MCR Committee 2023-2024

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.

Mara Kelly
President

Email: mara.kelly
Field of study: MPhil US History
Nationality: United States

Hello everyone! I'm Mara, a second-year MPhil student in US History, and your MCR President for the 2023/24 academic year.

As President, I'm responsible for the overall operation of the MCR. My primary role is to think about the strategic direction of the MCR and represent our interests within College. I also liaise with bodies outside of college, such as OUSU, to represent Balliol MCR at a university-wide level. In reality, I am focused on making sure that your time as a member of Balliol MCR is as happy and fulfilling as it can be and I intend to do whatever is necessary to make that happen. So please do get in touch if you have any queries, concerns, or suggestions for how things could be done differently inside the MCR.

Outside of my presidential duties, you can find me running along the Oxford canals or procrastinating by cooking an over-elaborate weeknight dinner. As a big-city convert, I also have thoroughly enjoyed exploring London and am a particular fan of the excursions organized by our fabulous Arts Officer, Chris. I worked in US politics in my past-life, so I'm always down for a bit of Washington gossip or a friendly debate.

This is my second year on MCR Committee, after I impulsively decided to run for Social Secretary during my second week at Oxford. Luckily, joining Committee turned out to be a wonderful decision. I am thrilled to now lead our outstanding officers as President, and I hope to continue to foster the close-knit community that has meant so much to me during my time here.

Emma Wallace
Vice President

Email: emma.wallace
Field of study: MSc in Genomic Medicine
Nationality: Irish/American

Hello! My name is Emma, and I am a first-year studying Genomic Medicine. I am very excited to be the Vice President this year! I am relatively new to Balliol, but I was convinced to join the committee based on how warm and welcoming the community is. My role includes helping with the day-to-day running of the MCR and ensuring facilities are running smoothly. Please don’t hesitate to send me a message if something is not working, or you have any ideas or suggestions about updates to the Manor or Master’s Field!

Outside of talking about Genetics and the Balliol MCR, I love yoga, running, cooking, as well as jewellery-making.

Marissa Mueller
Secretary

Email: marissa.mueller
Field of study: Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics
Nationality: Canada

Hi, I’m Marissa - I currently am studying for a DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics. As this year’s MCR Secretary, I’ll be sending weekly emails, managing MCR files, and distributing meeting information.

Outside academics, I love sports, nature, board/card games, music, and travelling.

Alina Nicheperovich, Henrik Auestad, Martin Munoz
Bar Managers

Emails: alina.nicheperovich, henrik.auestad, martin.munoz

Maria Pereira da Costa
Social Secretary

Email: maria.pereiradacosta
Field of study: International Relations
Nationality: Portugal

Hi everyone, I'm Maria, a second-year International Relations MPhil, 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 2nd 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 :)

Killian De Ridder
Social Secretary

Email: killian.deridder
Field of study: Economics

Hi!

I’m Kilian, a first-year MPhil student in Economics. I’m very happy to be one of your social secretaries for this year! As excited as I am about research and studying, it’s important to ensure some balance from that. I love listening and dancing to music and I make electronic music, so I am very much looking forward to organising concerts, parties and other fun events at Balliol. If you ever have recommendations for cool new bands or artists, tell me pls!

Besides econ and music, I like reading philosophy, which I also studied in my undergrad. So, if you’re ever at the Megaron bar and need someone to tell your super-deep philosophical thoughts to, I am here for you. Also, I do love a good beer / red wine, so I am always up for a drink – if I am not currently held up by some insane econ problem set. Cheers:)

Elena Eliseeva
Living Out Officer

Email: elena.eliseeva
Field of study: DPhil in Pharmacology

Hi! My name is Elena, I am a second year DPhil in Pharmacology, and this academic year I am the MCR's Living Out Officer.

Despite choosing to live outside of Balliol I wanted to be involved in the MCR life, which is why I was eager to take on this role. I am responsible for representing the interests of the living out MCR members, as well as for organising social events for them. While the latter is self-explanataory, the first point may sound vague... because it is. In simple terms, if the living out folks feel like something would make them more welcome and included in the MCR, I am the person to ask. This could be something simple or more substantial, such as installing lockers in the Manor (which the previous Living Out Officer, Eve, did last year). So please reach out if you have any concerns or suggestions, I am always looking for feedback and ideas!

Outside of my studies, I enjoy trying (and often failing) to cook, binge-watching tv shows and listening to audiobooks.

Kate Benjamin
IT Officer

Email: katherine.benjamin
Field of study: Mathematics
Nationality: UK

Hi! My name’s Kate, and I’m a third-year DPhil student in the Mathematical Institute. My research focuses on leveraging methods and ideas from the mathematical field of topology in order to help understand complex biological data.

When I’m not in the office staring at a computer screen, I’m at home staring at a computer screen. So, it was only natural for me to join the committee as the MCR’s IT Officer, which means that I’m in charge of this lovely website as well as the graduate community mailing lists. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about those!

Aaron Leu
Sports Officer

Email: aaron.leu
Field of study: Atomic & Laser Physics
Nationality: Switzerland

Hi! My name is Aaron and I am a second-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 sports officer, taking responsibility for overseeing sports-related matters. If anyone has concerns, ideas, or simply wants to connect, feel free to reach out to me or catch me at the MCR bar. Let’s make our sports community thrive!

Brendan McGrath
Welfare Officer

Email: brendan.mcgrath
Field of study: Economics
Nationality: Irish

Hello all! I’m Brendan, a second-year MPhil student in Economics, and one of your welfare officers for the 2023/24 academic year.

We’re lucky to have an exceptionally supportive and fun MCR, but even then Oxford can be gruelling at times. That’s why we’re here to boost the general welfare, mainly through events like uplifting brunches, soothing teas, and organic, non-processed, ecological chocolate tastings. We’re also here to guide students to the welfare resources they need - so don’t hesitate to send us a text or email if we can be of any help.

Aside from supporting welfare officially, I also do it as a hobby: you can spot me jogging along the Oxford streams or putting off responsibility by simmering a too-complicated weekend stew.

Alice Remmington
Welfare Officer

Email: alice.remmington

Brittany Gittus
Women’s Officer

Email: brittany.gittus
Field of study: DPhil in History
Nationality: Australian

Hi! My name is Britt and I’m starting the first year of my DPhil in History, having just completed an MSt in Modern European History at Balliol. After being a welfare officer in last year’s MCR Committee, I’m excited to continue contributing to the amazing community we have at Balliol by being your women’s officer for this year.

When I’m not studying the history of international relations, you’ll likely find me trying to not fall over in the MCR yoga classes, swimming somewhere around Oxford or going for a walk in one of Oxford’s many parks.

As your MCR women’s officer for this year, I look forward to representing the interests of female identifying members of the MCR. This includes organising women’s brunches, symposiums, and women’s self-defence classes!

If you have any suggestions for activities this year, any concerns, or just want a chat, please feel free to reach out!

Victoria White
Equalities Officer - Disabilities

Email: victoria.white
Field of study: DPhil Medieval & Modern Languages (Italian)
Nationality: UK

Ciao! I'm V, a second-year DPhil student in Medieval & Modern Languages, with a passion for all things Italian - food, fashion and football! The focus of my doctoral research is the Renaissance polymath, Leon Battista Alberti and the ethics of loyalty in his works.

As Balliol MCR Equalities Officer - Disabilities, I’m here to support our community of students who identify as having an impairment or disability, specific learning difficulty, short or long term health condition, autistic condition or mental health difficulties that may impact study or life at Oxford. I’m also interested in raising awareness of neurodiversity and promoting inclusion in the university. I hope to build a strong support group among our disabilities community and disability allies through drop-in brunches, inspiring speaker talks, learning aid workshops, and exchange events with other Oxford colleges. If you’d like to get involved and be part of our friendly community, please get in touch!

Christopher Lu
Arts and Research Officer

Email: christopher.lu
Field of study: Modern Languages
Nationality: China

Hi! My name is Chris and I’m currently reading for an MSt in Modern Languages. I was previously trained in Renaissance History in London and obtained a Master’s degree in Classics at Oxford last year, with the ultimate aim of researching on Renaissance art and intellectual history—so don’t be surprised if you spot me chatting in Italian with V, our wonderful Equalities Officer!

As your Arts and Research Officer, I work with Oxford-based artists to arrange multiple painting and pottery classes per term, which have been very well received in previous years. I also coordinate weekly knitting nights at the Manor with Balliol DPhil student Heather Hutchings, who is a stellar classicist, master knitter, and brilliant instructor. Additionally, I organise free outings to cinemas, theatres, and art collections in and out of Oxford—usually in London, as Mara has hinted above...

I believe that such events contribute to a more enjoyable life at Oxford, a more vibrant culture of Balliol, and a stronger bond among the MCR community. So I will subsidise them as much as I can and support any other art-related activities you might like to plan. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or ideas, and I would greatly appreciate your help with and participation in our regular events.

Sidra Yousaf
Ethnic Minorities Officer

Email: sidra.yousaf
Field of study: MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies
Nationality: Norway

Hi everyone! My name is Sidra and I am a second year MPhil student in Modern South Asian Studies. I previously completed a master’s degree in Global Thought from Columbia University in NYC and a bachelor’s in International Studies from the University of Oslo. When I am not studying, I like to enjoy ice cream at Swoon, take walks around the different Oxford college grounds and meet up with friends over long coffee breaks.

I am very excited to be your Ethnic Minorities Officer for the coming year! In this position, I will be responsible for making sure that the voices of ethnic minorities in the Balliol MCR community are heard. I want the college to become an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone, where diversity is not only more visible but also properly celebrated through different cultural events and casual gatherings. 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 someone with a (Pakistani) ethnic minority background 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, even if you just would like to grab a coffee and have a friendly chat.

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 second 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 2023/2024 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!