passionate about exposure equity and safety in personal care products. In the future, she hopes to advocate for better standards and increased regulation in this industry to reduce the burden of disease among vulnerable communities. As the part-time student representative, Lauren looks forward to assisting other PT students in bringing forward issues and ensuring the community’s needs are being heard! Please reach out to them at lcpayne@bu.edu with any questions and ideas!
Summya Khatoon, International Student Representative
Summya, International Student Representative
Summya is a dynamic graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Environmental Health. She’s passionate about advocating for sustainability on campus and is actively involved in recycling campaigns and green initiatives. As an international student representative, she’s dedicated to building a robust support network for fellow international students and supporting them with housing, healthcare, and academic integration. Summya adores animals and enjoys hiking and biking, driven by her love for nature and mountains. She’s an inspiring individual making a positive impact on her community and the environment.
Shriya Powar, International Student Representative
Shriya, International Student Representative
Shriya is an internationally trained dentist hailing from India. She is also an International Student Success Program (ISSP) coach for GSL and is dedicated to providing international students with the support and guidance they need to thrive both academically and socially as they transition to life in the United States. Shriya understands the unique challenges of being an international student and is committed to being your voice at the Student Senate. Feel free to reach out to her!
P.S. Shriya absolutely adores dogs!
Dhruv Nimbalkar, International Student Representative
Dhruv, International Student Representative
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Dhruv is a Master of Public Health student majoring in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Originally from India, Dhruv did his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). During his internship, he led a team of medical personnel who worked on testing, tracing, and providing care for patients who were infected during the second wave of COVID-19. This made him interested in the field of Preventive Medicine. He joined a medical college and research center where he delivered lectures to medical students regarding public health policies and helped them to connect with the local rural communities to strengthen the existing governmental health programs. Dhruv is driven and focused on ensuring equal access to healthcare for the population living in rural regions and has worked with the World Health Organization during vaccination drives in India. Outside the field of Medicine, Dhruv loves to play soccer and trekking.
As an international student himself, he understands the unique problems that students face after moving to a new country. Being an International Student representative in the Student Senate, he will ensure that students have a support system at BUSPH that they can rely on when faced with hurdles and will strive to create a loving community where everyone feels included and heard.
Feel free to reach out at dhruvpn@bu.edu
Bhavana Ganduri, Spring 2023 Student Representative
Bhavana, Spring 2023 Student Representative
After graduating from medical school in India, Bhavana worked as a general physician for two years. She also studied the relationship between Liver cirrhosis and IgA Nephropathy as a clinical research coordinator for a year. As a part of the senate, Bhavana hopes to represent and support students at the SPH while also actively advocating for diversity and equity. Please feel free to reach out to her at bhavanag@bu.edu with any questions or concerns.
Manogna Mutte, Spring 2023 Student Representative
Manogna, Spring 2023 Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her
Manogna Mutte studied medicine in India and worked as a front-line worker during the covid-19 pandemic. Working in those tough times as a junior doctor, she noticed the need for improvement and acknowledgement of public health for disease prevention. This motivated her to pursue public health after graduation. She is a foodie and shopaholic, so in her free time, she enjoys exploring the local markets and food outlets. She joined student senate because of her interest to engage with the BUSPH community. Attending all the events organized by student senate in her 1 st semester also motivated her to join it. She is intrigued by how public health also involves biostatistics to obtain data driven decisions. Hence, she plans to pursue a career in the field of epidemiology and biostatistics. In the upcoming semester she plans to contribute more as a student representative by organizing more fun and enjoyable events which the students wish to see more often on-campus. Feel free to reach out to her with any comments, questions, suggestions or advises to muttem@bu.edu!
Gruha Patel, Spring 2023 Student Representative
Gruha, Spring 2023 Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her
Gruha Patel is super excited to be a part of the Student Senate this academic year. She has a bachelor’s in Dentistry and is currently pursuing her MPH focusing on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She works part-time as a student research assistant with Long Life Family Study. She wants to explore more in this field and learn new things every day. She loves to dance and explore museums. She is attracted to vintage architecture and loves being surrounded by nature. She cannot wait to meet all of you.
Bhumika Kamthey, Fall 2022 Student Representive
Bhumika, Fall 2022 Student Representative
Bhumika Kamthey is a passionate advocate for environmental health, pursuing a major to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. In 2019, she completed her Bachelor’s in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from Indore, India, and since then, she has been dedicated to serving the community. During the challenging times of the COVID-19, she proudly served as a medical officer for two years, working tirelessly to provide healthcare and support to those affected. This experience strengthened her commitment to helping others and fostering a healthier society. Beyond her professional background, Bhumika also took on the role of Head Representative of the Sanand Nyas Community Organization, where she worked towards promoting cultural and religious knowledge and creating an inclusive environment for all. Animals hold a special place in her heart, and she actively engages in their rehabilitation and protection. Ensuring their well-being is crucial for harmonious coexistence on our beautiful planet. Motivated by a deep belief in the power of social gathering and unity, she joined the Student Senate to provide a platform for multicultural diversity to come together and thrive. Embracing our differences while fostering understanding and respect is key to building a stronger and more vibrant community. Join Bhumika on this incredible journey of making a positive impact and creating a better world for everyone. Let’s inspire and uplift each other!
Namrata Naskar, Fall 2022 Student Representative
Namrata, Fall 2022 Student Representative
In 2022, Namrata successfully completed her residency in clinical microbiology, an experience that provided invaluable insights into the world of microbes and diseases. Amidst the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, she had the privilege of serving as a physician, which further reinforced her belief in the critical role of public health. This pivotal moment inspired her to embark on a journey towards acquiring a master’s degree. From her med school days, Namrata’s fascination with infectious diseases has been unwavering. However, she recognized that to truly make a difference in this field, she needed a comprehensive understanding of public health. The study of infectious diseases and public health are inherently interconnected, and she believes that her education would be incomplete without dedicated training in both disciplines. She is particularly driven to combat antimicrobial resistance, contribute to vaccine development, and tackle neglected tropical diseases. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys painting, swimming and visiting museums. As a member of the BUSPH senate, Namrata aims to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. By embracing the collective wisdom of our community, we can learn and grow together.
Jackie Kasinskas, MSW/MPH Dual Degree Student Representative
Jackie, MSW/MPH Dual Degree Student Representative
Jackie Kasinskas graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in nutrition and food sciences in 2020. Prior to graduate school, Jackie served as a LISC AmeriCorps member at a non-profit in Hartford, CT focused on food, housing, health, and economic security. She then went on to work at this non-profit in a dual role capacity in the community engagement and housing departments. The culmination of these experiences brought her to the realization that societal problems need to be addressed from different perspectives to create lasting change. Jackie is currently a dual degree student earning her masters in clinical social work and public health with a certificate in program management. She hopes to use her unique perspective to elevate the field of public health social work. Jackie recently completed her social work internship at Boston Medical Center where she supported the biopsychosocial needs of oncology patients as they received treatment. As a collaborative and creative community-builder, Jackie strives to unite people together through meaning-making activities and hopes to bring this enthusiasm for connection to the student senate, especially with other dual degree students. In her free time, Jackie enjoys exploring Boston with friends, spending time in nature, cooking, and reading. Please feel free to reach out to Jackie with any questions, ideas, or for support at jkasinsk@bu.edu.
