MCR Committee 2025-2026
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.
For more detailed descriptions of committee positions, please visit this page.
All email addresses are @balliol.ox.ac.uk.
Alina Nicheperovich
President
Email: alina.nicheperovich
Field of study: DPhil Clinical Medicine
Nationality: Belarusian
Hi everyone! I’m Alina, a third-year DPhil student in Clinical Medicine, focusing on Cancer Genomics. Before starting my DPhil I completed an MSc in Genomic Medicine, so this is now my fourth year at Balliol. I’ve been actively involved in the MCR since my first Freshers’ Week in 2022, and I’m delighted to be serving as MCR President this year.
When I first arrived at Balliol, I felt incredibly fortunate to join such a fun, supportive, and inquisitive community. As President, I’m honoured to help sustain and strengthen that spirit - making sure Balliol continues to feel like home for everyone. Together with the Committee, I’ll be working to represent the MCR’s interests in College, and I’d love to hear your ideas for how we can make Balliol even better.
Outside of College meetings (and the occasional coding crisis), you’ll usually find me running laps around University Parks, playing tennis, or DJing at BOPs. One of Balliol’s quirks I especially love is its multi-generational DJ scene, so if you’d like to get on the decks, come and find me!
Markus Baumgartner
Vice President
Email: markus.baumgartner
Field of study: DPhil Engineering Science in Robotics and AI
Nationality: Austrian
Hi! My name is Markus and I am a second year DPhil student at the Oxford Robotics Institute, specializing in World Models for Robo-manipulation. This is my 6th year at Balliol and resultantly I know it like the back of my hand. Whilst I used to be big into college rowing, you will now find me on the squash and tennis courts. I am excited to serve as your VP this year and am looking forward to hearing your ideas. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.
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.
VACANT
Secretary
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VACANT Returning Officer
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Charlotte Jung Bar Manager
Email: charlotte.jung
Field of study: DPhil International Relations
Nationality: Australian
Hi guys - I’m Charlotte, a first-year DPhil student in International Relations, and one of your returning bar managers for the 2025/26 academic year. I left home in Australia two years ago to complete my MPhil at Balliol and haven’t looked back! I’m super excited to be on committee again this year, and more importantly to have an excuse to spend another year at 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 coming year. Can’t wait to meet you all - cheers to an exciting few months ahead!
Lucia Mullings Bar Manager
Email: lucia.mullings
Field of study: DPhil Engineering Science
Nationality: British
Hi everyone, I’m Lucia, a 2nd-year DPhil student in Engineering Science. My research focuses on using ultrasound acoustic cavitation to drive chemical reactions—so essentially, all things bubbles! I’m excited to be one of your bar managers this year alongside Charlotte and Marcos.
The Megaron (in my humble opinion) is the best place in Oxford to relax, catch up, and enjoy a drink with friends. We’d love to hear your suggestions—whether that’s new drinks, favourite snacks to restock, or ideas for making the bar even better. After all, it’s your bar, and we’re here to help keep it welcoming, fun, and thriving!
Marcos Chinas Hernandez Bar Manager
Email: marcos.chinashernandez
Field of study: DPhil DPhil Molecular and Cellular Medicine
Nationality: Mexican
Hi all! I’m Marcos from Oaxaca like the mezcal, my favorite spirit and one I’ll recommend as your new bar manager. I’m a second-year DPhil at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, where I use omics data to study how the immune system drives an inflammatory disease that causes chronic back pain. When I am not doing research, you can find me attending salsa classes or at events with Clarendon scholars and Oxford’s Mexican community. Last year, I also served at the bar during BOPs, an experience I highly recommend.
Looking forward to sharing drinks with you all!
Jed Hutchings
Social Secretary
Email: jed.hutchings
Field of study: DPhil Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing
Nationality: British
Hi, my name is Jed, and I am a second year DPhil student in Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing from South London. Outside the lab I enjoy making use of the humble Balliol MCR gym, socialising at the Megaron/pub, folding origami, and trying not to doomscroll (impossible). Balliol has one of the most vibrant and socially active MCRs in Oxford, so me and my fellow social secs are incredibly excited to keep this going. From extravagant parties at Holywell Manor, to bar and formal exchanges with other colleges, we have you covered! We are always open to new ideas, suggestions, and ways we can make the MCR even more inclusive, so feel free to reach out if you have any. Looking forward to meeting you all!
Charlotte Jackson
Social Secretary
Email: charlotte.jackson
Field of study: DPhil in Astrophysics
Nationality: British
Hi everyone! I'm Charlotte, one of your new social secs. I'm a second year DPhil student in Astrophysics, and my research involves studying outflows from quasars and other active galactic nuclei (aka types of galaxy with 'active' supermassive black holes at their centre, that produce cool things like massive jets).
When I'm not enjoying one of Oxford's insanely beautiful libraries, I'm often found in Holywell Manor gym, falling asleep on a night out (whoops..), or hanging out at the Meg, the centrepiece of Balliol's enviable social scene. Everyone knows we have one of the most active, sociable MCRs at Oxford, and I'm looking forward to doing my bit to make as fun as possible this year! Can't wait to meet you all!
Amélie Breteau
Social Secretary
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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.
Mark Eid
Sports Officer
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Kat Konstantinidou &
Alice Conner
Welfare Officers
Email: aikaterini.konstantinidou
Field of study: DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease
Nationality: Greek
Email: alice.conner
Field of study: DPhil in Medical Sciences
Nationality: Australian
Hi - We are Kat and Alice- second year DPhil’s in STEM, and your Welfare Officers this year! We are all about consistency, inclusivity, and community - basically making sure everyone feels welcome and supported. Most importantly, we want to create safe, comfy spaces where people can come together. If you ever need a chat or some support, we are always here to listen and share the college’s amazing resources.
Besides Welfare and research, you’ll find us drinking tea, exploring Oxford, and picnicking the moment the sun comes out!
María Reboredo Prado
Environmental Officer
Email: maria.reboredoprado
Field of study: DPhil in Mathematics
Nationality: Spanish
Hello! I’m María, a second-year DPhil student in Mathematics, focusing on Climate Dynamics. My research explores the interaction between the layer of the atmosphere where we live (the troposphere) and the layer above (the stratosphere). As a (much-needed) break, I like running through the fields, heading out for a hike, getting lost in a good novel, or curling up on the sofas at Picturehouse.
This year, I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm for our Earth and climate through my role as your Environment Officer! I am excited to be part of the effort to make our community more sustainable and to encourage everyone to explore and appreciate our planet by organising walks, hikes, film nights, and exhibition trips. If you have any environmental ideas, concerns, or suggestions (or if you just want to chat), feel free to reach out to me or catch me at Balliol Friday!
Maeve Janecka
Women’s Officer
Email: maeve.janecka
Field of study: DPhil in Women’s and Reproductive Health
Nationality: American
Hi!! My name is Maeve, I’m a second-year DPhil student studying Women’s and Reproductive Health, particularly new cell-based models for endometriosis. When I’m not in the lab you can find me doing yoga, exploring restaurants around Oxford or curled up with a book and a cup of tea!
I’m so excited to be your women’s officer this year and support women-identifying members of the MCR! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or suggestions.
VACANT
Disabilities Officer
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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 3rd-year DPhil 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, Japan, but having also done my MSt in English back in 2021/2022, this will be my 4th year being a Balliolite. I will be your Arts and Research Officer this year (my second year in this role!), meaning I am in charge of all things Artsy and Cultural(TM) in the MCR—think painting and pottery classes, weekly knitting group, weekly themed film screenings @ Holywell Manor (mark your calendar! 19.30 every Wednesday!), local and some non-local cinema visits, and subsidised! trips to museums in London, etc!
Arriving at Oxford from the literal opposite side of the globe (with the anxiety level of an animal hunted for sports, as the Internet might say), the welcoming, friendly, and inclusive community of Balliol MCR took me under its wings and quickly became my second family. It is my goal as a committee member this year to make sure that that would also be the experience for all incoming freshers! If you have any suggestions for Fun, Artsy, and Cultural events, please don't hesitate to reach out :))
When not found in Oxford, you can find me either in some warehouse bumping my head to high bpm music or watching Christopher Nolan films at BFI IMAX in London aka the biggest cinema screen in the UK! Budget permitting, we will do a subsidised MCR trip to BFI IMAX this year. And in the name of Arts and Culture(TM), trust that I will make it permit.
VACANT
Ethnic Minorities Officer
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Carlos Alberto Ochoa Flores
LGBTQ+ (Gender) Officer
Email: carlos.ochoaflores
Field of study: DPhil in Mathematics
Hi everyone! I am Carlos, a third year DPhil student in mathematics. I am mainly interested in differential geometry. Aside from math, I really like cinema, cooking, dancing and drinking wine.
I am truly honored, and really excited to be working as the LGBTQ+ (Gender) Rep for the 2025/2026 academic year. Working closely with the LGBTQ+ Sexuality Rep I hope to represent and support all the members of Balliol MCR that identify as LGBTQ+. My main goal is to contribute to making the MCR a safe and welcoming environment for all queer members of the college.
As an LGBTQ+ Rep I hope to provide queer members of the MCR with opportunities to come together. With this in mind I hope to organize different activities such as a queer reading group, LGBTQ+ movie screenings, LGBTQ+ bar nights, and queer welfare teas.
If there is anything you would like to discuss or suggest please get in touch!
Clovis Lachance
Charities Officer
Email: clovis.lachance
Field of study: DPhil International Development Nationality: Québécois Canadian
Bonjour comrades,
I’m Clovis, a first-year DPhil student in International Development and now in my third year at Oxford, where I previously completed an MPhil in Development Studies. My earlier research explored the spatialisation of eco-modernity through the implementation of sustainable infrastructure in Mexico City (read electric buses). I am now shifting my focus to the institutionnalisation of the right to the city in Latin American contexts, examining how its formalisation pacifies democratic reforms and neutralises efforts to counteract the most severe consequences of neoliberal capitalism.
This year, I’m delighted to reprise my role as Charity Officer, organising events dedicated to the welfare of communities beyond the MCR. When I’m not busy plotting the downfall of capitalism or over-theorising everyday life, I enjoy reading political theory and philosophy, running, and playing music with Balliol College’s one and only Harry & The Band.
Callum Harvey
IT Officer
Email: callum.harvey
Field of study: DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences
Nationality: Australian
Hi all, I’m Callum, a first-year DPhil student at the Oxford Internet Institute. This is my second year at Balliol after completing my MSc here in 2024-25, where I focused on disinformation policy interventions in democratic states. I’m also interested in cybersecurity threat intelligence and data sharing mechanisms, particularly as they relate to AI systems. If anything’s broken with the website or email lists, or you’ve got an idea about how we can improve online resources for the MCR, please sing out!
Other stuff: I’m into Dungeons & Dragons, trained as a jazz drummer, and won a poetry competition for a beer company in 2015 (seriously). You can usually find me in a café writing and/or explaining Australian coffee culture to whoever’s in earshot.