2023-2024 GSS Senate Executive Committee

David is a second 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.

Christopher is a second-year master's student in the biological sciences department. Christopher got his bachelor's degree in Biology for BGSU in '22. Christopher works as a graduate teaching assistant in the biological sciences department and has a passion for research and teaching.

Ghada is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the field of Higher Education Administration. She holds a Master of Arts in English, specializing in English as a Second Language. Ghada demonstrates strong leadership qualities that prioritize both process and goal-oriented approaches. She is proficient in fostering innovative learning experiences for students through the implementation of effective teaching models. Additionally, Ghada is competent in the development and evaluation of educational programs and innovative pedagogical approaches. She demonstrates a strong inclination towards embracing challenges and seeking opportunities to effect positive change. Critical thinking, multicultural competency, ethical leadership, institutional assessment, and organizational change and development are among her research interests.

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.

Kellyanne is a first-year master’s student in Financial Economics. Kellyanne received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics at BGSU in Spring 2023. She is currently the Graduate Residence Hall Director for Kreischer Ashley-Batchelder. She is very self-motivated, curious, and hard-working. Kellyanne enjoys challenges and the opportunity to work with new people. She has a passion for research and learning. 

This position was elected September 2023 but was vacated January 2024

Ariel is a master's student in Sociology with a focus in Criminology and Social Psychology. Ariel got their bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology at BGSU in 2022. Ariel has previously served as a senator for the GSS and is currently serving as the Service Chair for Sociology Graduate Student Association. She has a particular interest in helping and advocating for others in the graduate community.

This position was elected April 2023 but was vacated in December 2023

Zachary is a first-year graduate student pursuing his master's degree in public administration. He received his bachelor's degree from BGSU in 2023. Zachary works as the Multicultural Initiatives for Graduate Student Success Graduate Assistant through the Graduate College

Syeda Zainab Akbar is a second-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.

Blessing Iweuno is a second-year graduate student at Bowling Green State University, College of Human Education and Development, where she is pursuing a degree in Curriculum and Teaching. She is the international graduate student representative which provides her the opportunity to engage with other international graduate students, promoting student interest and creating a welcoming environment that encourages awareness and inclusion of issues affecting international students. She has keen interest in the inclusion, development, and equity of students of color. In her free time, she likes to cook, bake and read.

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.

Kaylyn is completing her PhD in Psychology, specializing in developmental neurotoxicology. Her research interests include environmental impacts on mammalian, avian, and invertebrate brains. She is currently a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington D.C. Previously, she was awarded the Ohio Public Interest Fellowship and was placed with the Ohio Department of Education. After her fellowship with ODE, she continued working for the department as a Graduate Student STEM Intern. Kaylyn earned her Bachelors in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Masters in Biological Sciences from Bowling Green State University. At BGSU, she has served as Instructor of Record, Teaching Assistant, and Graduate Student Office Assistant for the Office of Accessibility Services.

Shane H. Weathers is a second-year doctoral student in American Culture Studies. His primary research interests are in film franchise studies and genre theory. He previously received his MA in English from BGSU and his BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Florida State University. He works as a TA in the Theatre and Film Department, serves as an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Film and Video, and is currently editing a volume of essays on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise for its fiftieth anniversary in 2024.

Riley is a second-year master's student studying German with a focus in German history. Riley is also working as a graduate assistant in German Culture courses as well as German language courses. He is  studying German language, history, and culture in a pursuit of a career of lifelong learning. His research focuses on social connections and religious history of Germany in early modern to modern period. At home, he is a father of a 4 year old and a 1 year old.

Rebekah is a Clinical Psychology PhD student, specializing in Religious Trauma & Exiting. Her other research interests include Mental Health, Cultural Hegemony, and Sex Education. Previously, she was a Research Assistant Consultant for the Global Feminisms Project at the University of Michigan, employed as a Research Assistant Consultant for the Chicago Church Congregations Project for Notre Dame University, as well as an NIH-funded grant at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Rebekah earned her Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from Northeastern Illinois University during which she was published in the Undergraduate Journal of Psychology at Berkeley. Rebekah plans to open a private practice as well as direct a clinical community center providing evidence-based holistic care and education. 

Carren N. Burkey is a 4^th year PhD candidate in the Biological Sciences department. She holds a master's degree in biology from BGSU '20. Carren currently works as a graduate research assistant in the Paul Morris lab. She is passionate about research and teaching, and she has previously worked as a graduate teaching assistant biology undergraduate labs.