Duke Student Alumni Board
Making the transition from student to alum
The Duke Student Alumni Board is an advisory group, housed in Duke Alumni Engagement and Development, that works to educate students about the alumni experience and foster communication and collaboration between students and alumni. Selected from across Duke's undergraduate, graduate, and professional student populations, board members represent the diversity of the student experience at Duke.
What We Do
Responsibilities include:
- Serving as student ambassadors for AED
- Attending alumni board meetings and signature alumni events, such as Homecoming and Reunions
- Representing student views on panels
- Developing and implementing student outreach strategies around student and alumni engagement and philanthropy at Duke
- Providing advice and feedback about new and existing programs for student and alumni engagement and philanthropy
- Organizing events for the Duke community
Body
2022-23 Board Members
Abigail Eun, A.B.'25, B.S.'25
Areas of Study: Computer Science and Public Policy
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Abigail Eun is a Trinity sophomore from Los Angeles, California. She is planning to double-major in Public Policy and Computer Science and pursue a certificate in Policy, Journalism and Media Studies. At Duke, she is a research assistant for Ethical Tech, a board member for The Chronicle's CEB, a fellow for the Re-Imagining Tech Fellowship, and a cohort member for the Penny Pilgram George Women's Leadership Initiative. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, reading books of all genres, thrifting, and mountain biking.
Alex Costigan, AB'25
Areas of Study: Psychology Major, Markets and Management Studies Certificate, Sociology Minor
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Alex Costigan is a sophomore from Ridgefield, Connecticut. She is majoring in psychology, pursuing the markets and management studies certificate, and minoring in sociology. Aside from DSAB, she is a part of the tour guide program, on the student outreach committee of Duke Neurocare, and a part of the Penny Pilgram George Women's Leadership Initiative. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, ski, horseback ride, and travel. She's really looking forward to strengthening student-alumni connections through DSAB!
Alice Lyu, B.S. '25
Areas of Study: Neuroscience
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Alice Lyu is a sophomore from Beijing, China pursuing Neuroscience. As a freshman, she participated in Duke Partnership for Service, DuArts, and the FOCUS program. Currently, she is part of the executive board in DuArts and is a scholar within the Baldwin Scholars program. She loves anything visual arts, staying active, traveling, and meeting new people.
Amanda Clarke, DPT'23
Areas of Study: Physical Therapy
School: Medicine
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Amanda is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student from Harlem, New York, and currently serves as the Class of 2023 President. She is interested in sports ortho and women's health. Amanda is passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives mainly centered around healthcare in marginalized communities. In her spare time, she can be found watching Knicks games.
Ani Manchiraju, M.P.P. '23
Areas of Study: Public Policy & Technology Policy
School: Sanford
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Technology policy and privacy professional with experience in product development and grassroots leadership. Committed to translating my learnings from implementing school & community leadership projects into equitable policy outcomes. With experience in product implementation experience at Verizon and Pratham. I plan to leverage research and writing skills acquired while working at India's Department of Space and at Duke University.
Anika Pawlak, BS'24
Areas of Study: Evolutionary Anthropology,
Biology, Pre-Med
School: Trinity
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Anika Pawlak is a sophomore from Milwaukee, Wisconsin majoring a Program II titled Reimagining the Aging, Dying, and End-of-Life Care Experience. At Duke, Anika serves as the Director of Community & Student Engagement for Duke Helping Hands for Alzheimer's and other Neurological Disorders. She also enjoys being a member of the Duke Club Swim team. In her free time, Anika loves going to rock n roll concerts, kickboxing, volunteering with the elderly and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to help foster connections and relationships between students and alumni.
Bhavs Penchala, MEM'22
Areas of Study: Master's in Engineering Management
School: Pratt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I'm a Chirpy Grad student who is passionate about people, processes and growth. Generally known for my energy & relentless determination to get stuff done. My deepest desire is to educate & drive people to be a better person each day. If you're Beyonce fan, you're already my favourite. :)
Caira Watson Haynes, J.D. '24
Areas of Study: Law
School: Law
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Caira is a second-year law student from Chicago, IL. She attended undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis and graduated in 2021. As an undergraduate, Caira studied Educational Studies and Urban Studies and was an All-American on the Track and Field team. At the Law School, she is President of the Black Law Student Association. She worked this past summer as a judicial extern in the Northern District of Illinois and for Sidley Austin in Chicago, IL. During her free time, she enjoys exploring new trails, lifting, and spending time with her family and friends.
Campbell Lawson, AB'24
Areas of Study: Public Policy, Innovation
&
Entrepreneurship
School: Trinity
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Campbell is a sophomore from San Francisco, California majoring in Public Policy and pursuing the Innovation & Entrepreneurship certificate. Outside of DSAB, you'll find her watching and writing about sports for the sports section of The Chronicle, attending meetings for the Duke Association for Business Oriented Women, planning and marketing events for the Duke University Union Special Events Committee and training with the club ski and board team. When she's not working on schoolwork or doing any of the aforementioned activities, Campbell is usually watching basketball, reading a good book or baking and cooking for her family and friends. She's looking forward to strengthening connections between current Duke students and alumni with her work on DSAB!
Chidinma Madu, BSN'23
Areas of Study: Nursing
School: Nursing
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am Chidinma,A nigerian international student at Duke University Nursing school,Vice president of the Duke Nursing student association, a Resident Assistant at Duke campus and a lover of God,I love being a duke student it's a privilege and I am a lover of God.I did biochemistry for undergrad. I like music,singing,movies,traveling,caring for people and making new friends.I am friendly and approachable, if seen anywhere on campus you could say hello.Watch out for this space.
Chloe Decker, B.A. '25
Areas of Study: Undeclared; Interested in Public Policy, International Relations, Education, GSF Studies, Chinese, and Pre-Law
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Chloe is a B.N. Duke Scholar from Murphy, North Carolina, exploring her various academic interests at Trinity College and the Sanford School. Outside of the classroom, Chloe is active in Duke Student Government (DSG), the American Grand Strategy program (AGS), and serves on the executive board of Women in Politics (WIP). This school year, Chloe will be apart of the Strengthening Partnerships Bass Connections team and plans to spend the spring semester studying at Duke's Washington, D.C. Institute. For fun, Chloe loves creating ceramics at the Arts Annex, drinking tea at Duke Chapel, and trying her best to keep the plants in her North-facing dorm room alive.
Connor Cunningham, 25
Areas of Study: Public Policy
School: Trinity
Connor Cunningham is a sophomore from Glen Rock, New Jersey majoring in Public Policy. In his free time, Connor enjoys surfing, reading, and playing basketball. Connor is a volunteer at the Durham Animal Protection Society and the founder of Friends of NJ Ponds, a nonprofit dedicated to the removal of harmful algae blooms in New Jersey's waterways. He is super excited to be a part of DSAB because he loves the idea of getting to foster community through student-alumni connections!
Dami Olatosi, B.S.E '25
Areas of Study: biomedical engineering
School: Pratt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
My name is Dami Olatosi, and I am from Columbia, South Carolina. I am currently a sophomore studying biomedical engineering on a pre-med track. At Duke, I have been involved with Duke Africa by co-directing fashion and modeling for our annual Jabulani African showcase, and now I am looking forward to working with the Duke Student Alumni Board. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing tennis, and photography. I am looking forward to a great year with DSAB, engaging relationships between alumni and students.
Damope Fawole, MS'23
Areas of Study: Global Health
School: Graduate School
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Damope Fawole is a second-year masters of global health student. Before coming to Duke, he worked as a clinician, researcher, and public health practitioner in Nigeria. Damope is passionate about social justice and health systems strengthening. Damope also believes in the power of alumni networks and aims to strengthen ties between alumni and current students through the DSAB. He enjoys reading, photography, and gardening in his free time.
Daniel Bereket, B.A. '23
Areas of Study: Public Policy
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
My name is Daniel Bereket. I am a senior from Saint Paul, Minnesota majoring in Public Policy and pursuing a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I have a particular interest in social and educational policy. At Duke, I am involved in a variety of campus organizations. I am the President of the Alpha Alpha Chi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. I am also a member of the United in Praise choir, an intern with DuWell at the Student Wellness center, and have worked to create programming for incoming students at the Black Student Alliance Invitational (BSAI). I have also worked with Story+ to conduct research about the history of racism and sports in Durham. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing basketball, and doing puzzles. I hope to find an even bigger sense of community at Duke by connecting with alumni as a part of DSAB.
David Surzykiewicz, B.S. '25
Areas of Study: Public Policy major, Political Science interest, Markets and Management certificate
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
David, or Dave, of the Class of 2025, is obsessed with his 3-year-old goldendoodle, Chopin, who loves long hikes in nature. David finds his life's calling in the law, finding his home in a few law, politically-oriented, and student government organizations on the Duke campus he loves. Working to serve the residents of Southgate as a Co-President, Dave helped throw fun residential events and meet the needs of residents. As a grateful member of Duke Moot Court, Dave made it to nationals with the help of his amazing legal partner. As a Senator, Dave works with DSG's Campus Life committee to build a great community alongside his peers. Dave works on a Bass Connections team, Closing the Gap on Health Disparity and Treatment Outcome in Hypertension. With luck, Dave hopes to wear the blue and white as a Blue Devil football walk-on. Dave also serves his residential community as an Academic Chair on Few Quad. Dave is a brother of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and serves as a Presidential Ambassador. He hopes to declare a public policy major in the hopes of attending law school as the first lawyer in the family. In addition, David also plans to take the Markets and Management Certificate and potentially a Political Science minor. When he is not powerlifting, you might find David playing guitar, doing yoga, or throwing around a football with his friends on a leisurely day.
Dena Levin, B.A. '25
Areas of Study: Public Policy and French
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Dena Levin is a sophomore from Raleigh, North Caroline studying Public Policy and French. On campus, she works to promote strong community life as a Resident Assistant, through the Community Engagement Committee for Duke's Business Oriented Women club, and as a student employee in Duke's Office of Student Affairs. She is also passionate about advocating for women's reproductive rights and works as the Data Manager for the campus Planned Parenthood group. Outside of academics, she enjoys jogging with her dog, painting, and exploring North Carolina.
Eliana Shapiro, BS'23
Areas of Study: Neuroscience, Innovation
&
Entrepreneurship, Computer Science
School: Trinity
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Eliana is a sophomore from the Philadelphia area studying Neuroscience, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Computer Science. At Duke, Eliana is a member of the Duke Association for Business Oriented Women (BOW), the Challah for Hunger leadership team, and volunteers for UnitedCARE. Eliana also volunteered with the Emily Krzyzewski Center to provide academic support for low income students in the Durham community. This past summer, Eliana interned for MPowerUs, a startup creating a curated digital marketplace to connect nonprofit organizations with tools for success. During her free time, Eliana enjoys watching Duke basketball, cooking, working with children, reading, and traveling.
Ella Hartman, B.S. '24
Areas of Study: Computer Science major, Economics minor
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ella Hartman is a current Junior from Birmingham, Alabama. She is pursuing her BS in Computer Science with a minor in Economics. At Duke, Ella has been involved in the First Year Advisory Counsel and Durham Panhellenic Association. In the fall, she is studying abroad in Florence taking Economics and Italian Courses. In the future, she hopes to work in data analytics. When not studying, Ella can be found cooking or training for half marathons.
Emily Martchek, '23
Areas of Study: Law
School: Law School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Emily Martchek is a 3L in the Law School. She grew up in Roanoke, VA and graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2017 with a degree in marketing and music for orchestral conducting. Before law school, Emily lived in Washington, D.C. and worked at the Kennedy Center in corporate/foundation fundraising and Covington & Burling in market research. She was a member of the Capital Hearings a Cappella group for three years during her time in D.C. and sang for congress people, the Library of Congress, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At Duke, Emily co-founded the Duke Law Music Association to give law students a creative outlet and create a network of students with a common interest in music. She currently serves as President of the Duke Law Music Association, Vice President of the Duke Law Mock Trial Board, External Vice President of the North Carolina Club, and Board Member of the Duke Food Law Society. Emily married her college sweetheart, Daniel, in May 2022 at the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. She plans to stay in North Carolina after graduation and work as a business attorney with Ward and Smith, P.A.
Faustine Sonon, MBA '23
Areas of Study: MBA
School: Fuqua
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Faustine is a second-year Weekend Executive MBA student based in Atlanta, GA. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S.A. in Food Science, with a Certificate in International Agriculture. After his undergraduate years, he began his career in food ingredients manufacturing, specifically leading work in FDA regulatory compliance and corporate quality programs. For the past 5 years, Faustine has served on the Menu Development Team at Chick-fil-A Corporate. Working beside Supply Chain, Strategy, Operations, and other stakeholders, he currently leads the team that manages all of Chick-fil-A's Domestic and International proprietary ingredient information and public-facing nutrition. Outside of school and work, Faustine enjoys mentoring undergraduate students at his alma mater and being involved in his community. His hobbies also include bass fishing, hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with his fiancé, Caitlin, and their pup, Lola.
Hanny Echeverria, B.S. '25
Areas of Study: Biology and Global Health majors with a Spanish minor
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Originally born in Brooklyn, New York City in a predominantly Hispanic location that my parents immigrated to in the early 2000s. I attended a Catholic High School called Bishop Loughlin Memorial High. I graduated from my high school as Valedictorian with 17 academic awards including, National Honor Society and 12 extracurricular activities. These were all aspects of my life that I deeply enjoyed and embraced. I was then admitted to Duke University with a great scholarship to attend. I am now majoring in Biology with a co-major in Global Health and a minor in Spanish.
Hebe Zhao, MBA '23
Areas of Study: MBA
School: Fuqua
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hebe is currently pursuing an MBA at the Fuqua School of Business, pursuing investment banking in NYC after graduation. Prior to joining Fuqua, she was working in Beijing, China as finance & supply chain manager for an US based outdoor sports company. For nearly 5 years, she built an independently operating finance and supply chain team for the Company's Greater China office, and started a non-profit to promote Ocean Conservation awareness. On campus, she is actively involved in TA and promoting physical fitness for her classmates. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, hiking, and watching thought provoking documentaries.
Jeremy Fertig, B.S.E. '23
Areas of Study: Mechanical Engineeering/ Energy Engineering
School: Pratt
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Jeremy Fertig is a senior from Greenwich, Connecticut majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in Energy Engineering. Jeremy has participated in Bass Connections research, serves as the treasurer of Our Urban Future, tutors student-athletes, and is a TA for the First-Year Engineering Design Program.
Judith Mwobobia, MS.
Areas of Study: Global Health
School: Graduate School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Judith Mwobobia is a global health graduate student at Duke University. She is immersed in cutting-edge research in health and science issues affecting the world with her latest focus being stigma among cancer patients. While her formal education background is in microbiology, she worked as a journalist in Kenya for 10 years, with her last position being a quality assurance editor at Standard Media Group's print hub. More recently, Judith has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Think Global Health and on the Duke Graduate School website. Her current interests are in health policy-making and health system strengthening. She hopes for a world where health equity not an area of development, but a reality for all.
Kristina Urberg, AB '25
Areas of Study: French, Psychology
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kristina Urberg is a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana pursuing a French major and a Psychology minor. Outside of class, Kristina is also tour guide and serves as the Publicity Chair on the Executive Board of the Alexander Hamilton Society, a student-run foreign policy and national security club. Kristina enjoys wake surfing, golfing, learning new languages, watching Duke basketball, and exploring the Durham food scene. After attending events run by DSAB her freshman year, Kristina is excited to get involved in planning and running these events. She is also excited to work with dedicated, passionate Duke alumni and continue learning more about Duke through her position.
Kyle Pan, PHD'25
Areas of Study: Mechanical Engineering
School: Pratt
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Kyle Yuxin Pan is a second year PhD student in the department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering. He has held multiple student organization leadership roles and community engagement positions during his undergraduate study at the University of Sydney, Australia. A few years of professional experience also helped him to develop practical understanding and vision in engineering. In his free time, Kyle enjoys hiking and archery.
Liv Jordan, A.B. '25
Areas of Study: History and Political Science
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Liv is a sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina majoring in History and Political Science. She is currently on the pre-law track. Outside of academics and serving on the Student Alumni Board. Liv is involved in DUU, is an undergraduate admission ambassador, and conducts research with the Sanford School of Public Policy. In her free time, Liv enjoys studying German, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and three dogs.
Luke Mears, J.D. '24
Areas of Study: Law
School: Law
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Luke is a second year law student originally from Bohemia, New York. Luke attended Boston University for his undergraduate education, where he majored in business administration with a minor in statistics. At Boston University, Luke was on the class gift and alumni contribution committee, and Luke is excited to continue to work with alumni here at Duke. Luke is currently involved at Duke as a research assistant for two professors, Professor Ofer Eldar and Professor Veronica Root Martinez. Luke is also the Founder and Director of the Lyme Disease Advocacy Project, the Director for the Veterans Assistance Project, and the Legal Services Director for the Consumer Rights and Economic Justice Project. Luke is also the Assistant Residence Coordinator for Wannamaker Quad, supervising 6 RAs and overseeing approximately 220 undergraduates living on Duke's campus. For the summer of 2022, Luke interned for the Department of Justice in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. Luke was drawn to Duke due to its beautiful campus, friendly and supportive culture, warm weather, and amazing school spirit and sports culture. Those have all lived up to Luke's expectations so far, and his time at the university thus far has been a true pleasure. Luke is looking forward to giving back to this amazing university by serving on this board, and he is looking forward to getting alumni and partners as excited about Duke as he is to be here. Outside of Duke, Luke enjoys video games, cooking, fantasy football, the Patriots and Red Sox, Marvel Movies, volleyball, and traveling.
Matt Goldberg, B.S. '25
Areas of Study: Statistics, Economics, Sociology
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Matthew Goldberg is a sophomore from Philadelphia, PA majoring in statistical science with minors in both economics and sociology. At Duke he is a member of a Bass Connections research team, Duke Real Estate Club, and Club Running. This year, Matthew looks forward to connecting current students and alumni as a member of DSAB.
Michelle Van, MS'23
Areas of Study: Data Science
School: Graduate School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Michelle second-year masters student studying Data Science (MIDS). Before Duke, she was a software engineer working at an ed-tech startup in London. She received her undergraduate and masters in Materials Science from Oxford University. At Duke, she served on the Data Science Product Management Club and is part of the Bass Connections working on an infection detection platform. She is interested in exploring the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship, and hopes to pursue a career in the software engineer and data science space. During her free time, she enjoys skiing, travelling, and exploring new restaurants
Morgan Taylor, PhD '23
Areas of Study: Psychology and Neuroscience
School: Graduate School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Morgan is a 5th year Psychology and Neuroscience student from Baltimore, MD. She earned her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and worked as a lab manager at Dartmouth College before coming to Duke. She is broadly interested in how memory and decision making processes function and interact across the lifespan, especially in older adulthood. In her spare time, Morgan enjoys ballroom dancing, pub trivia, and traveling.
Nick Viers, A.B.'23
Areas of Study: Economics, Political Science
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
My name is Nick Viers, I'm a senior from Richmond, Virginia double majoring in economics and political science. My primary involvement on campus is my role as a captain on the varsity swim & dive team, and I hope to use my experiences as a student athlete to help diversify my role as a DSAB student ambassador. Above all, I'm passionate about all things Duke, so I won't miss a basketball game if I can help it, and most importantly I'm excited about the opportunity to work with Duke's alumni.
Oliver Hess, A.B. '25
Areas of Study: Public Policy, Art History, Music
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Oliver is a sophomore hailing from St. Petersburg, FL. His parents met tenting for the 1989 Duke-UNC basketball game, and he has been connected to the alumni network since before he could walk. Oliver plans on studying only the highest paying post-grad subjects at Duke: Art History, Public Policy, and Music. His Duke experience would be nothing without performance. He is a Vice President of Duke's best a cappella group, the Pitchforks, and he is very involved with Hoof'n'Horn productions. When he's not working hard, you can find him brewing different types of tea or planning his first campaign for political office.
Yuru (Rita) Fu, A.B. JD'23
Areas of Study: Law
School: Duke Law
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Yuru (Rita) Fu is currently a 3L student at Duke Law. Originally growing up in Chengdu, China, she graduated from NYU with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Economics. At Duke, she is a student representative at the law school's DEI committee and an Articles Editor for the Duke Journal of Comparative and International Law. Last year she was Vice President of Professional Development at APALSA. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her cats, take group fitness classes, visit art galleries, and explore food!
Rory Smith, B.A. '24
Areas of Study: Public Policy (Minors: Spanish, Economics)
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Rory is a junior from Durham, North Carolina majoring in Public Policy Studies and minoring in Spanish and Economics. Outside of DSAB, she is involved on campus as an Academic Resource Center Peer Tutor, Education Analyst for Duke Impact Investing Group, and a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Recently, she served as a research fellow for the Bass Connections team "Celebrating Latinx Culture with a Spanish Reading Program", and as a legal intern for Catholic Legal Services through Duke Engage Miami. She also works as a Youth Leadership Intern for YES Consortium, an educational nonprofit that teaches lessons in personal finance and entrepreneurship to middle and high school students. After graduating from Duke, she hopes to pursue management consulting or law. In her free time, Rory enjoys cooking, traveling, and all things fitness. Rory is excited to get even more involved with DSAB during her second year of membership!
Sam Gottlieb, B.S. '24
Areas of Study: Biology Major, Sociology and Chemistry Minors
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Sam and I'm a current junior at Duke studying Biology, Sociology, and Chemistry on the Pre-med track. On campus, I am an active undergraduate intern at the Duke Student Wellness Center where I work on our Moments of Mindfulness programming and student wellness resources. I am also involved with the Duke chapter of the Women's Network, Duke FEMMES+, and am working through the Duke Social Science Research Institute on a project exploring self-regulation behavior in children. I also love to go on walks with friends around campus and have definitely become a big foodie from exploring restaurants in Durham! One reason I joined DSAB was to help foster stronger connections between Duke undergraduates and alumni. After attending a Karsh Conversations event last year, I saw firsthand how useful the Duke Alumni Network could be and am eager to help continue this effort.
Sara Mehta, B.S. '23
Areas of Study: Computer Science & Psychology
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sara Mehta is a junior from Mumbai, India studying Computer Science and Psychology. Sara is excited to join DSAB to foster more connections between students and alumni and give back to alumni, who have greatly supported and encouraged her during her time at Duke. Outside of DSAB, Sara pursues her passion for empowering women as a part of Business Oriented Women at Duke. She is involved with The Eating Disorder Lab, Duke Impact Investing Group, Duke Presidential Ambassadors, and NAMI@Duke. In her free time, Sara likes running, eating, exploring new cities, scuba diving, and spending time with friends.
Sara Yuen, B.S. '18, DPT '24
Areas of Study: Dance, Linguistics
School: Trinity,Graduate School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sara grew up moving around in a military family. She graduated from Francis Parker high school in San Diego in 2014, and undergraduate from Duke in 2018. She majored in Dance and Linguistics and minored in Chinese. Upon graduation, she participated in the Duke Chapel Pathways fellowship, interning at Senior PharmAssist in the downtown Durham Center for Senior Life. Currently, she attends Duke's Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program.
Sarah Goddard, B.S.E '24
Areas of Study: Biomedical Engineering
School: Pratt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am a junior from Indiana on the softball team. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and am involved in the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) as well as Collegiate Athletic Pre-Medicine Experience (CAPE), which are both student-athlete groups. I have no idea what I want to do with my life, but want to make as many connections as possible during my undergraduate time at Duke. In my spare time, I love being outside, watching movies, and playing with my dog.
Sarah Habib, B.S.E.E. '23
Areas of Study: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science
School: Trinity,Pratt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sarah Habib is a senior from Dallas, TX in the Pratt School of Engineering. She is pursuing a double major in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science. She is interested in the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. Her extracurricular involvements include serving as Co-President for Duke Women in Technology and Co-Director of Project Edge, learning about international development, and engaging in creative writing and public speaking. Sarah looks forward to serving on DSAB and working to bridge current students and alumni.
Sasha Gerber, A.B. '24
Areas of Study: Public Policy
School: Trinity,Sanford
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sasha Gerber is a junior from Potomac, Maryland studying Public Policy with a certificate in Markets and Management. Outside of class, Sasha is a research assistant at a sociology lab on campus and works as a student intern on the Sanford Communications team. She is also a university tour guide and a member of Business Oriented Women.
Shawn Armstrong, B.S. '20, DPT '23
Areas of Study: Doctor of Physical Therapy
School: Medicine
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Shawn is a current third year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student, serving as class Vice President. He is originally from Akron, Ohio. In his program, Shawn serves as a Sports Special Interest Group (SIG) co-leader, Pride co-leader, Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abuse Volunteer co-leader, DPT representative on the School of Medicine Well-Being Committee, and was hired as a Graduate Assistant. Outside of Duke, Shawn was also elected into the North Carolina Medical Society's Future Clinician Leaders College and the American Physical Therapy Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Project Committee. Shawn is very passionate about Population Health, as well as, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. If Shawn is not cheering on the Duke Blue Devils, you will probably find him playing with his Miniature Australian Shepherd, Leo.
Sophia Cetina, AB'23
Areas of Study: English major
School: Trinity
Sophia is a senior from Rye, New York. She is pursuing an English major and a certificate in the Markets and Management Program, and is part of the Duke University Scholars Program. At Duke, she writes for The Muse, cheers on Duke basketball with the Line Monitors, and collaborates with the Latinx Business Organization. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Tanvi Kulkarni, M.Eng.M. '22
Areas of Study: Masters in Engineering Management
School: Pratt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Tanvi Kulkarni is a second-year graduate student at Pratt School of Engineering pursuing her Master's of Engineering Management. Before Duke, she lived in Mumbai, India where she completed her undergraduate in computer science engineering and worked at a fintech bank Barclays for three years. She started as a software developer and later transitioned into a product owner role. Her interests lie in product and product marketing management. She is passionate on delivering utmost customer experience and loves to leverage her observational, listening skills to uncover what a customer needs. At Duke, she has been the graduate assistant of marketing and design for the center of multicultural affairs, a body under student affairs. She is also a teaching assistant for one of her favorite courses - management in high tech industries. She volunteered for Duke Almumni Reunion weekend this April and is interested to be be a part of the alumni board at Duke as a way to pay it forward to the amazing time and experiences she has had here at Duke.
Viktoria Wulff-Andersen, AB '25
Areas of Study: Political Science Major, Sociology Minor, Policy Journalism and Media Studies Certificate
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Viktoria Wulff-Andersen is a sophomore from Danbury, Connecticut majoring in Political Science, minoring in Sociology, and pursuing a Policy Journalism and Media Studies certificate. An award-winning journalist, Viktoria has her own opinion column in The Chronicle and is a staff writer for Blue Bean Magazine and Hearst Connecticut. On-campus, she also boasts a number of leadership positions within a variety of organizations, including the Duke International Relations Association, Moot Court, and the Duke Justice Project. She is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness within NAMI, Body Banter, and the Student Wellness Caucus. Viktoria is excited to add DSAB to her list of valuable Duke experiences and employ the skills she's learned over her time as a Blue Devil to benefit the greater community.
Will Hess, BS'23
Areas of Study: Mechanical Engineering,
International Relations
School: Pratt
Pronouns: he/him/his
Will Hess is a senior Mechanical Engineering student in Pratt. By some miracle, he managed to double major in Political Science too. Will is currently accepted into the 4+1 program for Mechanical Engineering to prolong his MechE agony. He lives in Saint Petersburg, Florida. When not attempting insanely hard calculations in class, Will can be found building sets at Hoof 'n' Horn or covered in grease at Duke Motorsports. Will also enjoys roller coasters, loves a good spicy mustard, and hopes one day to run for political office. When not on campus you can find Will happily tinkering with an old car, hiking with one of his four dogs, or reading a great biography.
Yadira Paz-Martinez, AB'25
Areas of Study: Major in Public Policy and Economics with Human Right certificate
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Yadira Paz-Martinez. I am a first-year B.N. Duke Scholar from Clinton, NC. I am currently majoring in Public Policy and Economics alongside the Human Rights certificate. My focus is on studying economic disparities and racial inequalities, including farmworker rights and immigration laws/policies. I am currently working on the communications committee for Duke Transformative Systems Project and am an ambassador for Sanford School of Public Policy. I also volunteer and coordinate help for Duke Mutual Aid, am the community liaison for Leaders UNITE and work with an organization off-campus called Poder NC, working with the Latinx community to help them become knowledgeable about political issues surrounding them. I truly enjoy working with community-based organizations to ensure colored communities throughout North Carolina equitably have the resources necessary to progress. During my first year, I researched gender violence in Latin America and will continue researching this topic, along with environmental justice and discovering new methods to live environmentally sustainable lifestyles. I plan to pursue these areas of interest and research more about the intersection of education in low-funded communities and how socioeconomic status affects the outcomes of children based on race. I plan to continue to study law and transfer my knowledge to my Latinx community, which historically gate kept from these ideas. During my fun time, I enjoy traveling around Durham, trying new foods, and writing short stories and personal narratives.
Yue Zhou, Ph.D. '23
Areas of Study: Chemistry
School: Graduate School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Yue Zhou is a 5th year PhD student in Chemistry. She obtained bachelor's degrees in both chemistry and chemical engineering in China. After college, she joined the Warren Lab in the Department of Chemistry, focusing on research of identification and degradation of historical pigments in paintings and other cultural heritage objects. Before joining DSAB, she served as the co-president of Duke Chinese and Students and Scholars Association during the 2020-2021 academic year. In her free time, Yue enjoyed reading, hiking, cooking and exploring new restaurants.
Zach Beischer, B.A. '25
Areas of Study: Political Science
School: Trinity
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Zach Beischer is a sophomore from San Francisco, CA majoring in political science (political economy concentration) and pursuing the Markets and Management Certificate. Outside of DSAB, he is a practice player for the Duke varsity women's basketball team, participates in several intermural sports, and is a part of the American Futures Institute. He is also an intern for The Asian American Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, visiting art museums, and blogging about food.
Zoe Jacobs, B.A. '24
Areas of Study: Psychology (major) Chemistry and Global Health (minors)
School: Trinity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Zoe Jacobs is a junior from Westchester, NY majoring in psychology and minoring in chemistry and global health on the pre-med track. At Duke, Zoe is the Bull City Fit and Boys and Girls Club coordinator for Duke Dance Expressions, the Service Chair for Challah for Hunger, a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Camp Kesem, Blue Devils vs. Cancer, and the Psychology Majors Union. After Duke, Zoe plans to attend medical school and eventually become a pediatric oncologist. In her free time, Zoe enjoys walking her dogs, traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with her friends and family, and dancing. She is very excited to be a member of DSAB and help connect Duke students with the strong alumni community.
Boqing Zheng, UG'24
Areas of Study: Data Science
School: DKU
Hello, everyone! My name is Boqing Zheng. I am a junior majoring in data science. I like playing badminton and listening to music. With a great passion to promote our community, I joined SAB to connect Duke/DKU alumni more closely with our students and help students better use the resources of our community. At present, I am working in the Alumni Story group in SAB.
Karen Wang, UG'24
Areas of Study: Applied Math and Computational Sciences
School: DKU
Hi everyone! My name is Karen Wang and I am a junior from Toronto, Canada. I am majoring in Applied Math and Computational Sciences. I joined the Student Alumni Board because I want to help foster lasting relationships within the greater Duke Kunshan and Duke community. Some of my hobbies include dancing, discovering new music, playing the piano, gaming, and making projects that connect all of the above! I look forward to meeting you at one of SAB's future events.
Waner Shao, UG'24
Areas of Study: Political Economy/Economics
School: DKU
Hi, my name is Waner Shao, a junior at DKU, majoring in political economy with an economics track. I love music, traveling, and watching movies. I am always enthusiastic to explore and learn new things. Currently, I am in SAB's Alumni Talks group. I enjoy working with my teammates in SAB and look forward to the opportunities and development that this organization can bring to the community!