Graduate Student Advisory Council Members
Meet the members of the Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC).
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Mark Ofosu Asirifi
Master's Student in Communication
Mark Ofosu Asirifi (he/him) is a second-year graduate student at the Illinois State University School of Communication, where he conducts research in intercultural and health communication. In his undergraduate days in Ghana, he distinguished himself as an outstanding student leader, serving as President of the Communication Studies Student's Association at the University of professional Studies, Accra.
Prior to joining ISU, Mark worked with the Public Affairs department of the Parliament of Ghana as a PR assistant during his national service assignment. He currently serves as a Justice of the Judicial Committee of the Graduate Student Association of Ghana, USA Chapter ( GRASAG USA).
Mark is a passionate advocate for mental health, and his research examines how cultural identities and mental health stigma affect the healthcare and help-seeking behaviors of international students. He is committed to developing culturally responsive health communication campaign to address misinformation and myths.
Mark is known for his ability to create engaging learning environments that foster intellectual growth. His appointment to the Graduate School Advisory Council at ISU provides an opportunity for him to support the university in enhancing graduate education and improving the overall graduate student experience especially international students.
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Daniel Chukwudi
Master’s student in Hydrogeology
I am a master’s student and graduate teaching assistant at the department of Geography, Geology, and The Environment. As a member of the Graduate Student Advisory Council, I'm dedicated to speaking out for the needs and concerns of other graduate students.
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Lourdes D. Concepción Cabán
Doctoral student in Psychology
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Clementina Edema
Master's student in Communication
I am a first year Master's student at the School of Communication, where I major in organizational communication and public relations. Before coming to ISU, I worked as a sales and marketing manager for a multinational company in Nigeria. I also used to volunteer to rehabilitate inmates through arts and theatre performances as well as teach them how to read and write.
I enjoy working out as I start my day at the REC center, I also love to explore different places and eat new food from different cultures.
I am excited to be a member of the GSAC because I want to highlight issues relating to graduate students, especially international graduate students, and find solutions to them.
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Anthonia Nkiruka Egbe
Master's student in STEM MBA
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Stella Uju Eze
Master's student in Social Work
I am a first year graduate student in the School of Social Work studying for my MSW degree and I am a Graduate Research Assistant with the National Board Resource Center, College of Education at Illinois State University. I have a background in Law from Nigeria and I am a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, duly called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011. I also have a Masters degree in Law and this will be my second Masters, in Social Work.
I held a student leadership position in my undergraduate days and was privileged to sit on the executive board of the Law Students’ Society, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. I love giving back to my society, wherever I find myself and am very happy to serve as a Graduate student representative on the Graduate Student Advisory Council at Illinois State University.
In my free time, I am either painting with my daughter or relaxing on the couch and sipping a glass of juice while watching a movie or reading a book.
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Meghna Gogoi
Master's student in Sociology (she/her/hers)
I am a master’s student in the Department of Sociology at Illinois State University. I am currently working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Sociology. Before the teaching assistantship, I was working as a graduate pre-professional assistant at the Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities, Dean of Students. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Delhi, India. I have worked as a human resource professional in the past. In addition, I have served as a Vice President for my department during my undergraduate. Besides academics, I love singing, listening to music, and watching movies. As an international student from India, I stand for inclusivity. This council will give me the platform to voice the concerns of the graduate students. I highly encourage you to reach out to me if you have any concerns. I would love to hear about your experience in graduate school. I look forward to contributing to the Graduate Student Advisory Council.
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Mohammad Akbar Hosain
Doctoral student in English
Akbar Hosain is a 4th year PhD student in English Literary & Cultural Studies at ISU. He has interest in a bunch of areas, like postcolonial writings, global lit, creative writings, 20th century poetry and literary translation (Bengali-English). Currently his research interests have focused on migration and displacement in Global Lit. This motivation was aroused by his two consecutive visits to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh where more than one million Rohingya populations are housed right now. Apart from doing research, Akbar has a passion for poetry; but he is a slow-and-steady writer. Akbar works as the current Graduate President of ‘Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society’. His gregarious nature and deep motivation to serve his community he is living in helped him decide to work as a member of the Graduate Student Advisory Council.
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Sean McDaniel
Master's student in Psychology
I am a first year graduate student studying for my M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology. I am currently engaged in a pre-practicum internship placement at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, where I work as a SASS Therapist providing crisis intervention and follow-up counseling services for adolescents in McLean County.
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and painting with my partner. I believe that finding a healthy work-life balance is the most important part of graduate school, and I would love to discuss self-care tips with anyone who may be interested or struggling!
I sincerely hope to enact positive changes in the Graduate School related to areas of diversity, equality, and mental health awareness on-campus. I highly encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns related to the Graduate School!
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Ishmael Nii Amon Neequaye
Master’s student in English
I am a native of Jamestown in the Greater Accra region of Ghana and a second-year master's student in TESOL at Illinois State University (ISU), where I serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Consultant Mentor in the Writing Program and a member of the Graduate Committee in the Department of English.
I am very passionate about mentoring and student advocacy. While at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, I served in several leadership roles, such as President of the Religion Student Association of Ghana, the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme President. I also served as a Senate Member of the Graduate School where I actively represented graduate students and participated in the decision-making processes of the Graduate Student Association of Ghana (GRASAG).
As a current Council Member of the College of Arts and Science, I am excited to use my expertise to advance my passion for student advocacy through the Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC), platform. Through GSAC, I look forward to advancing initiatives that support diverse student perspectives and foster a nurturing atmosphere for all graduate students at ISU.
Outside of ISU, I serve on the Illinois TESOL and Bilingual Education (ITBE) Board as a Co-Chair of the Higher Education SIG and is a member of the TESOL International Association.
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Felix Okumu
Master’s student in Technology
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Alhassan Safianu
Master's student in Educational Administration & Foundations
I am a second-year master's student pursuing a double master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) and a STEM MBA in Business Analytics at Illinois State University. I work as a Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant with University Housing Services in Watterson Towers. Additionally, I volunteer with the Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities (SCCR) as a member of the University Hearing Panel.
Before joining Illinois State University, I served as a teaching assistant at the University of Cape Coast, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education management during which I served as a Justice on the Judicial Board for the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UCC), where I handled disciplinary matters and participated in constitutional amendments. This experience further enriched my leadership and administrative skills.
As a returner, I find joy in the work of the Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC), and I look forward to continuing to champion the voice of graduate students to the graduate school management through this advisory council.
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Nicholas Schaack
Master’s student in Educational Administration & Foundations
Graduate Assistantship: ISU University Housing Services' Student Development & Conduct
Undergraduate Degree: English Studies, B.A. From Illinois State '24
Goals: network with student affairs professionals, attend professional development conferences promoting greater knowledge of the student affairs profession, research issues and approaches on how to best support college students' growth and success, gain hands-on experience in residence life and academic enhancement for undergraduates, and pursue professional roles in res life and academic enhancement by serving as a residence hall director, advisor, or first-generation student support coordinator.
Why GSAC: I value the opportunity to find myself in a community that values advocacy and enhancement for the graduate student population. As a seasoned member of the ISU/Bloomington-Normal community, it is fulfilling to be part of conversations devoted to brainstorming and planning ways on bringing grad students together in our unique community with many accessible resources and assets. I am looking forward to learning from our council members, and networking with folks who work in the Graduate School professionally.
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Phaoramphai Thammarat
Master’s student in Marketing
I am a master’s student in Marketing Analytics at Illinois State University and a Graduate Assistant in Career Services, where I provide career advising and co-teach IDS 106 Career Choice. With a background in business analytics, digital marketing, research, and design, I’m proud to serve on the Graduate School Advisory Council (GSAC). I aim to enhance student awareness of the Graduate School, improve both academic and personal experiences, and connect with every student. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!