2025-2026 GSA Department Representatives

The 2025-26 Department Representatives.

Please note: Representatives for 2025–2026 have not yet been updated due to the website redesign.

If you’d like to confirm current representatives, please check this [link] or email gsa@slu.edu

American Studies

Giuliana Piccione

Giuliana Piccione is a Ph.D. student in American Studies. She comes from a background in English and Sociology, and loves material culture, dogs, and staying home with a good book.

Email:giuliana.piccione@slu.edu

Kristine Haglund

Kristine Haglund is a Ph.D. Student in American Studies. Her research interests include business history and American religions. She loves St. Louis, but misses New England beaches.

Email: kristine.haglund@slu.edu

Athletic Training

Jeremy Gries

Jeremy Gries is a Senior who is majoring in Exercise Science, minoring in Nutrition and Interprofessional Education, and pursuing a master’s in athletic training. At Saint Louis University, he is an active member of the SLU Athletic Training Society and the SLU Athletic Training Honor Society, Iota Tau Alpha. He is originally from Puyallup, Washington, and in his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, working out, and playing basketball.

Email: jeremy.gries@slu.edu

Caroline Dondlinger

Email:caroline.dondlinger1@slu.edu

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Matthew Luetzen

I am a third year PhD candidate in BMB researching lipid mediators of neurological disease.

Email: Matthew.Luetzen@slu.edu

Ayush Mistry

I am a third year PhD candidate in BMB studying genetic recombination and the mechanisms of homology-directed DSB repair.

Email: ayush.mistry@slu.edu

Biology

Danielle Hopkins

Biomedical Engineering

Rebekah Boos

Rebekah Boos completed her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in music at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) in 2021. Her research experience prior to SLU includes isolating gene targets for cancer therapies and developing in vitro diagnostic PCR panels. Rebekah is in her third year as a PhD student in Dr. Silviya Zustiak’s lab, where her research centers on developing biomaterials for drug delivery.

Email:rebekah.boos@slu.edu

Center for Advanced Dental Education (CADE)

Center for Anatomical Science & Education (CASE)

Joseph Cherullo

Joe is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in anatomy. He is originally from Cleveland and got his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton. In his free time he enjoys watching sports and spending time with family.

Email: joseph.cherullo@health.slu.edu

Amelia Coello

Amelia earned her B.S. in Investigative and Medical Science from SLU, and is now pursuing her masters in Anatomy. In her free time, Amelia enjoys walks in Tower Grove Park or trying new STL eats.

Email: amelia.coello@slu.edu

Chemistry

Ashley Dent

A St. Louis native pursuing a PhD in chemistry, I am a research assistant in the Glycoworld lab where I work as a synthetic organic chemist. I enjoy traveling, coffee, and cats.

Email: ashley.dent@slu.edu

Communication

Gurwinder Kaur

Gurwinder Kaur is a master’s student and graduate teaching assistant in SLU's Department of Communication. She is interested in health, organization, and gender communication and plans to enroll in a Ph.D. program after earning a master's degree. Her ultimate career goal is to become a professor and teach communication

Email: gurwinderkaur.1@slu.edu

Gloria Akua Annan

I am committed to advocating the diverse needs of SLU's graduate student community and creating a lively campus atmosphere while equipping fellow students with professional development opportunities. By actively collaborating with fellow GSA representatives, and the university administration, I aim to contribute to the elevation of the overall graduate experience at SLU.

Email:gloriaakua.annan@slu.edu

Computer Science

Yashaswini Garapati

I am Yashaswini Sree Neha From Computer Science Department pursuing masters. I have an experience of 2.3years in Software Field In India.

Email:yashaswinisreeneha.garapati@slu.edu

Krishna Syamala

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science, focusing on advanced topics in image processing and machine learning. With a strong background in data analysis and model development, I am committed to advancing research and contributing to the academic community.

Email:krishnareddy.syamala@slu.edu

Abhishek Gurudwar

"I am Abhishek Gurudwar, This august I will enter my final semester of Graduate Studies in computer Science.

This Opportunity to represent Computer Science Department as a Graduate Student Is a fascinating one, I am a Curious computer science student, I have chosen this path of constant learning when I was in grade school, and I will always choose to do so throughout my career, Up until now I have taken up various roles, few of them being a Front end Developer, Event Coordinator, Student Placement Coordinator, Cohort Lead, Teaching Assistant and many more, and in all of these roles I have honestly carried out my duties with high integrity, My innovative solutions have always helped our teams to achieve greater progress and deliver the required results.

I believe my Academic skills, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Work Ethic, Integrity and Honesty would make me a great fit for this position, in addition my experience and network with the students and professors in all my three semesters of ongoing Masters will make me relevant for achieving the required goals.

Email:abhishek.gurudwar@slu.edu

Criminology & Criminal Justice

Paityn Upton

My name is Paityn, I'm an upcoming senior in the CCJ accelerated master's program. My academic interests are helping survivors of domestic violence. I hope to one day be an advocate for those survivors.

Email:paityn.upton@slu.edu

Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Carly R. Finegan

Carly is currently in her 6th year of graduate studies at SLU, pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Geosciences, and this is her 4th year as a GSA department representative. In her spare time, Carly enjoys spending time with her dog and her husband, reading, gardening, visiting parks, playing tabletop games, and working to organize graduate workers at SLU.

Email: carly.finegan@slu.edu

Riley Jackson

Riley is a second-year master's student studying meteorology, specifically cold season tornadoes in the central US. He is from Denver, Colorado and got his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, watching Colorado sports teams, and playing video games.

Email:riley.jackson.1@slu.edu

Education

Grace Wang

I am a Master's student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program in the School of Education. I also attended SLU for my undergraduate degree with a double major in Psychology and English. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and occasional practices with the SLU Fencing Club!

Engineering, Aviation, and Technology

Rebekah Boos

Murad Tapdigli

Naresh Dama

English

Amanda VanNierop

Amanda is a second year MA student in the English department. Her area of research is contemporary American literature.

Email: amanda.vannierop@slu.edu

Cheyenne Burns

Email:cheyenne.burns@slu.edu

Nate Meshau

Email: nathan.meshau@slu.edu

Health Administration

Spencer Shreve

I'm a 2nd year accelerated candidate in the Master of Health Administration program. My plan upon graduation is to obtain an administrative fellowship to work in hospital operations. I am from Overland Park, KS, and love to travel, play soccer, and try new foods.

Email:spencer.shreve@slu.edu

Health Care Ethics

Alexander Zhang

I am a joint philosophy and bioethics PhD student at Saint Louis University working on informed consent as permission and promise.

Email: alexander.h.zhang@slu.edu

Joel Cox

I am a 2nd year PhD student studying Philosophy and Bioethics. I'm here to party, if by partying we're referring to being a GSA rep.

Email: joel.cox@slu.edu

Health Data Science

Aishwarya Mahesha

My name is Aishwarya Mahesha, and I am a dedicated professional originally trained as a dentist in India. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to practice dentistry and contribute to improving the oral health of numerous patients. My passion for healthcare and data-driven decision-making led me to pursue a Master's degree in Health Data Science.

Email:aishwarya.mahesha@slu.edu

Raviteja Abbagalla

I am Raviteja Abbagalla, and I am current student in Master of Science in Health Data Science from Saint Louis University, along with a Master of Science in Genetics from Osmania University. My professional experience includes genetic research and data analysis, where I've worked on prenatal diagnosis, cancer genetics, and COVID-19 testing. I am skilled in various laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools.

Email:raviteja.abbagalla@slu.edu

Sushma Dasari

Email: sushma.dasari@slu.edu

Health and Clinical Outcomes Research

Foram Raiyani

I am currently taking Health Data Science and have good mastery at analyzing and interpreting various health-related data. A self-nomination for GSA representative can be justified because of multiple reasons based on academic background, passion about students’ issues, and care of equality and diversity. I value the improvement of communication, respect to diversity, as well as growth of graduate learners academically and professionally.

Email:foramjayantilal.raiyani@slu.edu

History

Robert Bagley

I am fourth year doctoral student in American History. I look forward to representing the department this year.

Email:Robert.bagley@slu.edu

Integrated & Applied Sciences

Sarah Carlson

Sarah is currently a doctoral student in the Integrated & Applied Sciences program within the department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University in May 2024 and now works as a licensed PT in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Sarah looks forward to supporting graduate students at SLU.

Email:sarah.j.carlson@slu.edu

International Business & Marketing

Pooja Ramankutty

Hello! I'm really excited to be joining as a GSA representative this year. I joined the International Business and Marketing Ph.D. program at the Chaifetz School of Business in 2022, and am currently going into my third year in the program. After graduating with a Psychological and Brain Sciences B.S. from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), I went onto obtain an MBA in HR & OB from California State University, East Bay (CSU East Bay). My research interests include mental health topics pertaining to my fields, such as transformative consumer research and employee well-being.

Email:pooja.ramankutty@slu.edu

Languages, Literature, and Cultures

Madeline Jackson

Hi! My name is Maddie and I am from Granite City, IL. I am in my first year of the Spanish Education, M.A. I hope to be a Spanish teacher at the elementary level after graduation!

Email: maddie.jackson@slu.edu

Mathematics

Alina Abdurakhimova

Email: Alina.abdurakhimova@slu.edu

Medical Family Therapy

Yamilet Campos

I am a second year doctoral student in the Medical Family Therapy program. My clinical and research goals are to provide resources and interventions to minority populations to improve mental health issues.

Email:yamilet.campos@health.slu.edu

Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Katie Holloway

IKatie Holloway (formerly Phelps) is in her 5th year in the Hoft lab. She studies T cell mediated vaccines for influenza and tuberculosis. Outside of the lab, her favorite activity is playing board games.

Email:katie.phelps@health.slu.edu

Nursing

Devon Bennett

Devon is a nursing PhD student in the dissertation phase. She teaches nursing full time at SIUE. She has completed all of her degrees at SLU.

Email: devon.bennett@slu.edu

Nutrition & Dietetics

Katherine Walcott

Kat (she/her/hers) is a graduate assistant and student seeking degrees in nutrition and public health. Prior to attending Saint Louis University she graduated with her B.S. in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University and grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. When she's not studying or doing research, you can find her baking, reading, or rowing at the gym.

Email:kwalcott@slu.edu

Occupational Therapy

Karina Krammer

Hi! My name is Karina and I am a first year grad student in the Occupational Therapy program. I attended SLU for my BA in Occupational Science as well. I am from a suburb in Chicago and cannot wait for my next couple years at SLU!

Email: karina.krammer@slu.edu

Pharmacological and Physiological Science

Megan Pater

I am a 3rd year Pharmacology and Physiology Graduate Research Assistant in the lab of Dr. Yosten and Dr. Samson. My research primarily looks at spatial transcriptomic differences in human pancreatic tissue in the context of diabetes.

Email:mpater@slu.edu

Philosophy

Daniel Grasso

Daniel is a philosophy PhD student. He studies philosophy of religion, medieval philosophy, and metaphysics. He also enjoys Russian literature, especially Dostoevsky.

Email:daniel.grasso@slu.edu

Menashe Roberts

Menashe Chaim Roberts is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy at Saint Louis University. His areas of interest are: metaphysics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of Judaism, and philosophy of language. His favorite film is The Death of Stalin.

Email:menashe.roberts@slu.edu

Physical Therapy

Libby Kolbus

My name is Libby Kolbus and I am a PY2 in the Physical Therapy department. I am originally from Indianapolis, IN, but have been in St. Louis for the past 4 years now! In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, and reading. I am looking forward to serving on GSA!

Email: libby.kolbus@slu.edu

Joe Case

Physician Assistant

Grace Vavrik

My name is Grace Vavrik, I am in the second year of didactic, beginning clinicals in 2025. I went to SLU for my undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences. I am from Chicago but I love being in STL!

Email: grace.vavrik@health.slu.edu

Political Science

VACANT

Psychology

Madison Veres

Maddie is in her third year in SLU's Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD program. She’s from Milwaukee, WI, and earned her BS in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2021. Maddie is interested in occupational health psychology (OHP) research topics including work-life balance, wellness, and employee safety. During her free time, Maddie enjoys riding her Peloton, watching scary movies, reading, and spending time with her family and her cat, Billy.

Email:madison.veres@slu.edu

Stephanie Hartling

I am a third-year doctoral student in the Psychology Cognitive Neuroscience program. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and a Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology from Illinois State University. My research interests include using neuroimaging to investigate the impact of aging on emotional control and decision-making.

Email:stephanie.hartling@slu.edu

Kellen Blum

Kellen is a Ph.D. student the in Department of Psychology's Clinical Psychology program. His primary areas of interest include addiction, addictive behaviors, and sports psychology. He is from Ste. Genevieve, MO, and received his BS from Illinois College while playing baseball. In his free time, he enjoys running, watching baseball, and spending time outdoors.

Email: kellen.blum@health.slu.edu

Public and Social Policy

Zarah Robinson

Zarah Robinson is a first year PhD student in the department of Public and Social Policy. She comes to policy studies via Anthropology (Bsc), International Criminology (MA), Social Change (Msc), and several years working in children's protective services.

Email: zarah.robinson@slu.edu

Public Health (MPH)

Public Health Studies (PhD)

Wan-Ling Hsu

I'm a 2nd year PhD student in Health Management and Policy. Research interests are long-term care and aging, medical policy, and healthcare utilization and outcomes.

Email:wanling.hsu.1@slu.edu

Social Work (PhD)

Dimitra Tziarli

"B.A in Psychology and minor in CJ- University of Cincinnati

MSW, Clinical Concentration- Saint Louis University/

International Student Athlete- University of Cincinnati (2018-2022)

-Saint Louis University (2022-2024)"

Email: dimitra.tziarli@slu.edu

Sociology

Anne Brown

I'm Anne Brown, and I’m a first-year Master’s student in the Sociology Department. I’m a mixed-methods researcher emphasizing community and urban development equity. I’m a native of St. Louis and hope to apply the skills and knowledge I gain through my education locally.

Email: anne.brown@slu.edu

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Sophie Prinsen

Sophie is currently pursuing a Masters in Speech Language Pathology after receiving her B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science here at SLU (2024). Her primary areas of interests include pediatric dysphagia, cleft lip and palate, and craniofacial anomalies. In her free time, she enjoys exploring St. Louis, trying new foods, and being outdoors!

Email: Sophia.prinsen.1@health.slu.edu

Claudia Walch

I am a current 1st year graduate student in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program. I also attended SLU for my undergraduate degree, where I explored many opportunities to be involved in campus life. I am from St. Louis and enjoy reading and taking walks at Forest Park. I am excited to continue my involvement in student life here at SLU!

Email: Claudia.r.walch@health.slu.edu

Theological Studies

Michael Thiele

Im a 2nd year PhD student in theological studies. My interests are medieval theology and ecology.

Email: michael.thiele.1@slu.edu

Jonam Wang

Email : yuenan.wang@slu.edu

Women's and Gender Studies

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