Meet the DCSA Executive Committee

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).

Hi! I’m Grete, a second year PhD student in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. I’m currently focusing on second language idiom processing and how our brains spark when figurative language form and meaning don’t quite match. If I’m not working in the Parlour, you can usually find me on the Taekwondo mats, finding new cafes, or searching for my next adventure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to talk about your favorite idiom!

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.

Hey all! I’m Kerem, a third-year PhD student in materials science. I am working on the synthesis and characterisation of artificial skin (trying to fabricate glorified leakproof sausage casings using collagen smoothies). If I am not at work at West Cambridge, you might find me working at the Darbar, punting around with friends chasing the swans and cygnets or reading Franco-Belgian comics.

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.

Hi I'm Dom! I'm in the second year of my Pathology PhD. As Darwin's Admiral I am responsible for all things punting and encourage all Darwinian's to join the punt club and enjoy this Cambridge past-time. Additionally, I am the men's co-captain of the Darwin College Boat Club. Between spending time in and around boats and the lab, you'll often find me engaging in some nonsense conversation or other in the parlour.

The Admiral of the Punts is responsible for all the punt club's vessels, including 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.

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.

Heya! I'm Janani, a PhD student in Earth Sciences, primarily based at the British Antarctic Survey. I'm researching how air bubbles trapped in ice core samples can be used as a proxy to study ice elevation changes in Antarctica during past climate transitions, and what that means for a warming future. When not in the cold lab, I'm happiest outdoors, in the mountains, and I love exploring new places and cultures. I have a wide range of hobbies and am always up for trying new things. Come say ‘Hi!’ if you see me in college and If you have any pressing questions or if you'd like to share something in the WhatsUp, please write to me at dcsa_coms@darwin.cam.ac.uk . I would love to chat! 🙂 Fun fact: I'm fluent in 3 languages, rusty in 2 others and still learning new ones!

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!

I am Elena Luciano-Suastegui, a first year PhD student working with the history of the British Quaternary Geology and images of science in East Anglia and Portugal in the twentieth century. As a disabilities officer, I am interested in getting to know the needs of our community to make Darwin more accessible. In the past months as a DCSA officer, I have responded to individual requests, including accessible yoga and meditation sessions. I am happy to coordinate events and requests for the future. Please, reach out to share your thoughts, requests, and ideas to dcsa_disabilities@darwin.cam.ac.uk

The Disabilities Officer is a position to support other DCSA officers and the college to improve accessibility for, and inclusivity of, students with any disability or long-term health condition.

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.

I’m Kilian, a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering working on heat exchangers for hydrogen planes. I love watching planes and travelling in (hopefully electric) trains, playing volleyball, reading/listening to podcasts on climate, energy and politics. I’ve recently discovered meditation and love hearing about how climate enters (or doesn’t) into people’s travel decisions. If you know anyone who’s hesitating to get an electric car, a heat pump or solar panels I’d love to help figure out if it’s right for them!

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 they can support you in sharing it with the Darwin community. They oversee the Gardening Society and sit on the Buildings & Grounds, Meals and IT committees.

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.

Hello! I’m Michael (he/him), and I’m a second year PhD student in the department of Materials Science & Metallurgy looking at the growth and characterisation of ultrathin films for non-volatile memory, requiring me to work in a clean room and thus wear a hairnet. I studied nanoscience in Ireland for my undergrad. Beyond all that I’m also treasurer of Darbar (best bar in Cam). I spend my days oscillating between the bar and west cambridge due to my prima donna of a laser, but if you need a bowtie tied I’m your man.

The External Officer is responsible for managing relationships and organising as well as hosting events with other Cambridge Colleges, particularly formal dinner swaps. They also represent the DCSA at Cambridge SU term meetings and organise social events of intra-collegiate nature.

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.

Hi! I’m Merve — a Clinical Neurosciences PhD student from Cyprus. Twelve years ago, I set off on an adventure to pursue my passion for science in England. Though I carry the bittersweet essence of missing home, I embrace the challenge of adapting and finding comfort in new surroundings. I believe that a sense of belonging is nurtured by those who welcome us, listen to our stories, and share in our experiences. Therefore, whether you’re seeking a friendly chat, need assistance, looking for resources, or want a quiet moment, I’m here to help create a sense of home far away from home. 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).

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, the Q+ Officer is always there to chat, advise and help out where possible.

I'm Andy, a third year engineering PhD student researching ground-borne vibration in buildings, having worked previously in civil engineering construction. You'll hear from me when there are opportunities to get involved in sports at any level, to support Darwinians in University-level sport as they crush O*ford in their Varsity matches, or if we're showing major sporting events in college. I’m also the person to talk to if you want to start a new Darwin society or sports team, or revive an old one.

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.

Hello fellow Darwinians! My name is Megan and I am a Master’s student in Politics and International Studies transitioning into the first year of my PhD! I am from the UK but I grew up in Ontario, Canada. When I am not in the depths of studying food systems, I am drinking copious amounts of coffee in the café, feeding the ducks in the Cam, or reading a book in the garden. I am always up for a friendly chat so please don’t hesitate to reach out or say hello when you see me around college!

Hey, I am Dima. I am a 2nd year PhD student in quantum computing. My research focuses on architecture modelling and resources estimation. Outside of my work I love tea, board games, hiking and whatever my ADHD decides to hyperfocus on that week. I am also into a lot of geek stuff like videogames, anime, artsy movies and xianxia. Find me around college for a chat!

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 in College, if you need anything or just want to have a chat!

Hello everyone! My name is Kleo (she/her) and I am a second year PhD student in Criminology. My research looks at the impact of abortion bans in the United States on tactics of intimate partner violence perpetration. Before my PhD, I worked in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector. In my free time I like to crochet, go on hikes, play ultimate frisbee, and travel as much as possible. You are most likely to find me in the Darwin parlour or sitting in one of the outdoor areas around college. Please don't hesitate to come say hi. I am always happy to answer questions or have a chat for any reason (or no reason at all).

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.

Hello! I’m Mary (they/them), a PhD student in the Division of Virology (Pathology) unpicking the effects Zika virus infection has on the developing foetal brain. I’m proud to represent the students of Darwin through College Council on all matters, be it divestment from arms and occupation, accessibility, and the day-to-day ways that the college can support and represent students better. Based at Addenbrookes, you can often find me wandering around the concourse looking for a sweet treat, in a cafe, or reading a book in the beautiful green spaces Cambridge has to offer. Please don’t hesitate to say hello, or reach out to me at any time on any issue - my emails are always open!

Hi, I’m Oisín. I am a second-year PhD student studying the common gene regulatory network of cancer. In addition to my role as a College Council representative, I am secretary of DarBar. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me reading in the parlour, hanging out at the bar, or combatting the crippling effects of hours of cell culture on my posture at Saturday yoga.

The College Council Reps are elected by the students to sit on the College Council and be Trustees of the college, as well as being part of other college governance committees. They also provide an update on the business of the College Council at DCSA committee meetings, and provide feedback to the College Council on student interests and perspectives. One rep is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hi! I'm Simon, a second-year PhD student in Computer Science, working on multi-agent learning in datacentres. If I'm not in the lab or in the bar (occupational hazard), you'll find me in the gym, in the parlour, over a game of poker, or with a Michael Lewis book.

DarBar is the college bar and is totally run and staffed by Darwin students. The Bar Chair presides over the Bar Committee (“BarComm”) and a large group of bartenders. With the help of the rest of BarComm, they manage the finances and administration of the bar in addition to organizing events for the Darwin community, and make sure everyone can enjoy the bar, while 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.