Meet the DCSA Executive Committee

Hi! I’m Niamh and I’m a third year PhD student at the Department of Chemistry specialising in developing new carbon capture technology. Outside of my PhD, I enjoy socialising at Darbar, reading in the gardens and taking care of my many plant babies. If you have any ideas or questions for the DCSA and/or college, drop me a message so we can chat over a cup of tea/coffee!

The President is the representative of the DCSA to College, voicing the opinions of the students to all College members. They coordinate the committee by chairing DCSA Regular Meetings and General Meetings. The President works very closely with the Secretary, Treasurer, and the rest of the committee to ensure work is completed. The President sits on the College Council as a student representative, attends fortnightly Cambridge Students’ Union meetings, and sits on numerous College committees (including Strategic Planning, PREVENT, Health & Safety, and Wine).

Hello everyone! I’m Toby Brann, a 3rd year PhD student applying computational methods to study the mobile DNA of parasites in the Department of Pathology, specifically schistosomiasis, or Bilharzia. Outside of work, I love any and all sports, having fenced, rowed and played football whilst in Darwin. I also organised last year's May Ball and if you want to get involved in planning the ball this year - come talk to me!

The Secretary is the administrator of the committee and the Vice President (chair meetings and run the committee in the absence of the President). They run DCSA elections, take meeting minutes, and ensure that up-to-date records of the DCSA’s affairs are maintained, including policy documents and the DCSA Constitution, Schedule, & Regulations. The Secretary also sits on the Buildings & Grounds and the Darwin College Society Committees; and is in charge of the TV room and its bookings.

Jonathan is studying for a PhD in Biochemistry, researching MYC dependent signalling in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. When not working on his PhD or training with the University of Cambridge Ice Hockey Club Men’s Blues, Jonathan can be found enjoying DarBar’s extensive whisky collection.

The Treasurer is responsible for managing the finances of the DCSA, including drafting the annual budget, publishing periodic expense reports, and assessing the financial feasibility of projects. They are responsible for ensuring timely reimbursements and payments of invoices and for maintaining accurate financial records. The Treasurer also sits on the College Finance Committee.

Tobi is a final year PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (about 10 miles south of Cambridge) working on understanding the genetic mechanisms of Crohn's disease via single cell RNA sequencing. Any questions about the punt club drop me a message!

The Admiral of the Punts is responsible for all the vessels the punt club owns, including the punts, kayaks, canoe, paddle boards, and associated equipment. They manage Punt Club membership, finances, and administration, and they work with several trusted Captains to ensure the vessels are maintained and to organize social events throughout the year. Have a look at our website if you’d like to learn more about the Darwin Punt Club.

Kang-Lung Lee is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Radiology. He is a consultant radiologist and a university lecturer at his institution and university in Taiwan. His research focuses on prostate imaging and medical utilization, aiming at reducing the inequalities and barriers to accessing medical services. During his free time, he likes to work out in the gym, swim, and travel.

The BAME officer works with college to further the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour’ (BIPOC) students, to create initiatives through which we can create a space that allows BIPOC students to reach their full potential, and better the everyday experience of life in Cambridge, as well as to figure out ways to deal with structural racism and increasing access for BIPOC.

I’m Harrison, a 3rd year PhD student in the Film & Screen department studying depictions of labour and gender in New Hollywood cinema. Outside of my work (if you can really call watching movies all day work), I love going to pub quizzes and hanging out in DarBar. As the Communications Officer, I’m always up for a chat!

The Comms Officer is responsible for sending out the WhatsUp email blasts, maintaining the website, and otherwise attending to DCSA communication needs such as sitting on the college Information Services Committee. Please get in touch if you’d like to share something in WhatsUp or for any other communication-related needs. Speaking of which don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list!

Jenny has been part of Darwin since January 2021 and is working towards a PhD in the Use-Less Group in the Engineering Department (we know, it’s an awful pun). Her PhD is working to understand if net-zero emissions proposals are actually feasible.

This is the first time we’ve had a Disabilities’ Officer on the DCSA; the aim of the position is to support other DCSA officers and the college to improve accessibility for, and inclusivity of, students with any disability or long-term health condition. Please get in touch if you’d like a one-to-one chat, or just want to say hi!

The DCSA is currently lacking one of its Entertainments officers — if you're interested in joining, contact the secretary or president.

Hello! I am Shrankhla, a first year PhD student working in Computer Lab exploring applications of machine learning in mental health. Outside of academia I enjoy walking around town and trying new cafes and pubs. Find me in Darwin if there's anything I can help you with.

The Ents Officers coordinate, organise, and promote the Darwin BOPs. They are responsible for the music, decorations, security, and finances. They also work with the Events Officer to host other events throughout the year. Darwin BOPs are known for their vibrant atmosphere and original themes and they always have the most popular Cambridge bands performing. Think live music, themes, drinks, DJs, raffles, good vibes and dancing until the early morning... Reach out to them if you have any ideas! One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hi! I’m Joshua, a first year Physics PhD specialising in modelling the plasma physics in a Tokamak fusion reactor. I’m from Aotearoa/New Zealand with a passion for climate justice and sustainable energy. You’ll probably catch me jamming in the music room or enjoying a drink at DarBar!

The Environmental & Ethical Affairs Officer is responsible for the coordination and implementation of measures to address environmental and ethical issues, and organises college events promoting awareness of these issues. Please feel free to get in touch and share an issue that you feel passionate about, so that Joshua can support you in sharing it with the Darwin community. They oversee the Gardening Society and sit on the Buildings & Grounds, Meals and International Crisis committees.

Hello! I'm Edouard, a second year PhD student studying exoplanet atmospheres at the Institute of Astronomy. Outside work, I enjoy college sport, reading, baking and socialising around Darwin. Come say hi!

The Events Officer coordinates, organises, and promotes social and entertainment activities in college, including the May Week Garden Party, summer BBQ, and other smaller events throughout the year. They also administer the DCSA’s College Calendar.

Maroof Rafique is pursuing Master of Law (LLM) and is an active member of Cambridge community. From arranging the highest number of formal swaps in a single term to hosting other colleges with a short Darwin tour, Maroof is always on the go to help Darwinians in any way he can!

The External Officer is responsible for organising formal swaps with other Colleges, and for hosting other Colleges when they visit Darwin for formal swaps. They also represent the DCSA at Cambridge Students’ Union meetings.

Chen is a second-year PhD student at the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the Department of Engineering. He worked in the engineering and management of industrial automation and industrial intelligence for over 12 years, mostly in China and Africa and for a short time in the US. Chen lives with his wife and two daughters in Cambridge. His daughters study at a local primary school. They enjoy their stay here.

The Families Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students with families - those with partners and/or children of all ages. They work to involve students with families in college events and organise events aimed at these students. See the families guide for lots of useful information.

Salomey Afua Addo is a second year PhD student at the Computer Lab. Her research work is focused on understanding how young people improve their understanding of Artificial Neural Networks using Physical Computing. Salomey has a keen interest in equal access in education and recognises the importance of equipping children with digital skills and knowledge for a better future. She has a rich international exposure, and she is keen on learning more about different cultures across the world. She loves reading novels and taking walks in nature in her leisure time.

The International Officer is responsible for representing the needs of international students (e.g. internal collegiate administrative matters - such as testing for international students), providing welfare support and organising events for fellow Darwinians which highlight cultural diversity. They also serve as a chair on the international crisis committee wherein international students speak about pertinent world affairs (e.g. political conflicts within their home countries).

Hey everyone! I'm Joe and I'm the Q+ officer. I'm a second-year Linguistic student studying things we don't say, but imply. Usually, I am reading between the lines, but when not, I'm either in the sauna or drinking coffee on the patio.

The role of the Q+ Officer is to act as a representative for the interests of LGBTQ+ students at the college level, as well as to organise social events, mixers and workshops benefiting the college’s LGBTQ+ community. Importantly, should any student have the slightest concern about their ability to express their gender or sexual identity in college, Joe is always there to chat, advise and help out where possible.

Callum is a first year PhD student studying cancer biology, focusing on paediatric lymphoma. An aquatic sports enthusiast, Callum also plays on the university water polo team so you can often find him struggling to stay afloat in one of Cambridge’s many paddling pools.

The DCSA is currently lacking a second Sports and Societies officer — if you're interested in joining, contact the secretary or president.

The Sports and Societies Officers are responsible for maintaining the gym and for overseeing Darwin’s sports and societies. They are also responsible for organising the Darwin-Wolfson Sports Day, a day of friendly competition against our sister college at Oxford, held every March. One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Sofia Dartnell is a Zoology PhD student focused on bumblebee conservation. She is currently studying bumblebee brood parasites, or cuckoos. When she isn’t out catching bees, you can find Sofia singing, salsa dancing, or punting with friends. She is always up for a chat over tea, feel free to reach out!

The DCSA is currently lacking a Men's Welfare officer — if you're interested in joining, contact the secretary or president.

The Welfare Officers are the student contact for students who are in need of help or advice. The two can advise you how to deal with any issues you face and who you should contact to get the help you need. Together, they organise welfare events throughout the year, such as Welfare Teas and Welfare Walks. Drop us an email or come find us on Facebook or College, if you need anything or just want to have a chat!

Hello! I’m Bea, a third-year PhD student in the Department of Materials Science, where I study light-responsive orange goo for solar-energy storage. When I’m not in the lab, I love spending time in the great outdoors or cooking up a feast for my friends. I’m always open for a chat over a hot drink if you ever have any concerns

The Women's Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students who identify as women/non-binary and promoting issues of gender, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Women’s Officer is responsible for campaigning to ensure that students' bodily autonomy is respected in all areas relevant to their sexual and reproductive health, tackling sexual violence and harassment in education, and working with student activists, officers and sector experts to remove barriers to support and justice for survivors and for institutions to be held accountable for failing to keep students safe. The Office ensures that Darwin is effective in its representation of the community it represents within the University and that the college is sensitive to these students' needs and issues.

Hi all! I'm Pjotr, a PhD student in genetics working on evolution (something with Darwin?). I spend a lot of my free time on the football field with the men's team of Darwin FC, on the river in one of Darwin's kayaks, or in my kitchen trying to cook something fun (36% success rate).

Michael is a final year PhD student working in the field of computational oncology. He enjoys the outdoors and student life in Darwin in all its facets.

The College Council Reps are elected by the students to represent them in College Council meetings and other college committees. They also report the business of College Council to the DCSA, and provide feedback to college on student interests. One rep is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Patrick is a third year PhD student in Classics, he studies the formation of political borders during the Hellenistic Period. You can find him mulling over all things ancient at Darbar where he regularly pulls pints and is well known for creating a flawless Baby Guinness. He also loves running and reading (although not at the same time - that's difficult!).

Darbar is the college bar and is totally run and staffed by Darwin students. The Bar Chair presides over the Bar Committee and the large group of bartenders, and makes sure everyone can enjoy the bar, whilst keeping a safe and welcoming space both for customers and staff. If you have any questions or ideas for making Darbar even better please get in contact with the email above. The Bar Chair is elected by the Bar Committee annually.