MCR Committee 2024-2025
Balliol MCR has an active committee that is responsible for a range of aspects of student life. The MCR Committee is elected by and comprised of Balliol MCR members in accordance with the MCR Constitution. The MCR Committee holds regular meetings to plan and discuss the organisation of the MCR. In addition, the MCR holds bi-weekly Ordinary General Meetings to which all members of the MCR are invited to attend, raise questions, suggest reforms, and vote on matters that affect the graduate centre and graduate student life.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions about graduate student life at Balliol.
Information on past committees is available from 2009. For more detailed descriptions of committee positions, please visit this page.
All email addresses are @balliol.ox.ac.uk.
Brittany Gittus
President
Email: brittany.gittus
Field of study: DPhil History
Nationality: Australian
Hi everyone! I’m Britt and I’m a second-year DPhil Candidate in History and your MCR President for the 2024-25 academic year. I completed my MSt in History in the MCR a a year ago, and have served on the MCR Committee since my Freshers’ week in 2022!
As President, I’m responsible for the MCR Committee and to think strategically about the future of our MCR. I represent the interests of the MCR in college, and outside of it in bodies such as the Oxford University Student Union. The most important part of my job, however, is to build a welcoming community at Balliol and ensure your time as a member of the MCR is as fulfilling as you hope it will be. I aim to continue to foster the warm and inclusive home I found at Balliol, and I know that with such an excellent and dedicated MCR Committee we will work to ensure this is the case. If you have any queries, concerns or suggestions for how things could be improved in the MCR please don’t hesitate to contact me.
When I’m not working in my role as President or trying to complete my DPhil in the Balliol Library, you’ll likely find me sewing my own clothes, swimming or trying not to fall over in our wonderful MCR yoga classes. As an Australian, I’m also a dedicated fan of Aussie rules football and Cricket, so I’m always ready for a sports watch party in the Manor (particularly if it involves watching England lose).
Aaron Leu
Vice President
Email: aaron.leu
Field of study: DPhil Atomic and Laser Physics
Nationality: Swiss
Hi! My name is Aaron and I am a third-year DPhil student in atomic and laser physics, specializing in trapped ion quantum computing. When I’m not immersed in my research, you’ll find me passionately engaged in various sports activities such as handball, football, basketball, squash, tennis, and hitting the gym. Excitingly, I will be serving as the vice-pres this year. If anyone has concerns, ideas, or simply wants to connect, feel free to reach out to me or catch me at the Megaron.
Jonathan Tjandra
Treasurer
Email: jonathan.tjandra
Field of study: Law
Nationality: Australian
Hello! I am the Treasurer, which means I am responsible for the money (and spending it all). Always happy to chat, particularly about my favourite topics: books, cooking and the law.
Conor Muller
Secretary
Email: conor.muller
Field of study: DPhil History
Nationality: British
Hi, I'm Conor, a second-year DPhil student in History from London. I'm the Balliol MCR Secretary for 2024–25, so I'll be sending you emails, announcements, and opportunities. I'm also the person to contact about MCR-related administrative or policy matters, so please do reach out by email if you have any such queries. My thesis is on people smuggling between British, France and their colonies in the early nineteenth century. When I'm not looking at old documents in a dusty French archive, I can usually be found cycling, walking, or playing football or squash. I also love to travel and used to be a rail worker, so I'm always up for discussing new Interrail/Eurail itineraries and routes in the Megaron!
Isaac Wills Returning Officer
Email: isaac.wills
Field of study: MPhil in Islamic Studies and History Nationality: United States of America
Howdy, folks! My name's Isaac, and I'm a second-year master's student in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. As Balliol M.C.R.'s barefooted baron, I plan to blend the formal and the lighthearted while serving our community as its Returning Officer. When I'm not running O.G.M.s or elections, you may catch me plodding through Syriac manuscripts, playing - all effort, no skill - for our College's basketball team, or hammocking in trees older than my country. I believe that being a part of a community requires one to become a shaper of it, so I look forward to fielding the ideas and enthusiasm that y'all will bring to the table this academic year!
Charlotte Jung Bar Manager
Email: charlotte.jung
Field of study: MPhil International Relations
Nationality: Australian
Hi all! I’m Charlotte, a second-year MPhil student in International Relations, and one of your bar managers for the 2024/25 academic year. Originally from Australia, I made the move to Oxford last year and found a second home at Balliol within the MCR community. I’m super excited to be a part of committee this year, and more importantly to have an excuse to spend more time in my favourite place - the Megaron Bar. The social scene at Balliol is one of the highlights of being a student here, so I look forward to sharing many a drink with you all and creating some amazing memories along with the social secs over the next year. If you have any ideas or suggestions to improve the Meg, Harrison, Antoni, and I would love to hear them! Cheers to an exciting year ahead
Antoni Lee, Harrison Jones Bar Managers
Maria Pereira da Costa
Social Secretary
Email: maria.pereiradacosta
Field of study: DPhil International Relations
Nationality: Portugal
Hi everyone, I'm Maria, a first-year International Relations DPhil, and am very excited to be one of the social secretaries for this year! I'm originally from Portugal, but have been living in Oxford for the past 5 years as I did my undergraduate degree in History & Politics here too (at St Anne's College).
As a social sec, I will be responsible for organising several social events throughout the year, including BOPs, formal exchanges, wine & cheese exchanges, bar crawls, and many others. One of the main reasons I originally applied to Balliol was its reputation as one of the most social and inclusive MCRs, which made my first year as a graduate student a great experience, so am keen to make sure this continues for the 2023/2024 year. I also want to make sure people's suggestions for potential events are taken into account, so do get in touch if you have any ideas!
Outside academics I am President of the Oxford University Equestrian Club, so do feel free to reach out if you'd like to talk about horse riding and sport in Oxford! Apart from this you'll either find me at the gym or stressing about my thesis in the common room, so I'm always around for a chat.
Mark Eid
Social Secretary
Email: mark.eid
Field of study: DPhil in Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems (AIMS)
Nationality: British
Hi, I’m Mark – a 3nd Year DPhil student in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Other than my research, I also love all types of sports. Squash, hockey, windsurfing, kitesurfing, skiing and more. If you’re ever looking for someone to play a game with, let me know!
Of course, I also like to socialise and have the odd drink or two, which is why I’m excited to be one of this year’s Social Secs. You’ll probably find me in the Megaron Bar more often than not, where I’m always willing to have a chat or persuade others to come along to the club. Otherwise I’ll be next door playing split screen Call of Duty with friends, which you are very welcome to join.
Balliol’s social events have been the back-bone of my university life so far, and I hope to make this even more true this academic year, not just for myself but for all MCR members. So please reach out if you have any suggestions, otherwise I’ll see you at the events themselves :)
Eva Thorshaug
Social Secretary
Email: eva.thorshaug
Field of study: MPhil International Relations
Nationality: Norwegian
Hello everyone! I’m Eva, a second-year MPhil student in International Relations. I’m so excited to be one of your social secretaries this year! This will be my second year at Balliol and the community in our college and all the fun social stuff that came with it was by far the highlight of last year - so I’m beyond excited to contribute to it more actively this year! Balliol has a well-earned reputation as one of the most social MCRs and this year will be no different with BOPs, bar crawls, formal exchanges and much much more:) If you ever have any ideas for what you’d like to see at our events - we’d love to hear! I’m also an avid tennis player so when I’m not deep in the books at my department right down Manor Road or yapping at the Megaron Bar, I’m usually out on our wonderful tennis court and always down for a chat!
Misha Schmalian
Living Out Officer
Email: michael.schmalian
Field of study: DPhil Mathematics
Hi! I'm Misha, and I'm a third-year DPhil student. Other than my research, I enjoy cooking, doing sports (currently tennis!), or just procrastinating with friends. I've had a great time living out, that is not living in college accommodation, but still really appreciate having the MCR and Holywell Manor as a place to make friends and get cheap drinks. So I really hope I can make those of you living out feel welcome in the MCR community! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or asking for help settling in.
Harry Waugh
Sports Officer
Email: harrison.waugh
Field of study: MPhil in History
Nationality: Australian
Hi everyone! My name is Harry and I’m a second-year student in History, looking at colonial land law in the 19th century. As a (necessary) distraction, I’m often playing cricket, Aussie rules football, tennis – anything I can get involved in around college and university. I’m super excited to serve as the sports officer for this year, we have amazing opportunities to play sport here at Balliol, alongside some very impressive facilities. Please feel free to reach out, I’m always around to chat – very excited for what we have install for the upcoming year!
Killian de Ridder
Welfare Officer
Email: killian.deridder
Field of study: MPhil in Economics
Nationality: German
Hey! I'm Kilian and together with Melchor I'm your welfare rep for this year. We'll organize events that are more relaxed and let you recover from the more stressful times in Oxford. Also if you feel like you are having a hard time, be it academically or personally, and need help, you can come to us and we can direct you to people who can help you. So please, do not hesitate do reach out to us if you ever feel like it!! Besides being welfare rep I try to pass my econ degree, and I love reading and rowing and music.
Melchor De La Cruz
Welfare Officer
Email: melchor.delacruz Field of study: MPhil in Economics
Ellen Burstein
Environmental Officer
Email: ellen.burstein
Field of study: MPhil Medical Anthropology
Nationality: American
Hi everyone! I’m Ellen, a second-year MPhil student in Medical Anthropology studying trust, healthcare systems, and migration. I’m passionate about environmental sustainability and am excited to be serving as the MCR Environmental Officer this year. I look forward to working on making Balliol more environmentally-friendly and engaging the MCR with climate research and advocacy happening throughout the University. Outside of research and the MCR, you can find me running in Uni Parks, singing with the Balliol Choir, or attempting new vegetarian recipes. Please reach out if you’d like to chat about environmental initiatives at Balliol, journalism, tennis, Taylor Swift, or anything in between!
Maisy Bentley
Women’s Officer
Email: maisy.bentley
Field of study: MPhil Law
Nationality: New Zealand
Hi! I’m Maisy, this is my second year at Balliol - this year I’m studying the MPhil in Law and last year I completed the MSt in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. I’m particularly interested in how we can use social science research methods and the law together to address social issues.
When I’m not studying you’ll find me drinking a flat white at Society Cafe, crocheting, reading, and getting outdoors by running or hiking.
I’m excited to be your women’s officer this year and support women identifying members of the MCR, advocate for your interests and work to increase recognition of the intellectual contribution of women at Balliol both past and present. Please feel welcome to reach out with any questions, issues or suggestions.
Sophia Miller
Disabilities Officer
Email: sophia.miller
Field of study: MPhil Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
Nationality: American
Hi y'all! I'm Sophia, and I'm a second-year MPhil in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, researching Early Christian Paradise imagery and Sassanian material culture. When I'm not in the library writing, you can find me sewing, visiting every art museum in London, or attempting to photosynthesize in Uni Parks. I'm honored to be the MCR's Disabilities Rep this year, and look forward to making the grad experience at Balliol more accessible and inclusive. My aim is to serve as an advocate and resource both for our community as a whole and for individuals, so please don't hesitate to reach out for help or just to chat!
Akari Kobayashi
Arts and Research Officer
Email: akari.kobayashi
Field of study: DPhil in Medieval and Modern Languages (English and French)
Nationality: Japanese
Hi all! My name is Akari, and I am a second-year DPhil student in Medieval and Modern Languages, specialising in the classical reception in late medieval English and French literature. I am originally from Tokyo, Japan, but having completed my MSt in English back in 2022, this will be my third year at Balliol. I am your Arts and Research Officer for the 2024/2025 academic year, meaning I am in charge of hosting and organising art- and culture-related events for the members of Balliol MCR. These events include: weekly knitting groups; pottery and painting classes; trips to arthouse cinemas, theatres, and museums (both Oxford-based and outside of Oxford; and so forth. This year, in particular, I am planning some exciting group outings to film festivals in the UK, the West End, as well as various events highlighting the contributions to art by marginalised communities, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements! Please also feel free to reach out if you have any ideas or suggestions :)
When not found in Oxford, your best bet to spot me is the BFI IMAX in London aka the biggest movie screen in the UK (where we are most likely paying a visit this year!)
Kirtana Sivasubramanian
Ethnic Minorities Officer
Email: kirtana.sivasubramanian
Field of study: DPhil Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease
Nationality: Indian
Hi everyone! My name is Kirtana and I am a second year DPhil student at the Dunn School just down the road! I am very excited to be your Ethnic Minorities Officer for the coming year! I will be responsible for making sure that the voices of ethnic minorities in the Balliol MCR community are heard. I want our graduate spaces to not just be welcoming and inclusive but also acknowledge the unique challenges faced by minorities and address them through peer support or broader institutional change with help from our wonderful administrators. I look forward to hosting frequent gatherings and hope to collaborate with other MCR officers to host more intersectional events as well! Join the whatsapp group and watch out for my e-mails to make sure you don’t miss out on any of them! If you have any ideas of your own for events or want to see your culture represented, please feel free to reach out at any time!
As an ethnic minority (Indian) and recent immigrant myself, I know that navigating not only Balliol but Oxford as a whole can be challenging on different levels. Please always reach out with any questions or concerns, or if you’d like to grab a coffee or dissect the latest Taylor Swift album (or any of the old ones! Mother never misses😌)
Valentino Gargano (he/him)
LGBTQ+ (Sexuality) Officer
Email: valentino.gargano
Field of study: DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature
Nationality: Italy
Hi everyone! I’m Valentino (he/him), I’m a third year DPhil student in Classical Languages and Literature, writing my thesis on Greek tragedy, literary theory and feminism. However distant the ancient world might seem and detached from so-called modernity, my research heavily focuses on issues of identity and society, and I have a deep fascination with both topics in general.
I’m honoured and thrilled to be working as a LGBTQ+ (Sexuality) Rep for the 2024/2025 academic year! My main goal is to represent and support members of the amazing Balliol MCR who identify as LGBTQ+ and to provide a safe environment for them. Working closely with the LGBTQ+ Gender rep, I aim to make the MCR a welcoming and accepting environment for all queer members of the college, as well as to provide them with opportunities to come together, share their ideas, and celebrate themselves!
Upcoming events include LGBTQ+ bar exchanges, an LGBTQ+ intercollegiate postgrad formal dinner in Balliol, queer welfare teas, and more. We’re also planning to set up a queer reading group – we would be thrilled to have you on board and to listen to your ideas!
If there’s anything that you want to discuss, suggest, or if you feel that you would simply like to have a chat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Clovis Lachance
Charities Officer
Email: Clovis.Lachance
Field of study: MPhil in Development Studies Nationality: Québécois Canadian
Bonjour people! My name is Clovis, and I am a second-year Development Studies MPhil researching the emergence of electromobility in Mexican public transportation. Originally from Trois-Rivières, Québec’s capital of poetry, I’m deeply interested in all things at the intersection of politics, economics, and overthrowing capitalism. When I’m not academically secluded in the D-Block common room, I love playing music loud enough so that Eva our social sec can hear me, swimming, running, and playing fake sports (#crud at the Olympics). As this year’s Charities Officer, I aim to organise events aimed at raising money for causes that the Balliol community holds dear. Besides that, I also want to use my experience as a second-year Oxonian to organise events within and outside the city’s boundaries, with plans for Balliol Hikes in the making. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to help organise some charity-related events, have a vigorous conversation on Québec’s independence, or have a drink at the Megaron!