GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL
The Graduate Student Council (GSC) interdisciplinary organization of graduate students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, working with the Graduate Studies Office, with a common interest to improve and enhance the quality of the graduate students’ experience at Villanova. Our goal is to create opportunities for students to participate in social, academic and community activities.
We regard representing our departments in the University as a continuing and progressive movement. We believe that the change, productivity and community atmosphere we generate will be passed on to the next group of graduate student members.
REPRESENTATIVES
Cecily Ritchie - President
President: Cecily Ritchie
(She/Her)
Cecily Ritchie is a second-year graduate student pursuing her masters in Higher Education Leadership. She is from the Philadelphia suburbs, and a third-generation Villanova student! Cecily graduated in May of 2023 from Lehigh University for her bachelor's degree where she studied Health, Medicine, & Society, Environmental Studies, and Marketing. Cecily was involved in many aspects of student life and leadership in extracurriculars as an undergraduate student. She hopes to pursue a career in student life after the completion of her masters. At Villanova, Cecily is also a Graduate Assistant in the Office for Undergraduate Students, Villanova Challenge Course Facilitator, Bystander Intervention Trainer, and Graduate Student Ambassador.Ìý
VP of Communication - Emily Khoo
VP of Communication: Emily Khoo
Emily Khoo is a second-year graduate student pursuing her master’s in Psychological Sciences, from Malacca, Malaysia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences with minors in philosophy and human resource management. During her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, Emily was an LSAMP research scholar and worked as a research coordinator in Dr. Eckhardt's Intimate Partner Violence Lab, contributed to neuroimaging research at Dr. Foti’s Pacer Lab, and investigated neurodevelopmental disorders comorbid to Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dr. Kelleher's lab. Extending beyond academics, Emily was also a student ambassador for the College of Health and Human Sciences and volunteered at Mental Health America’s Crisis Center as a Crisis Specialist offering suicide prevention services, crisis intervention, and more. At Villanova, she served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Rebecca Brand and is currently a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Ben Sachs, where she plays an active role in the Sachs Lab's research using animal models. Additionally, Emily is also a graduate research assistant in Dr. Erica Slotter’s Social Self Lab and a graduate animal research assistant for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. During her free time, she loves to play the piano, volunteer at the animal shelter, try out new recipes, binge-watch TV series, and travel. Upon graduation, Emily plans to venture into market and UX research.
VP of Social Activities - Mariana Leo
VP ofÌýSocial Activities: Mariana Leo
Mariana Leo is a first-year graduate student pursuing her master's and doctorate in communication studies. She is from Dunmore, Pennsylvania and recently graduated from West Chester University in May with a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies! During her undergraduate, Mariana was involved in multiple extracurriculars: President of the National Communication Association’s honor society, Lambda Pi Eta, a radio DJ for WCUR the Curve, social media chair for the WCU Recreation Center, and a former Resident Assistant. She hopes to become a professor of communication and faculty advisor for students at a university after completing her degrees. At Villanova, Mariana is also a tuition scholar and is an intern for the College of Professional Studies Academic Program Team. Outside of the classroom, she loves yoga, reading books, and cooking!Ìý
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VP of Finance - Eileen Park
VP of Finance: Eileen Park
Eileen Park is a second-year graduate student pursuing her master’s in Chemistry. Eileen grew up in Queens and moved to Bergen County, NJ with her family. She graduated ÃÛÌÒTV in May of 2023 for her bachelor’s degree. She was a Chemistry and Biochemistry double major and minored in mathematics. During her undergraduate experience, Eileen conducted research with the Jorn Lab and focused on battery research. She is continuing her research as a graduate student. Eileen was an active member of Blue Key at Villanova and is currently a resident assistant as well as a teaching assistant in the chemistry department. Furthermore, Eileen is the Chemistry Graduate Senator. She hopes to go on to get her doctorate in Chemistry.Ìý
VP of Philanthropy: William McCoy
Zach Baker - VP of Academic Affairs
VP of Academic Affairs: Zach Baker
Zachary Baker is a second-year graduate student pursuing his Master of Science in Biology. Zachary is from Houston, Texas, but comes to us from Orange County, California, where he graduated from Chapman University in 2022 with a bachelor's of science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. While there Zachary conducted research on hagfish, sparking his love for biology, and engaged in multiple student organizations ranging from university specific such as STEMTORS, a science-based mentorship program for inner-city youth, to national programs like the American Chemical Society or Tri-Beta. At Villanova, Zachary is the graduate senator for the biology department and a committed research student. He is always happy to chat about science, marine conservation, or student life.