Nichakul Punnahitanon

Nichakul Punnahitanon or “Nicky” is a junior in the Dual BA Program with Sciences Po, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Human Rights. She is from Bangkok, Thailand, and has always been passionate about building communities and helping people feel at home wherever they are.

At Sciences Po, she served as Head of Communications for the Student Council, where she created student life guidebooks, Instagram campaigns, and reels to help incoming students adjust to life in France. She also co-captained the Southeast Asian Club, organizing cultural events and potlucks to celebrate diversity.

Dance has also been a big part of Nicky’s life. She did traditional Thai dance professionally and competitively from a young age, later competing in jazz, and has been a lifelong cheerleader. At Sciences Po, she founded and captained the Thai Dance Club, captained the cheerleading team, and performed K-pop covers and J-pop dance. For her, dance is about expression, teamwork, and community—values she carries into everything she does.

She also enjoys creating social media content—though she insists she isn’t an “influencer.” She’s excited not only to bring her creativity, communication skills, and community spirit to the student body, but also to share her Columbia journey on her own Instagram—so expect a BTS of student council life, Nicky-style!