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Ruthanne Brooks
PresidentHello, my name is Ruthanne, and I’m currently serving as your president! I am a DPhil student in Hebrew Bible (Theology/Religion). My research focuses on philosophical thinking in ancient Judaism, and my dissertation topic is essentially “hello darkness, my old friend” (I swear I’m actually a pretty cheery person!)
If I’m not at one of Oxford’s many wonderful cafes writing my dissertation (or at least attempting to), I’m most likely to be found in the pit at any given concert (preferably stomp-clap folk rock), nurturing my inner theatre kid by attending a musical, pretending to be a powerlifter, or perhaps drawing or reading.
As MCR president, my primary job is to represent the interests and needs of you as a postgraduate student to the college and to manage the committee as a cohesive entity. We are here to help and serve you, so please be in touch with any questions or concerns you may have about college life so that we can do our best to make your SJC experience the best it can be!
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Ayna Li Taira
Vice PresidentHi! I’m Ayna, a DPhil student in Modern Languages researching multilingualism in contemporary German literature. As your VP, I am responsible for running the MCR room ballot, heading the Rents & Charges negotiations with College, organising Fresher’s Week, and overall being a point of contact during your time here at Oxford.
When I’m not working, I can be found at an art gallery, a florist, or in the Lamb & Flag. Whether you have a question or just want to chat, feel free to reach out anytime!
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Siong Chen Meng
TreasurerHi, I’m Siong Chen, a first year DPhil Chemistry student. My work involves studying proteins involved in an organism’s response to stress, such as heat, UV light, and cold, using a technique called mass spectrometry, which measures a molecule’s weight as well as electric charge.
I’m the MCR treasurer, which means I’m in charge of making the budget, reimbursing expenses by other committee members and ensuring the general financial health of the MCR. Outside of attempting to do science and MCR work, I enjoy running, cooking, board gaming and reading. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
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Thomas Stranex
SecretaryI’m Thomas, an MPhil student in Greek and/or Roman History. This year, I’m the Secretary of the MCR, which means I distribute agendas and take notes for meetings, send out the newsletter, and authorise the use of the MCR building for events.
When I’m not reading and writing emails, I enjoy reading and writing other things and trying to catch glimpses of the college fox.
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Yaroslava Bukhta
VictuallerBy day (and many late nights), I’m a DPhil student in Anthropology, researching how media shapes what we know about war. I also co-host Fog of War, a podcast where we try to make sense of conflict reporting—preferably with fewer buzzwords and more real talk. On top of that, I’m a co-president of the Women’s Leadership Programme at our college.
When I’m not buried in research, you’ll probably find me sketching, planning my next stroll through the college gardens, or figuring out new ways to bring people together over good food and great company. St John’s has given me some of my closest friends, and as Victualler, I’m here to help keep our community as lively, welcoming, and well-fed as possible. See you at the next MCR dinner—come say hi! 🥂
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Xavier Morales Zayas
VictuallerHi! I’m Xavier, a first year doing the BPhil in Philosophy (which is essentially just an MPhil in Philosophy with a weird name). I am interested in a broad range of philosophical subjects, but my focus is on moral philosophy and the philosophy of science.
This year I am one of the Victuallers of the MCR. Victualler technically just means someone who sells/provides alcohol, but at the MCR we do a lot more than that. I will be helping to organize the twice termly Wine & Cheese Nights and Guest Nights, and hopefully, a bit more than that too.
Outside the MCR, I enjoy reading philosophy, watching sci-fi movies and TV shows, and playing the piano. I also consider myself a cinephile, which means I adore going to the movies whenever I have a chance. If you ever want to talk philosophy or just go to a pub to grab a pint and chat, do reach out!
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Aneta Niklas
VictuallerHi, I’m Aneta, a first-year DPhil student in Theoretical Chemistry. My research focuses on using machine-learned interatomic potential models to design sustainable, carbon-based functional materials, with applications in fields like energy storage and catalysis.
Outside of my studies, I’m one of the new victuallers, and I’m super excited to run the cheese and wine nights and guest nights – there’s a lot of fun to be had!
Outside of academics, I love running, reading, and crocheting. I also have a deep appreciation for the beautiful world around me and enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends.
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Hugh Lohan
Social SecretaryBio coming soon
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Martin Mosny
Social SecretaryHi, I’m Martin and I’m one of your Social Secretaries! This means that I run the exchange dinners and I organise the parties that we have during term. I also run other events such as board game nights, pumpkin carving, and Easter egg hunts, among others.
In my spare time, I’m doing a DPhil in Particle Theory, specifically focusing on string cosmology. I like to go bouldering, hiking, and running. I also enjoy reading high fantasy, classic fiction, and non-fiction; I enjoy baking and cooking, and generally just enjoy life and spending time with friends!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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Abigail Brown
Welfare OfficerHi! I’m Abi and I’m a first year DPhil in Geography and the Environment. My work is all about the fun world of fungi (and the not-so-fun ways they can develop antimicrobial resistance).
As Welfare Officer, I’m responsible for organising events like brunches and walks where people can take a step back from stress.
In my free time, I love singing and a cozy night with friends, so you’ll probably find me at choir rehearsal or playing board games in the pub.
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Gerwin Kiessling
Culture OfficerBio coming soon
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Tyuki Imamura
Culture OfficerHi I’m Tyuki, a DPhil in Contemporary History and Theory of Art. My research explores the evolution of translocal networks of self-organised, community-led art activism in the 21st century. I also work as a curator and community arts organiser, always looking for ways to bring people together through creative projects (and sometimes, a good home-cooked meal—nothing fancy, just something to share! I love cooking!)
My hope is to ensure that our cultural events celebrate the diversity of our community and reflect the ideas and interests of all members. I see the Cultural Officer’s role as one of collaboration—working alongside everyone to explore and bring ideas to life. Every idea is welcome, and I’m here to provide the organisational know-how and support to make it happen! Let’s make it happen together—just reach out!
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Stephanie Wang
Women & Gender Minorities OfficerHi, my name is Stephanie and I am a Master’s student studying Environmental Change and management. Academically, I’m interested in how environmental issues intersect with social justice, especially for marginalized rural communities. Outside of my studies, I like playing the guitar, baking, cooking, and spending time with my friends!
As this year’s Women and Gender Minorities officer, I’m excited to create spaces where women and gender minorities in our college can come together, share their experiences, and build community. My goal is to foster an inclusive environment in St John’s where women and gender minorities feel heard, supported, and free to be themselves. Our events will hold space for everyone to talk about the issues that matter to us, while also offering a chance to have fun and unwind from the pressures of academic life.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or event ideas!
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Arianwen Herbert
LGBTQ+ OfficerBio coming soon
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Laurentien Jungkamp
LGBTQ+ OfficerHi, I’m Laurentien (he/they) and I am a first-year DPhil student researching the biochemistry of virus proteins. If I am not hiding in the lab, I am likely to be found singing with our college choir, drawing, or queuing for Najar’s.
As one of your LGBTQ+ Officers, I aim to make the college a more inclusive and welcoming space for all. I will be organising and running queer-related events. In addition, I also manage the Gender Expression fund and sit on the College’s EDI committee.
If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to reach out!
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Max Han
Environment and Ethics OfficerHello! I’m Max and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management. My work focuses on environmental justice and how to create just, equitable policies for the Global South in climate policy and environmental governance.
When I’m not working on climate issues, you can probably find me happily cooking Southeast Asian food with the wok I brought from home or enjoying Oxford’s many green spaces! Beyond school, I also run a nonprofit mobilizing youth for environmental action and I’m eager to bring my experiences in grassroots community-building to St John’s College.
You can look forward to the many meaningful friendships and fun conversations we’ll forge together in each event!
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Zelalemawee Asheber
Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ OfficerHi! I am a first-year DPhil Chemistry student doing oncology drug discovery.
In my role as BME officer, I am a representative of BME members within the MCR, working to ensure that BME members are fully involved in the MCR and the college by making sure that the facilities in the MCR and the events hosted here and the activities of the college are inclusive of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities. I am also a point of contact for any BME identifying student for any grievances or suggestions.
Outside of academia, I enjoy reading non-fiction, grassroots volunteering and chess, and sports such as powerlifting, basketball, and football.
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Katie Croft
Disabled Students’ OfficerI’m a second year DPhil in medical sciences. I’m a physicist hiding out in an experimental biology lab building a mathematical and computational model of haematopoietic (blood) stem cells. I’m based at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, so you’ll often find me up the hill at the John Radcliffe hospital. I split my time between the lab and working from home with my two geriatric rescue cats. I recently moved to part-time study, so I can manage my chronic health conditions alongside my research. Outside the lab you’ll find me crafting, baking, or swimming!
As disabilities and accessibilities officer, I organise events centring around disability, neurodiversity and chronic conditions, as well as sitting on the EDI committee, ensuring accessibility across the MCR, and signposting students to the most appropriate support.
Please feel free to reach out with any ideas, questions or concerns!
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Gretchen Greene
International Students’ OfficerBio coming soon
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Kavya Reddy Dudipala
Student Parents and Carers OfficerHello I’m Kavya. I am a fourth year DPhil Inorganic Chemistry student working on next generation energy materials.
Parents and carers are integral to our MCR community. However, the challenges of juggling academic responsibilities with caregiving can often be overwhelming.
Please reach feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to discuss anything.
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Henry Cerbone
Academic Affairs OfficerMy name is Henry Cerbone, and I’m one of the two Academic Officers. My role is largely to facilitate events relating to academic events here at John’s. This involves lecture suppers, academic lunches, and more!
At Oxford, I’m doing a DPhil in Biology in the Oxford Flight Group. I’m interested in quantifying the coupling of an organism and its environment. This lets me look at living things from hawks to ants to waterlilies. I’m also interested in philosophy of science.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
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Charden Pouo Moutsouka
Academic Affairs OfficerMy name is Charden, also known as Captain Africa, and I am pursuing a DPhil in Political Geography (focussing on the roles of diaspora activist networks and contestations around France’s political and economic influence in decolonial struggles for political change beyond authoritarian capitalism).
When I’m not working on my research, you can find me at a pub with friends, watching football, or enjoying a pint of Guinness.
As an academic affairs officer, I collaborate with Academic Skills Services to create a program tailored to the MCR’s academic challenges and opportunities. This includes providing access to tools to enhance studies and research, promoting academic productivity through initiatives like “Shut Up and Write” sessions, and strengthening MCR-SCR networking and lecture suppers. I am always available to listen, so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
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Rachel Hurwitz
Returning OfficerMy name is Rachel Hurwitz and I am a DPhil student studying Evolutionary Anthropology (which is the study of where humans originated, how our bodies function, and why we behave the way we do). When not working on my research or helping the MCR, I can be found fawning over my two rescue cats, drinking far too much coffee, or singing showtunes (badly).
As RO, my job entails overseeing elections for the MCR, managing any complaints or referenda that may arise, and providing cake to the MCR every few weeks (because who doesn’t love cake?!). I am always here to listen, so if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.
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Environment and Ethics OfficerVacant
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Social SecretaryVacant
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Welfare OfficerVacant
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Welfare OfficerVacant
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Women & Gender Minorities OfficerVacant
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Sports OfficerVacant
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Disabled Students’ OfficerVacant
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Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ OfficerVacant
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International Students’ OfficerVacant
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Interfaith OfficerVacant