2024-2025 Executive Officers
president: Margaret Bernish, Biological Oceanography
Hey y'all! I'm Maggie Bernish, a PhD student studying biological oceanography. Outside of research, I enjoy playing the piano and draining hours on my Nintendo Switch. I'm so excited to be serving on the GAU Executive Board as the Vice President and hope to contribute to an environment where graduate assistants feel supported in their endeavors and, most of all, heard.
Vice President: Victor Olaoye, Pharmacy
My name is Victor, and I am a PhD student at the College of Pharmacy. My research focuses on discovering innovative therapeutics to address the pressing challenge of antibiotic resistance. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about networking, organizing, and contributing to leadership and volunteer initiatives. I am particularly driven by projects that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
I am honored to serve as the Vice President of the Graduate Assistants United (GAU) Executive Board. In this role, I am committed to advocating for positive change, fostering inclusion, negotiating strong contracts, protecting the rights of graduate assistants, and upholding the core missions of GAU.
secretary: darcey lovell, english
My name is Darcey and I am a sixth year PhD candidate and teaching assistant in the Department of English. I study Victorian and popular literature and am writing my dissertation on Victorian detective fiction. I got involved in GAU part of the Contract Action Team and wrote the blog updates for the last contract negotiations. I'm excited to be on the team again this year and have the opportunity to help GAU continue to work so hard for our graduate assistants!
Treasurer: David Ayi-Bonte, Nutrition
My name is David, and I am a master's student in the nutrition program. My research focuses on the use of functional foods in disease prevention and control. Outside of my studies, I enjoy biking, swimming, and playing video games. I am eager to help create a great environment for graduate students and look forward to serving the graduate student body as treasurer.
Communications Chair: Rachel Nelson, Chemical Oceanography
Hey everyone! My name is Rachel Nelson, I’m a second year PhD student studying chemical oceanography. My research specifically focuses on PFAS bioaccumulation in brown pelicans and American oystercatchers in the Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. When I’m not in the lab or catching birds, you can find me outdoors at the beach, or hiking or indoors reading or gaming. This is my first year on the board and I’m very excited to be involved in improving the lives of graduate students at URI.
Grievance Chair: lane demaske, psychology
Hello, my name is Lane Demaske (they/them); I'm a second year Behavioral Science PhD. student. My research focuses on cultural logics of honor and dignity in online contexts. This is my first year as an officer, and I look forward to representing our membership in receiving the benefits they earn. We have no rights that we do not fight for.
When I'm not doing Psychology, I'm a writer, watercolor painter, and D&D nerd.
membership chair: Arome John Ozigagu, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hi everyone! My name is Arome John Ozigagu. I am a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering focusing on Transportation Engineering. My research aims to innovate models and strategies to optimize traffic flow, improve road safety, and enhance urban mobility. As the GAU Membership Chair, I am committed to enhancing student engagement and representation by promoting membership benefits in an inclusive student community like ours. I love playing soccer, table tennis, and billiards when I am not studying.
NEARI Student Rep: Emmanuel Oyewole, Marine Affairs
My name is Emmanuel Oyewole; a master’ student of Marine Affairs. My research focuses on the Influence of Institutional variability on the Adaptive Capacity of Small Scale fisheries in Mexico’s Gulf of California.
As a NEARI Rep, I am focused on bridging the gap between the Union and NEARI - the mother body. It’s my second semester and I’m thrilled for the collective greater achievements ahead.
“We are better together.”
I love connecting with friends, being creative with arts (music and drama) when I’m not doing school.
