Council Member Directory

Get to Know Our Team

2024-2025 General Studies Student Council Members

  • Hello, my name is Venska Pongoh, I’m a Financial Economics major and I’m excited to be your treasurer! After being treasurer for one and a half years at my last college, I’m ready for what Columbia GS has for me. I love this community and I’m thrilled to contribute in the best way I know how! 

  • I am originally from Los Angeles, California and have worked in the film industry for several years, recently working my way up to directing and producing short films. After earning my Associate's Degree with honors in Radio, Film, and Television Production from Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California I transferred to Columbia University to obtain my BA in Film and Media Studies and look toward gaining my MFA in either Screenwriting and Directing or Creative Producing here at Columbia. As an older student with knowledge of and experience in the film industry, I will use my expertise to create captivating yet informative campaigns for GSSC initiatives to drive engagement. At Columbia, I am also an active member in the Armenian Society of Columbia, Studio 292, and a passive member of Columbia Records, while in my free time I like to play guitar, collect and listen to vinyl records, and explore everything our great city has to offer.

  • Taylor Moniz is a senior in the Columbia University Dual BA Program with Trinity College Dublin, studying neuroscience and behavior. She conducts research in Dr. Christine Denny’s systems neuroscience lab at the Columbia University Irvine Medical Center, focusing on sex-specific treatments for Major Depressive Disorder. Passionate about increasing representation for Native Hawaiians and other minority groups in higher education and science, Taylor is committed to breaking down barriers for underrepresented communities. She also values global learning, having served in leadership and research roles at Trinity College Dublin.

  • I am a third-year student majoring in Neuroscience & Behavior with an interest in Public Health. I am part of the Dual BA program with Trinity College Dublin. After graduation, I would like to pursue a PhD in a similar field. I am excited to be on council and to be part of the communications team!

  • My name is Peihan Ge, and I am a new second-year economics student who has recently transferred from the University of British Columbia. In my role as Policy Coordinator at GSSC, I am dedicated to addressing the needs of our community and striving to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members. I am committed to making a positive impact and working collaboratively to enhance our community.

  • Paul is a third-year student in the SciencesPo Dual BA program, majoring in Economics and Political Science. As a dedicated advocate for the blind and low-vision community, he has collaborated with various charities at both local and national levels. He is excited to build on his experiences to enhance the well-being of all students with disabilities at Columbia! 

  • Oscar Wolfe is a student in the Dual Degree program with The Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS), pursuing degrees in American Studies at Columbia University and Jewish Ethics at JTS. Oscar has served as an intern for two congressional campaigns, the Minnesota Senate, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and a tech startup. On campus, Oscar has served as the Student Services and Academic Affairs Representative for GSSC, as Class President for JTS, and is currently serving as an Admissions Intern for the Dual Degree program with JTS.

  • Nora is a Junior studying Economics-Political Science in the Dual BA between Sciences-Po and Columbia. Originally from Vancouver, she has been involved in student advocacy since high school and is passionate about empowering student voices in collaboration with the administration and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table! In her free time, Nora enjoys watching Studio Ghibli films, finding hikes outside of the city, and trying the spiciest Sichuanese restaurants in NYC!

  • Hello! My name is Nathan Pane, and I am a US Navy veteran. I served for four years on a destroyer - as a part of 7th fleet in the Pacific Ocean. My main roles within the service included ballistic missile defense, intelligence analysis through satellite and radar imaging, and rescue swimming. I also served as the President of Morale Welfare and Recreation for my ship, which has armed me with the experience of contributing across the board benefits to all job fields held on my ship. As a veteran with these experiences in recent memory, I understand the challenges that others face when transitioning from a lifestyle in the military to that of academia. I look forward to this commitment as Veteran Representative on GSSC to help others make that transition a smooth and comfortable one here at Columbia University. 

  • I am an undergraduate in GS and have returned to education after a long and successful career in business.  I have children in high school here in NYC and as the Student with Families representative, I hope to be able to identify and promote issues particular to our group.  Outside of class, I'll be running, in the gym, in the park or eating New York Pizza. My favourite study spot on campus is Butler; not very original, but I like to imagine that there's some type of academic-osmosis that occurs if I'm there long enough.

    I hope to use my unique life experiences and diverse voice to serve the GSSC and all students of GS.

  • Get To Know Maya

    Major: Economics-Political Science & History, Class of 2025

    Contact Info: [email protected]

    Maya Platek is a senior double majoring in Economics and Political Science and minoring in History. Before starting at Columbia, Maya completed her mandatory service in the IDF’s Spokesperson Unit. Maya has previously served as your VP of Campus Life and Student Body President—and is incredibly passionate about advocating for GS-catered policies and about bringing people together. Maya loves getting involved wherever she can, writing, trying out new food, exploring the city, and going to AMC to take advantage of her A-list movie subscription (which you should get too). Maya will be hosting regular office hours (make sure to check Isabel’s newsletter and the GSSC instagram to check on the time) and reach out to her about your ideas and concerns.

     

  • Maeve is a junior in the Dual BA program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University, studying Film at both universities. She was Publicity and Communications Manager of the Dublin University Players Society for one year and has publicized many theatre productions during her time in college, including Uncanny Valley which made its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer. She is currently a Marketing and Communications Assistant at the School of General Studies. She has a passion for digital content creation with a concentration in the arts and absolutely adores all things theater, television, film and music!

     

  • Jorge is a junior currently studying Economics and Philosophy and is part of the Dual BA with SciencesPo. He’s Costa Rican but was born and lived in NYC for a few years! He has been involved in student council positions since high school and is passionate about fostering and valuing a sense of community. He is excited to be a part of GSSC so he can play an active role in the GS community. In his free time, Jorge enjoys reading, binging House, playing football and finding hidden restaurant gems in the city.

  • Jessica is a junior studying Medical Humanities from Seoul, South Korea. Besides academics, Jessica enjoys baking and connecting with peers over delicious food. As a Diversity and Equity Representative, she is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and heard. She looks forward to collaborating with diverse voices on campus to implement meaningful initiatives and equal opportunities for all!

     

  • Hi! My name is Jeanne I am a Neuroscience and Behavior major from the Trinity Colle Dublin Dual Ba program majoring in 2026.

    I am excited to be a Public Relations Coordinator for GSSC and help distribute information about what is happening on campus and within GSSC to other students.

  • Janel Perez is a second bachelor's student pursuing Computer Science and Economics. She hails from the Philippines and was previously a King Global Scholar at Dartmouth College, studying Government and Economics. She pursued her interests in poverty alleviation as a Human Development Fellow, served as the inaugural King Scholar student director, and was appointed as Co-chair of the Senior Class Gift. Outside of campus, Janel's professional interests lie at the intersections of operations and development, with past work at education consulting firm Tyton Partners, PwC Consulting, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, GiveDirectly, and Endeavor Philippines among others. 

     

    As the First-Generation, Low-Income, and Working Student Representative, Janel plans to work with the greater Policy Committee to advocate for policies addressing financial aid disparity, housing instability, and food insecurity. She also hopes to work with the Center for Career Education to bring in more career and networking opportunities focused on FGLI students.

  • Isabel Tenney is a sophomore majoring in Economics-Political Science. Before attending Columbia, Isabel was a professional ballet dancer, training and performing around the country. Isabel loves getting involved on campus, and you can usually find her in Butler trying to understand a Macroeconomics problem set or in a dessert shop somewhere in New York. Isabel can’t wait for this year on GSSC, and will be making regular appearances in your inbox this year (whether you like it or not.)

     

  • Irene is a third year student at GS majoring in Financial Economics and minoring in East Asian studies. Coming from the Sciences Po and Columbia University Dual degree program, she spent two years in France studying Economics and Sociology. Now in Columbia, this is the second time Irene has ever been to New York and third time in the US altogether. 

    As this year's finance coordinator, she will put all her energy into working for GSSC and making the year a memorable one for the GS community.

  • Hello, I'm Inès, your First-Year Class Vice President! I’m passionate about fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels heard and supported. I'm committed to organizing events, addressing your concerns, and making our first year an unforgettable experience. Let’s work together to make this year exciting and impactful!

  • Haya is a junior in the Joint Program between Columbia and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is majoring in History with a concentration in Education Studies at Columbia, and Modern Jewish Studies at JTS. Haya is excited to rejoin the Communications Committee this school year as Chief of Communications. Her main goal is to make interactions between students, GSSC, and administration smoother, easier, and more accessible than ever before. She has served on GSSC for the past two years, one on Communications and the other on Campus Life. While not at GSSC, you can find Haya throwing a disc around on the ultimate frisbee team, taking a walk in Central Park, or solving today’s NYT mini crossword puzzle.

  • Hi, my name is Heonhee but you can call me Gloria! I worked in
    South Korea as an English teacher for 9 years, and I am now on the
    pre-med track as an aspiring pediatrician! My favorite things to do
    are hosting parties and gatherings, cooking, and spending quality time
    getting to know people. I can't wait to make the GS community closer
    than ever before and serve as your First Year Class President!

  • Eric Yu is a senior majoring in Financial Economics and minoring in Film and Media Studies. Before transferring to GS in Fall 2022, Eric studied film production at Emerson College and worked for Universal Studios to develop their then-newest theme park in Beijing. Despite being on GSSC’s finance committee since Spring 2023, he, like many other students and administrators, is still trying to understand Columbia’s financial system. In his spare time, Eric enjoys coffee, F1 (join Columbia Formula Racing!), surfing, tennis, or baking/cooking. If you’d like to donate to GSSC’s finance committee, Eric’s Venmo is [REDACTED].

  • Eleanor is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior, specializing in the intersection of neurotechnology, computational modelling, and translational research. She is passionate about transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions to improve mental health care, address neurological disorders, and advance human cognitive potential.
    Before joining GS, Eleanor studied at University College London and contributed to reshaping occupational health strategies within BP’s health department. Since arriving at Columbia, she has driven policy reform through the Columbia Policy Institute and collaborated on international health initiatives with Columbia Global Centres in Mumbai and Nairobi. As a Social Impact Fellow with Columbia World Projects, she aims to work at the forefront of global health innovation.
    Eleanor is committed to advocating for more proactive wellness initiatives and ensuring GS students have greater access to essential health resources and support services. Her goal is to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to foster a healthier, more resilient community. In her free time, you can find Eleanor practising Muay Thai or exploring New York’s vibrant food, art, and
    theatre scenes.

  • My name is Carina Rudolph-Math and I am a junior majoring in Political Science. I am a part of the Dual Degree Program with Trinity College Dublin in Ireland where I studied European politics, language, and history. This is my first year on campus and I am very excited to be a part of the amazing GS community here at Columbia. My hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii, but I’m looking forward to making Morningside Heights home.    

  • Caitlin B. Anderson is a senior in the Columbia University and Trinity College Dublin Dual BA Program studying Political Science and Middle Eastern and European Languages and Culture. Caitlin is a US/UK dual citizen who has spent most of her life moving around as the child of a diplomat, but she is thrilled to now call NYC and Columbia home. Caitlin is super excited to be your GSSC VP of Campus Life and can't wait for this year!

  • Get To Know Bruce 

    Major: Economics & Neuroscience ‘26

    Bruce is a French Air Force Veteran who used to run Track & Field competitively (400 m / 3,000 m). He deeply values the Columbia Experience for students and officers and wants to ensure that all individuals have at their disposal the necessary tools and resources to stay healthy and to thrive academically and professionally. His areas of focus are the availability and accessibility of campus student space, financial aid, access to mental health care, and course search and registration innovation. On the University Senate, Bruce co-chairs the Student Affairs Committee and serves on the Information and Communications Technology and Executive committees. He is a member of the Columbia Alumni Association Board and the Columbia Economics Society.

    Before joining the military, Bruce worked in the laboratories of Veolia Water Technologies, focusing on the provision of drinking water in humanitarian emergencies. He also worked for Rotary International, organizing fundraising to support rural electrification and the structural transformation of schools and villages in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo. Bruce strongly believes that we must speak up for those whose voices are not heard and that we each have a role to play in reducing the inequalities we witness, remaining conscious of the impact that we have on people and on society.

  • I'm Brea Sloboda (she/her), a native of Dallas, Texas, majoring in psychology. As a financial policy advisor, I am excited to help create and drive institutional policy changes that promote financial equality for GS students on campus.

  • Hi, my name is Aoife and I am so excited to be the Community Service and Sustainability Representative on GSSC this year! I am a senior in the Dual BA Program with Trinity College Dublin. In Trinity I majored in European Studies and I am now majoring in Political Science. Please don't hesitate to reach out or say hello! 

     

  • Anna is a junior in Sciences Po and Columbia Dual Bachelors Program, with a major in Economics. She loves to apply herself to something new: she paints mirrors, plays ukulele, loves squash, and always strives to stay open to the opportunities around her. 

    Anna is a firm believer that if you are dissatisfied with something, you have to do better yourself: be the change you want to see. This is what encouraged her to become part of the GSSC. 

    She has a deep appreciation and love for the GS community and the individuals who make it up and sees the importance of her role as an Alumni Affairs Representative to work on fostering relationships and cooperation between its members - past, current, and future - and this way to contribute to the growth and flourishing of our community.

    If you have any ideas for events to be organized to foster the links between the Alumni and current Student body of GS, please do not hesitate to reach out to Anna. 

     

  • Hi! I’m Amelia Pagan, a Dual BA student at Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University, majoring in Political Science, Government studies, and Human Rights. As the Public Relations Coordinator for the General Studies Student Council, I’m all about connecting people and sparking change through student advocacy. With a love for both European and American perspectives, I’m here to make an impact! 

  • Adam Platek is a sophomore in the Columbia-Tel Aviv University dual degree program, majoring in Financial Economics at Columbia and Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at TAU. Although Israeli, Adam was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Adam is particularly interested in the intersection of finance and healthcare, focusing on investment banking, private equity, and long-only equities. Next summer, he will be interning as a Summer Investment Banking Analyst at Cascadia Capital. Adam enjoys traveling, visiting beaches, working out, watching sports, and a good meal.

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