MCR Committee
The MCR Committee represents the interests of Balliol College graduate students. The Committee lobbies the College administration on the graduate students’ behalf . We endeavour to make the Graduate Centre a lively and friendly place by organising social events and fostering an inclusive community spirit.
Our Team
Charlotte Jung (she/her)
PRESIDENT DPhil International Relations Nationality: Australian
Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte - I’m a 2nd year DPhil student in International Relations and your MCR President for the 2026/27 academic year. This will be my fourth year at Balliol, having previously completed my MPhil in IR, and third year on committee after spending the past two years serving in the wonderful role of Bar Manager.
I couldn't have asked for a more supportive, welcoming, immensely fun, or intellectually stimulating community than the Balliol MCR during my time at Oxford so far. As President, I hope to ensure that your experience of college is just as amazing as mine (and so many others’) has been, and to welcome you into our community with open arms.
Together with our incredible committee this year, I’ll be working to represent the MCR’s interests within college, oversee the general administration of the MCR, and champion your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for the year ahead. You’ll undoubtedly be able to find me at the Megaron Bar during any given week, so make sure to come and say hi - I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Kate Lampo (she/her)
VICE PRESIDENT
DPhil Engineering Science
Nationality: American
Howdy folks! My name is Kate, and I’m a second-year DPhil student at the Oxford Robotics Institute. My research is all about robotic exploration in unknown environments, like a rover exploring Mars or a quadruped poking around in a cave. I specifically work on robotic planning, which helps robots make optimal decisions when they’re uncertain about what’s around them.
This year, I’m thrilled to be bringing my optimal decision-making talents to the role of MCR VP, and I look forward to giving back to a community that has been nothing but welcoming towards me during my first year at Balliol! When I’m not in the lab (or dutifully attending to my VP responsibilities), you can probably find me running the same loop in uni parks, beekeeping in Cowley, playing the NYT crossword, or maintaining my strict 9:30pm bedtime. Please always feel free to reach out with questions or concerns—looking forward to seeing you all around!
Samuel Martyn-Smith (he/him)
TREASURER
DPhil Clinical Medicine
Nationality: British
Hey, my name is Sam and I’m a second year DPhil student in Clinical Medicine looking at immunotherapies for cancer. When I’m not in the lab, I like hanging out with friends and typically grabbing a coffee and pastry from one of Oxford’s many cafes (especially following a Balliol Friday). I’ll be this year’s treasurer and am looking forward to meeting you all!
Anushka Nair (she/her)
SECRETARY
DPhil Computer Science
Nationality: American
Hi everyone! I'm Anushka, a second year DPhil student in Computer Science, and I’ll be your Secretary this year. When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually rereading Le Guin, working on a documentary, losing track of time playing chess, or following the news (more closely than is probably healthy).
What stayed with me most from my first weeks at Balliol was how quickly it stopped feeling like a place I’d moved to and started feeling like somewhere I belonged. This year, I want to help make that true for everyone joining us.
Whether you have an idea you want to make happen, a tricky problem, or just fancy a chat, my inbox is open. I arrived with plenty of questions about Balliol and graduate life myself, so no question is too big or too small. I’m looking forward to seeing you all around the Manor, and to what we build together this year!
Marcelo Sampaio de Couto Melo (he/him)
LIVING OUT OFFICER
DPhil Law
Nationality: Brazilian
Hello! My name is Marcelo, and I'm a third year DPhil student in legal philosophy, focusing on language/legal interpretation. You can usually find me living out of Balliol accommodation, doing various things.
This year, I want to help integrate the living out community to the rest of the MCR by organizing some larger events outside the Manor, catering to both the living in and living out folks equally. If you like to do fun stuff (go-karting in Reading? Paintball?), hold my hand in prayer so we get the budget for it
Callum Harvey (he/him)
IT OFFICER
DPhil Information, Communication and the Social Sciences
Nationality: Australian
Hiya, I’m Callum! I’m a second-year DPhil at the Oxford Internet Institute focusing on cybersecurity threat intelligence sharing by AI firms. This is my third year at Balliol, having completed an MSc here in 2024-25. Let me know about issues you’ve got with the MCR website, email mailing lists, or any ideas you can have about making information easier to access online for MCR members.
Outside of trying to fix the entire internet, you can usually find me somewhere on Cowley Road, either working in a café or playing/moshing at a gig. I trained as a jazz drummer, but have ended up playing in two Oxford-based indie bands. The music scene in this city is amazing – if you’re also into music, lets talk!
WELFARE OFFICERS
Carlos Alberto Ochoa Flores (they/them)
DPhil Mathematics
Nationality: Mexican
Hello! I am Carlos. I am a DPhil in Mathematics, and along with Alice I will be your welfare officer this year. I hope I can contribute to making the MCR a space that feels welcoming, safe and inclusive to all its members. If you ever need a chat or some support I am always happy to listen. Aside from maths, I love anything food related, dancing, running, and art.
Alice Conner (she/her)
DPhil Medical Sciences
Nationality: Australian
Hi! I’m Alice - a third-year DPhil student in Medical Sciences, and one of your Welfare Officers this year! I’m very excited to contribute to the consistent and supportive community that is Balliol, and with Carlos, I hope to create safe, comfy spaces where people can come together.
If you ever need a chat or some support, your welfare reps are always here to listen and share the college’s amazing resources. Besides Welfare and research, you’ll find me drinking tea, exploring Oxford, and picnicking the moment the sun comes out!
BAR MANAGERS
Maria Pereira da Costa (she/her)
DPhil International Relations
Nationality: Portuguese
Hi everyone, I’m Maria, third-year DPhil in IR and I’ll be one of your three (amazing) bar managers! I have a proven track record of organising MCR socials from my two years as social sec and several Garden Party entz, and I promise to keep that up with the bar this year.
Get ready for the weekly Balliol Fridays with caipirinhas, sangria, mojitos and many other cocktails (paired with banging brazilian funk & reggaeton playlists). Whether you’re looking for the best BOPs in Oxford, some late night snacks & bevs, or anything in between, the Meg is the place to be! Do reach out if you have any specific snack cravings to request, events you’d like to put on, or anything bar related :)
Lucia Mullings (she/her)
DPhil Engineering Science
Nationality: British
Hi everyone! I’m Lucia, a 3rd-year DPhil student in Engineering Science. My research focuses on using ultrasound acoustic cavitation to drive chemical reactions—so essentially, all things bubbles! I can't wait to return as one of your bar managers this year, alongside Maria and Consti. I have genuinely spent most of my time in the Megaron bar over the past two years, so you'll know where to find me! It is truly a wonderful space for the MCR to come together, and belongs to all of you!
We’d love to hear your suggestions—whether that’s new drinks, favourite snacks to restock, or ideas for making the bar even better. There will also be many opportunities to get involved with the bar, so let one of us know if you are interested. We hope you'll grow to love the Megaron as much as we do <3
Constantin Schmidt (he/him)
DPhil Economics
Nationality: German
Hey! I’m Consti, a first-year DPhil in Economics, and together with my fantastic co-managers I’ll be making sure the Balliol Bar remains the best place to hang in Oxford. I arrived at Balliol two years ago for my MPhil and have had the privilege of attending many Balliol Fridays along the way.
The Balliol community is something truly special, and I can’t wait to keep that spirit alive where some of the best MCR memories are made (and occasionally forgotten). If you have any ideas for the bar or just fancy a pint, please don't hesitate to say hi!
Clara Martner Sota
WOMEN’S OFFICER
DPhil Law
Nationality: Chilean
Hola! I’m Clara, a Chilean lawyer doing a DPhil on hate crimes. I’m particularly interested in femicide and its legal regulation. .You might also know me as the DJ at some of our bops (yes, that’s me behind the decks with the amazing Flo). I'm really excited to represent the wonderful women in our MCR and help make this year even more welcoming, inclusive, and fun for everyone.
Debbie Lemke (she/they)
LGBTQ+ (GENDER) OFFICER
DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages
Nationality: German
Hiya!! I'm Debbie, an almost-second-year DPhil (the joys of a late start) in MML (French), studying names in the post-Holocaust literature of Patrick Modiano and Romain Gary. If you can’t find me at my standard Graduate Reading Room desk (TM), I’m probably somewhere ranting about my current hyperfixation.
As a 6-going-on-7-year Balliol veteran, this will be my fourth time being gay on committee. I’m beyond excited to return as Gender Officer this year: expect intellectually stimulating and fun events, including the return of the Balliol Queer Seminar and the introduction of “Cosy Gays”, a series of welfare events where we will craft, read, watch films etc…
Most importantly, I’m here to ensure the MCR remains an inclusive space for queer people (read: I will ride into battle on your behalf xxx). If you have any concerns, suggestions, or are simply curious about anything queer-related please reach out to me !!!
Ragavi Jeyakumar (she/her)
ETHNIC MINORITIES OFFICER
DPhil Women’s and Reproductive Health
Nationality: Australian
Hi!! I'm Ragavi and I'm a second-year DPhil student studying Women's and Reproductive Health. My research explores ways to improve access to antenatal care for women and birthing people from racialised groups, or with experiences of forced migration, in high-income countries. In my spare time, I love embarking on a cooking project, being in nature somewhere (Port Meadow! Uni Parks!), going to Oxford's many weird and wonderful talks, and trying and failing at yoga inversions.
I feel so lucky to be a part of the wonderful, inclusive Balliol MCR community, and can't wait to help celebrate its diversity this coming year! I am hoping we will be able to share many beautiful meals, festivities, and discussions, and would love to hear if you have any thoughts/suggestions on how to make the Balliol MCR a better home for everyone.
SOCIAL SECRETARIES
Clara Martner Sota
WOMEN’S OFFICER
DPhil Law
Nationality: Chilean
Hola! I’m Clara, a Chilean lawyer doing a DPhil on hate crimes. I’m particularly interested in femicide and its legal regulation. .You might also know me as the DJ at some of our bops (yes, that’s me behind the decks with the amazing Flo). I'm really excited to represent the wonderful women in our MCR and help make this year even more welcoming, inclusive, and fun for everyone.
Debbie Lemke (she/they)
LGBTQ+ (GENDER) OFFICER
DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages
Nationality: German
Hiya!! I'm Debbie, an almost-second-year DPhil (the joys of a late start) in MML (French), studying names in the post-Holocaust literature of Patrick Modiano and Romain Gary. If you can’t find me at my standard Graduate Reading Room desk (TM), I’m probably somewhere ranting about my current hyperfixation.
As a 6-going-on-7-year Balliol veteran, this will be my fourth time being gay on committee. I’m beyond excited to return as Gender Officer this year: expect intellectually stimulating and fun events, including the return of the Balliol Queer Seminar and the introduction of “Cosy Gays”, a series of welfare events where we will craft, read, watch films etc…
Most importantly, I’m here to ensure the MCR remains an inclusive space for queer people (read: I will ride into battle on your behalf xxx). If you have any concerns, suggestions, or are simply curious about anything queer-related please reach out to me !!!
Ragavi Jeyakumar (she/her)
ETHNIC MINORITIES OFFICER
DPhil Women’s and Reproductive Health
Nationality: Australian
Hi!! I'm Ragavi and I'm a second-year DPhil student studying Women's and Reproductive Health. My research explores ways to improve access to antenatal care for women and birthing people from racialised groups, or with experiences of forced migration, in high-income countries. In my spare time, I love embarking on a cooking project, being in nature somewhere (Port Meadow! Uni Parks!), going to Oxford's many weird and wonderful talks, and trying and failing at yoga inversions.
I feel so lucky to be a part of the wonderful, inclusive Balliol MCR community, and can't wait to help celebrate its diversity this coming year! I am hoping we will be able to share many beautiful meals, festivities, and discussions, and would love to hear if you have any thoughts/suggestions on how to make the Balliol MCR a better home for everyone.
Akari Kobayashi (she/her)
ARTS & RESEARCH OFFICER
DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages Nationality: Japanese
Hi all! My name is Akari, and I am a 4th-year DPhil student in Medieval and Modern Languages, researching the reception of queer Greco-Roman mythology in late medieval English and French literature. I am originally from Tokyo but have also been a red-and-blue-blooded Balliolite since 2021, so this will be my 5th year at Balliol (and my 3rd term in this role!) #
As your Arts & Research Officer, I am in charge of all things Artsy and Cultural(TM) in the MCR—think, painting/pottery classes, knitting group, weekly film screenings @ Holywell Manor (mark it in your calendar! 8 pm every Sunday!), ZINE-making nights, cinema visits, subsidised! trips to museums in London—the list goes on—and most importantly, sending (deranged) emails to the MCR mailing list to remind you of all the events above.
When MIA in Oxford, you will most likely catch me watching Christopher Nolan films at BFI IMAX in London, aka the largest cinema screen in the UK. Budget permitting, we will do a subsidised! MCR trip to BFI (and perhaps even to their 15/70mm projection booth👀) this year. And in the name of Arts and Culture(TM), trust that I shall make it permit. Exit, screaming ‘FUND THE ARTS!’
Ragavi Jeyakumar (she/her)
ETHNIC MINORITIES OFFICER
DPhil Women’s and Reproductive Health
Nationality: Australian
Hi!! I'm Ragavi and I'm a second-year DPhil student studying Women's and Reproductive Health. My research explores ways to improve access to antenatal care for women and birthing people from racialised groups, or with experiences of forced migration, in high-income countries. In my spare time, I love embarking on a cooking project, being in nature somewhere (Port Meadow! Uni Parks!), going to Oxford's many weird and wonderful talks, and trying and failing at yoga inversions.
I feel so lucky to be a part of the wonderful, inclusive Balliol MCR community, and can't wait to help celebrate its diversity this coming year! I am hoping we will be able to share many beautiful meals, festivities, and discussions, and would love to hear if you have any thoughts/suggestions on how to make the Balliol MCR a better home for everyone.
Isabella Vacaflores (she/her)
MPhil Politics (Political Theory)
Nationality: Australian
Hi, I’m Isabella. I’m in my second year at Oxford and, along with the other social secs, I’m on a mission to make it a very memorable one! I’ve met so many top tier people at Balliol thanks to the social atmosphere of our MCR, so I’m looking forward to paying it back this year.
Tommy Barone (he/him)
MSt Modern Languages (German)
Nationality: American
Hi, I’m Tommy! I'm a master's student from New Jersey, in the U.S., I spent my first year at Oxford doing an MSt in US History, and I'm now working on an MSt in Modern Languages focusing on German philosophy. Of much greater importance, however, is my role as MCR Social Secretary, in which capacity I am extremely excited to help ensure the Balliol MCR remains every bit as lively and delightful as it was in my first year here. Don't hesitate to grab me passing through the Manor or at a Balliol Friday to talk about anything social—or, of course, just to socialize.
Kimia Mohebi (she/her)
MPhil Modern Middle Eastern Studies
Nationality: American
Hi everyone! I'm Kimia, a second year MPhil student in Modern Middle Eastern Studies, exploring neoliberal multiculturalism and self-Orientalization in the context of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles. When I am not engrossed in the works of Mike Davis and Edward Said, I enjoy doing pilates, going on long walks, listening to my favorite podcast (Psychic Militancy), reading horror novels, and learning the lyrics to all of Future’s discography.
I am so excited to be one of your social secretaries this year alongside Isabella and Tommy!! The Balliol MCR is not just one of the most socially vibrant colleges at Oxford, but is also one that fosters a true sense of community amongst its members. We look forward to playing a role in continuing this unique dynamic through organizing BOPs, formal exchanges, and other exciting events throughout the year!
SOCIAL SECRETARIES
〰️
SOCIAL SECRETARIES 〰️
SOCIAL SECRETARIES
〰️
SOCIAL SECRETARIES 〰️
Charlotte Jung (she/her)
DISABILITIES OFFICER
DPhil International Relations Nationality: Australian
Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte - I’m a 2nd year DPhil student in International Relations and your MCR President for the 2026/27 academic year. This will be my fourth year at Balliol, having previously completed my MPhil in IR, and third year on committee after spending the past two years serving in the wonderful role of Bar Manager.
I couldn't have asked for a more supportive, welcoming, immensely fun, or intellectually stimulating community than the Balliol MCR during my time at Oxford so far. As President, I hope to ensure that your experience of college is just as amazing as mine (and so many others’) has been, and to welcome you into our community with open arms.
Together with our incredible committee this year, I’ll be working to represent the MCR’s interests within college, oversee the general administration of the MCR, and champion your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for the year ahead. You’ll undoubtedly be able to find me at the Megaron Bar during any given week, so make sure to come and say hi - I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Robin Mae Schreiner (she/her)
ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER
DPhil International Relations
Nationality: German
Hi, I’m Mae! I’m a third-year DPhil student in Molecular and Cellular Medicine with a focus on developing Machine Learning applications for single-cell data. Spending a good chunk of my day in front of a screen coding has made me appreciate nature, green, and our environment even more!
I’m very excited to be your Environmental officer this year and advocate for making Balliol MCR (even) greener. I’m looking forward to organising environmental walks and hikes to give us all a well-deserved break in nature. Balliol has become my second home, and you’ll often find me sitting outside on Master’s Field enjoying a coffee or reading (bonus if it’s sunny:) Please come join me or have a chat anytime!
Debbie Lemke (she/they)
LGBTQ+ (GENDER) OFFICER
DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages Nationality: German
Hiya!! I'm Debbie, an almost-second-year DPhil (the joys of a late start) in MML (French), studying names in the post-Holocaust literature of Patrick Modiano and Romain Gary. If you can’t find me at my standard Graduate Reading Room desk (TM), I’m probably somewhere ranting about my current hyperfixation.
As a 6-going-on-7-year Balliol veteran, this will be my fourth time being gay on committee. I’m beyond excited to return as Gender Officer this year: expect intellectually stimulating and fun events, including the return of the Balliol Queer Seminar and the introduction of “Cosy Gays”, a series of welfare events where we will craft, read, watch films etc…
Most importantly, I’m here to ensure the MCR remains an inclusive space for queer people (read: I will ride into battle on your behalf xxx). If you have any concerns, suggestions, or are simply curious about anything queer-related please reach out to me !!!