Current GSO Officers

Contact the GSO Executive Team

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President

Perform the necessary duties of acting as a liaison between the community of graduate students and the university administration and Greater Milwaukee community. This position may include interacting with administrators on campus, leaders of other student organizations on campus, and facilitating the goals of the organization. The chair will be required to lead meetings of the executive board and meetings of the GSO council. GSO sub-committee members will be required to report to the chair a summary of meetings attended. 

Sumaiya ChowdhurySumaiya Chowdhury

Biological Sciences 
sumaiya.chowdhury@marquette.edu 

Hi! I’m Sumaiya Chowdhury, a PhD candidate in the Biological Sciences program and has been elected for the second term as GSO President. Over the past year, I have been consistently advocated for the academic, professional, and personal needs of graduate students to the university leadership. Under my leadership, GSO launched initiatives such as Departmental Town Halls and GSO Anonymous Communication form to create accessible platforms for students to share concerns. Feedback from these efforts led to a dedicated graduate-student writing space in Raynor Library and copy-editing services through the Ott Writing Center. I also initiated efforts to access affordable health insurance, develop graduate-student-focused Grievance policies, and establish policies on AI use. Together with the E-board, I organized the First GSO Cultural Gala and raised over $1400 as donations for Graduate Student Emergency Fund and Backpack program. As GSO President, I am committed to continue strengthening communication and representation between graduate students and university leadership. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and traveling. A fun fact about me is that I have traveled to 18 countries and can speak four languages.

Vice President 

Perform the duties of organizing, delegating and assisting with elected department members. The Vice President will be a standing ‘manager’ of each department representative within the GSO and will be used as a resource to help accomplish the tasks of each department. 

Tamila KuanyshevaTamila Kuanysheva

Chemistry
tamila.kuanysheva@marquette.edu 

Hi! I'm Tamila Kuanysheva, a PhD Candidate in the Chemistry department at 91ºÚÁÏÍø. My research focuses on quantum computing, specifically developing quantum algorithms to simulate the dynamics of chemical systems. I am excited to continue serving as Vice President of the Graduate Student Organization for a second term! I am also the Founder and President of the Quantum Club, where I lead initiatives in quantum computing research and outreach, organizing seminars and activities to promote quantum science. I’m passionate about organizing diverse events that make the graduate student experience at 91ºÚÁÏÍø more enriching and well-rounded. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, reading, solving jigsaw puzzles, and traveling whenever I can. I’m also a huge cat lover - nothing makes me smile more than meeting and petting a friendly cat!

Community Engagement 

Perform the duties of organizing community service events, community outreach events, and events focused on developing spiritual and ethical development. This position may include organizing community service events, partnering with local organizations to promote community service, and interfacing with other organizations on campus dedicated to community service. Additionally, this position will organize events to develop or maintain spiritual and ethical principles of graduate students. 

Natalie WorzallaNatalie Worzalla

Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology
natalie.worzalla@marquette.edu 

Hi! My name is Natalie Worzalla, and I am a first-year master's student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at 91ºÚÁÏÍø! I graduated in Spring of 2025 from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. During my undergraduate studies, I served as president of the Psychology club and worked as a lead research assistant in a child development lab. I am excited to serve as the Community Engagement Officer for the 2026-2027 school year and look forward to connecting with the 91ºÚÁÏÍø and Milwaukee community.  In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, reading, spending time with friends, and exploring Milwaukee! I'm also a huge dog lover!  

Communications 

Perform all duties associated with print and digital media on behalf of the GSO. This position may include managing both print and digital media blasts, managing social media accounts for the GSO, and maintaining and updating the GSO website with assistance a university web designer. 

Lila MetkoLila Metko

Neuroscience
lila.metko@marquette.edu 

Lila Metko is a Neuroscience PhD candidate at 91ºÚÁÏÍø. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin. When Lila is not in the lab, she enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking with her dog Ainsley. She is excited to the GSO board and help improve grad student communications. 

Logistics 

Perform the duties of a treasurer and administrative assistant, including being responsible for financial transactions associated with the GSO, coordinating event spaces, coordinating calendar invitations, attendee lists, and coordinating event times. 

Chimobi ChikwenduChimobi Chikwendu

Biological Sciences
chimobi.chikwendu@marquette.edu 

Chimobi Chikwendu is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences, specializing in plant molecular biology and genetics. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying abiotic stress tolerance in plants, with the goal of contributing to the development of more resilient crop varieties.

Chimobi is committed to contributing to graduate student success. Through prior leadership experience, he has developed strong leadership and organizational skills. As Logistics Officer, he aims to strengthen the operational aspects of the Graduate Student Organization by supporting effective planning and coordination. He values teamwork and dedication and seeks to foster a more supportive graduate student community.

 


 Melissa Econom- Graduate Student Development Coordinator

Graduate School Advisor

Graduate Student Development Coordinator

Melissa Econom