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, 10/8/2024
- Tuesday, 11/5/2024
- Tuesday, 12/3/2024
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 2024-2025 Executive Board:
Diksha Venugopal, President
Diksha, President
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Before coming to Boston University, Diksha earned her Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Medicine in Bangalore, India, where she worked as a doctor seeing over 150 patients a day. Her hands-on experiences in rural health camps and promoting wellbeing deepened her understanding of the importance of holistic health and preventive medicine. She’s also deeply interested in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, finding beauty in the way mind and body work together.
At BU, Diksha is passionate about integrating preventive medicine with public health to address chronic diseases and health disparities, aiming for a world where healthcare is free from gender, economic, and caste-based inequities.
As the President of the BUSPH Student Senate, Diksha is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community on campus. She believes that leadership is about more than holding a title; it’s about uplifting those around you and leading with compassion and authenticity.
Feel free to reach out to her at dikshasv@bu.edu. She’d love to connect—whether it’s about public health, wellness, or finding balance in the chaos of life.
PS: She’s also got a serious love for CrossFit and belly dancing, so don’t be surprised if you find her bringing the heat to everything she does!
Analissa Gutierrez, Vice President
Analissa, Vice President
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Analissa Gutierrez earned her B.S. in Population Health from the University of New Mexico, with minors in Chemistry and Biology. Following her undergraduate studies, she gained valuable experience as a Professional Intern at the UNM Prevention Research Center, where she contributed to evaluating state-based injury prevention programs. In the summer of 2024, Analissa further honed her skills as a fellow for the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, focusing on evaluating investment programs with an equity lens. This experience deepened her appreciation for evaluation methods that amplify marginalized voices. She is pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management at BUSPH. Analissa is incredibly enthusiastic about stepping into the role of Senate Vice President this coming term. She is determined to build dynamic and meaningful connections with BUSPH administration, making sure that student voices are not just heard but are central to every decision. Her mission is to champion the creation of channels for student input, shaping policy development, curriculum planning, and resource allocation with a strong commitment to representing the needs and perspectives of her peers.
Josie Usow, Administrative Director
Josie, Administrative Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Josie graduated from BU May 2024 with a BA in Sociology and was part of the 4+1 program. She studies Health Policy and Law at SPH and is passionate about criminal justice reform, reproductive health access, and climate justice. Working on public health policies and research that make society more just drives Josie’s work. She interned at the Vera Institute of Justice’s Reshaping Prosecution initiative where she researched diversion programs and at the Massachusetts Statehouse as a legislative intern. In her free time, Josie enjoys running, drawing, and cooking. She is excited to be a part of the SPH Student Senate this upcoming year! Feel free to reach out to her at jusow@bu.edu.
Heli Trivedi, Communications Director
Heli, Communications Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Heli Trivedi graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery and spent a year working at a trust-based dental clinic in India. During this time, she collaborated with various charitable organizations to provide essential dental care to underserved communities. Her commitment to service was evident through her active involvement in numerous trust and charitable events.
Currently, Heli is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She is passionate about bringing real impact to the health of people and is driven by a desire to improve public health outcomes. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys reading, writing, and exploring different cuisines.
Karen Martin, Diversity & Advocacy Co-Director
Karen, Diversity & Advocacy Co-Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Karen earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Manipal University, India.Currently Karen is pursuing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at BUSPH.After the Covid pandemic, she attended a mental health conference, which inspired her to join the Mind and Matter team to spread mental health awareness through various campaigns. Simultaneously, she used her free Sundays to teach English to underprivileged children through the U&I Trust. During her Pharm.D, she also served as the Social Media Head for the Pharmacy Literacy Club. Karen is thrilled to serve as your Diversity and Advocacy Co-Director for the 2024-2025 academic year, as an international student with a rich background in fostering inclusive environments and championing underrepresented voice she will be instrumental in advancing our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Karen is a trained dancer who can groove to any beat, who loves to paint and nose-dive into a book.Please email her at karenm@bu.edu.
Ayomide Adetayo, Diversity and Advocacy Co-Director
Ayomide, Diversity and Advocacy Co-Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Ayomide was born in Nigeria and moved to Northern Virginia. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in psychology, and also studied neuroscience and global health. She was a research assistant in a psychiatric lab studying the effects of societal stresses on black mothers and their babies. Because of her past Research experiences and interests in general, she chose Health policy and law and maternal and child health as her certificates. Her goal is to be able to make health policies or advise health policies pertaining to the health of women especially black women in the United States. She also aims to become a physician sometime down the line and provide holistic care for patients from all demographics.
Fun fact is that her favorite sport is soccer.
Sophia Di Maria, Community Engagement Director
Sophia, Community Engagement Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sophia graduated from the University of Maryland in 2022 with a B.S. in Cell Biology & Genetics and a minor in Global Poverty. The following year, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA as a Community Engagement & Recreation Specialist at an anti-poverty nonprofit in Nashville, TN. She is a second year MPH student in the CAPDIE, Environmental Health and MCH certificates. As a member of the BUSPH Student Senate community, she hopes to continue to make an impact on campus and create programs, partnerships and opportunities for students and faculty to improve their experiences while at BUSPH. She is excited for the opportunity to continue being a part of the BUSPH Student Senate to collaboratively improve the campus community and looks forward to the year to come!
Akanksha Keswani, Student Organization Council Director
Akanksha, Student Organization Council Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Meet Akanksha, a dedicated and ambitious individual with a passion for public health. Hailing from India, she brings with her a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and two years of professional experience as an Associate Dentist. Now, as an MPH candidate at Boston, she is diving into the world of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Akanksha’s commitment to global health is evident through her role as the Social Events Chair of the Global Health Student Organisation, where she orchestrated events to raise awareness about public health issues worldwide. Moreover, she is set to make an impact as the Student Org Council Co-Director in the Student Senate.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Akanksha is a certified barista, a matcha whisperer, and a seasoned baker with a closely guarded chocolate chip cookie recipe. Her warm and collaborative nature makes her a great addition to campus, and she looks forward to sharing her ideas and creating enjoyable experiences for her fellow students.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to her at akeswani@bu.edu to connect and collaborate on-campus initiatives.
Chigozie Okuagu , Events Co-Director
Chigozie, Events Co-Director
Chigozie graduated from Marquette University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences And a minor in Spanish for the health professions. During her undergrad, Chigozie worked as a wellness peer educator and led a mental health organization for students of color on campus. After graduation, Chigozie worked as a clinical research assistant at an ophthalmology clinic. She is a second-year MPH student in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and has certificates in mental health and substance use. As a member of the BUSPH student senate, she hopes to help create events and programs that improve students’ experiences at Busch while working in tandem with other campus organizations. Feel free to reach out with any event ideas! cgokuagu@bu.edu
Mena Shaikh , Events Co-Director
Mena, Events Co-Director
Mena graduated from Stony Brook University with her B.S. in Biochemistry. Following her undergraduate studies, Mena was working as a medical scribe for two years. Although she enjoyed gaining invaluable healthcare experience, she often wondered what could be changed about their everyday lives that could help prevent them from illness rather than focusing on treating the patients afterward.
Mena is currently serving as a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) fellow, where she has cultivated a strong interest in advancing inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in research. Her passion deepened during her internship at the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard, where she played a key role in identifying and addressing ethical, regulatory, and logistical challenges in global research and the development of cell and gene therapies. Mena enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and playing chess. She is eager to collaborate with the team to create engaging and fun events for the BUSPH community.
Student Senate 2024-2025 Student Representatives:
Anne Kirby, MSW/MPH Dual Degree Representative
Anne, MSW/MPH Dual Degree Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Anne Kirby graduated from Furman University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Public Health and Communication Studies. She then spent a year in Philadelphia, serving in the Americorps National Health Corps. While screening patients for social determinants of health in a federally qualified health center, Anne began to see the dire consequences that social conditions can have on an individual’s health, leading her to apply for a dual Masters in Social Work and Public Health (MSW/MPH). Anne recently completed the MSW portion of the degree, with a focus in clinical social work with children, youth, and families. As part of her MSW, Anne also supported children and families as a clinical social work intern in the family shelter system and in the inpatient pediatrics unit at Boston Medical Center. Most recently, she completed an MPH Practicum with the Bridges to Moms program at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, which supports people who are pregnant and experiencing poverty or homelessness. Currently, she is working towards her MPH, with concentrations in CAPDIE and Maternal Child Health. As the dual degree MSW/MPH representative, Anne hopes to build community with other BUSPH and dual degree students, advocate for the unique challenges and needs of dual degree students, and engage in dialogue about the field of public health social work. In her free time, Anne enjoys reading, cooking, and being outdoors. Feel free to reach out and connect with her at kirbya@bu.edu.
Krupa Patel, International Student Representative
Krupa, International Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Krupa Patel is a dentist from India with a strong commitment to community care. After graduating, she devoted her skills to a charitable dental clinic, providing essential services to underprivileged patients. Seeking to expand her impact, she pursued a Master of Public Health, focusing on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Krupa is an active part of the Graduate Student Life, serving as an International Student Success Program Coach. Her passions extend beyond her studies to include mental health, substance abuse, and nutrition. As the international student representative for the Student Senate, Krupa is committed to guiding and supporting students in making the most of their BUSPH experience.
Feel free to reach her at krupa28@bu.edu.
Sehar Sheriff, International Student Representative
Sehar, International Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sehar Sheriff, a dedicated dentist from Pakistan, is eager to bring her extensive experience in public health to the role of International Student Representative on the Student Senate. Her career in dentistry, marked by her service to underserved populations sparked her decision to pursue a degree in public health. This transition has not only allowed her to expand her impact beyond individual patient care but has also allowed her to address systemic health disparities on a larger scale. Sehar’s background equips her with an insight into challenges faced by international students. Her proactive approach in public health and her passion to help others will drive her efforts to enhance support systems for international students at BUSPH, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. She is excited to leverage her skills and experiences to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all her peers.
Anshita Tandon, International Student Representative
Anshita, International Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Anshita is a Master of Public Health student majoring in Epidemiology and Biostatistics with a contextual certificate in Pharmaceuticals. Originally from India, she completed her training as a dentist in 2020. During her gap year, she worked with IAVI-India on “Mission Covid Suraksha,” accelerating the development of COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. This experience fueled her passion for data collection and analysis in public health. Anshita interned with the Global Health Department at BUSPH, contributing to the pharmacovigilance team for the DRAMATIC trial. She is also working with an amazing team towards developing a student toolkit that addresses DEIJ principles in public health.
As an international student, Anshita understands the unique challenges of moving to a new country. She serves as a Student Ambassador with the BUSPH Admissions office and the International Student Organization, dedicated to supporting her peers. Anshita is passionate about guiding other students and supporting an inclusive environment on campus. Feel free to reach out to her at tandonan@bu.edu.
PS: She absolutely adores dogs.
Archana Dhaduk, Student Representative
Archana, Student Representative
Archana is on an exciting journey, pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH), with a dual focus in Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Health Policy & Law. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India and brings extensive experience in both clinical and public health fields. As a dedicated dentist, Archana has diagnosed oral diseases, managed patient’s treatment, and led impactful outreach programs focused on cancer awareness and tobacco cessation. Her passion for public health is further enriched by her research assistantships at the Department of Psychiatry, BMC, where she has helped develop Multicultural Competent Behavior Assessment Tool. As an active member of the BUSPH Student Senate, Archana channels her enthusiasm into making a positive difference through student initiatives. When she’s not diving into research, she loves to unwind by painting and letting her creativity flow. Archana is thrilled to serve as your Student Representative for Fall 2024 and is committed to using her skills to help build healthier communities. Feel free to reach out to her at darchana@bu.edu —she’d love to connect!
Ojasvi Pranav Vachharajani, Fall 2023 Representative
Ojasvi,Fall 2023 Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ojasvi started her journey in India, where she completed her degree in Dentistry. It was during her time working in dental camps that she found herself drawn to public health. The experience of serving patients and seeing the real impact of health interventions made her want to dig deeper into this field. So, she decided to take the plunge and is now in her third semester of a Master’s in Public Health, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics—and she’s loving it!
She’s always been more of a bookworm, the kind of person who’d choose a cozy reading nook over a movie night any day. Ojasvi also has a soft spot for cats (seriously, they’re the best), and she’s spent years training in classical music. On top of all that, she’s worked as a professional voice-over artist.
As your Fall 2023 Representative, Ojasvi is truly excited to connect with everyone and make this year memorable. Whether you want to talk public health, need advice on coping with studies, are feeling overwhelmed, or just want to know the best spots to pet cats or find the coziest coffee shops in Boston, she’s here for you. Feel free to reach out at ojasvipv@bu.edu
Rakshita Siddesh, MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Spring 2024 Student Representative
Rakshita, Spring 2024 Student Representative
Pronouns – she/ her /hers
Rakshita, with a deep passion for both art and science, chose to pursue dentistry, a field that beautifully merges medicine and artistry. She is a dedicated dentist from India, committed to public health and prevention. Her experience as an associate dentist, along with her volunteer work serving underprivileged communities in India, ignited her passion for preventive care over cure. This drive to impact public health on a broader scale led her to pursue a career in public health. Rakshita is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. As a member of the student senate and Spring 2024 representative, she is eager to connect with her peers, advocate for their well-being, and support them throughout their journey at BUSPH.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Rakshita is an animal lover and a proud dog parent. She is also passionate about traveling and enjoys diving into various sports and activities. Feel free to reach out to her at ralsho@bu.edu.
.
Rashi Mistry, Spring 2024 Student Representative
Rashi, Spring 2024 Student Representative
Pronouns: She/Her
Rashi Mistry is a dentist from India with a deep passion for healthcare that extends far beyond the clinic. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, driven by a desire to connect clinical practice with public health to create meaningful change in communities.
Books have always been her refuge, a place to lose herself in stories and expand her understanding of the world. This love for reading is matched by a deep passion for animals, reflecting a compassion that extends to all living beings.Dance is another integral part of her identity. As an Indian classical dancer, she finds joy in expressing creativity and staying connected to cultural roots.
In essence, she is a blend of intellect, compassion, and artistry—dedicated to making a difference in the world while staying true to her passions.
Eager to connect with her peers, Dr. Rashi Mistry, in her role as a member of the student senate and Spring 2024 representative, is dedicated to promoting their interests and enhancing their experience throughout their journey at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH).
Feel free to reach her at pranil@bu.edu.
Vivien Talon, 4+1 Representative
Vivien, 4+1 Representative
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Vivien is a B.A./MPH 4+1 student pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and an MPH in Health Policy and Law. Early on in her undergraduate studies, Vivien became interested in community health and how laws and policies can produce better outcomes. Currently, she’s interested in medical debt and predatory billing practices in health care, and furthers her learning in these issues by volunteering at the Right Care Alliance and doing research for the Lown Institute. Vivien is also active in her undergraduate community as a member of the Boston University Filipino Student Association and a member of the recruitment committee in Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law professional fraternity. In her spare time, Vivien enjoys hiking, hanging out with her friends, and finding new music to listen to!
Feel free to reach out to her at vivient@bu.edu.
