It is that time of year! It is time to elect a new Senate board for the 2025-2026 school year. Below are all of the candidates running for election. Please note that candidates running for more than one position will be listed once, and all positions will be posted under their name. You can cast your vote from March 31st to April 11th.
Senate President Candidates:
Raihaan Ameli
Bio:
Hello! My name is Rai AmelI! I’m an MA student in DBOS studying Applied Social Psychology. I attended UC Santa Barbara from 2021-24 and received my BS in Psychological and Brain Sciences and my BA in Ethics and Public Policy. I have always tried to diversify my roles in academic settings, and am no stranger to student government positions. Most of my efforts in these roles have been to bridge gaps between administrative bodies and students and my goal is always to make information and proceedings accessible and transparent to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni that make up our community. I have held a variety of roles, mostly within my undergrad Associated Students, our equivalent to the student senate here. Ranging from communication specialties to more niche projects on disability advocacy, I have tried to pursue what I preach, that organizations and boards like our student senate exist to serve students, not the other way around. In my free time, I love to cook (but not bake), read play scripts and screenplays, and spend my Thursday nights as part of an amateur trivia team with my buddies. If you see me on campus, feel free to stop me for a chat about which political philosophers I think are wrong, or about my very exciting collection of sharks! Looking forward to the chance to serve you CGU!
Haley Freeth
(President, Vice President, SAH Senator)
Bio:
My name is Haley Freeth, and I am a first-year master’s student at Claremont Graduate University, pursuing a degree in Religion and American Politics. Born and raised in Philadelphia, I moved to California in 2016 to attend San Diego State University, giving me a unique blend of East and West Coast perspectives. I am deeply committed to fairness and equity, both in my academic research and in practice. My academic work explores how religious ideologies shape American political life, particularly how cultural figures influence policymaking and political alliances. By examining these intersections, I seek to understand how broader narratives impact real-world policies and communities. Beyond academics, I balance full-time work with my graduate studies, commuting weekly from San Diego to Claremont. I work at a beachfront restaurant, where I engage with patrons and coworkers from diverse backgrounds, and I have been a dedicated nanny for the same family for seven years. Managing multiple responsibilities while staying committed to advocacy and scholarship reflects my strong work ethic, adaptability, and dedication to equity. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a PhD after completing my MA, continuing my work on religion, politics, and social justice. My passion for transparency, representation, and bridging diverse perspectives drives both my research and my commitment to serving the needs of those around me.
Senate Vice President Candidates
Jillian Mueller-Dombo
(Vice President, SSSPE Senator)
Bio:
Greetings! My name is JJ Mueller-Dombois; I am a first-year Applied Social Psychology Ph.D. student working in the Change Lab. At CGU I work as a graduate assistant in the Financial Aid Office and research assistant with Dr. Anna Woodcock. I study the promotion of inclusion in STEM and portrayals of discrimination and social issues in different media, some of my inquiries in comics I’ve presented at WonderCon in Anaheim. As a result, I’m rather picky about comics, but have really enjoyed Saga, The Nice House, and the Cull. If you are interested in comics or post-apocalyptic horror at all, I cannot recommend The Nice House enough. Due to my interests in media, a lot of my hobbies revolve around it, as I write poetry, love claymation, and enjoy watching television series such as House M.D. and Feel Good. During my undergraduate career at CSULB, I served as the president of the Psychology Student Association (PSA) and vice president of Psi Chi, the school’s chapter of the International Honors Society in Psychology. In these roles, I collaborated with students, faculty, and staff to host campus-wide events including research lab and faculty-student panels, coordinating with intercollegiate speakers, and leading fundraising efforts for multiple on-campus organizations.
Nihaad Salem Lnu
(Vice President, Secretary, CISAT Senator)
Bio:
My name is Nihaad Saleem, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in Data Science at Claremont Graduate University. I am passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to solve complex business challenges and drive innovation. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Ramaiah Institute of Technology, where I developed a strong analytical mindset and a foundation in process optimization. Professionally, I have worked as an Advisor in Advanced Banking Technology at PhonePe, where I played a key role in enhancing digital payment adoption, optimizing fraud detection models, and implementing risk assessment strategies to improve financial security and customer experience. Beyond academics and work experience, I am an active leader in my university community. As a Student Senate Representative, I advocate for student policies, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, and contribute to initiatives that merge technology and business innovation. My leadership extends to event management, having successfully coordinated large-scale festivals and student engagement programs. My technical skills include SQL, Python, R, Tableau, data visualization, and fintech CRM systems. I am also certified in Google Data Analytics, Google Product Management, and AWS Cloud Practitioner, further strengthening my expertise in data-driven decision-making, product management, and cloud technologies. I am always eager to take on new challenges, collaborate with diverse teams, and use my skills to make a meaningful impact in the fields of technology, data analytics, and business strategy.
Senate Treasurer Candidates
Suting (Lily) Chen
(Treasurer, SSSPE Senator)
Bio:
Hi, my name is Suting Chen, but I also go by Lily! I am a first year Ph.D. student in Applied Social Psychology and I am a person of many interests. At the top of that list, I love fine art painting, film photography and music, especially alternative rock. I have an adorable dog, whom I named Llami because she looked so much like a llama when I first adopted her. Academically, I am intrigued by intergroup relationships and group dynamics, as well as decision making and game theory. I love learning new things and exchanging ideas. I would also love to get the opportunity to connect with more people in my community. Working with the Senate and board would be a great avenue for doing so and I will be grateful for such an opportunity.
Prajwal Naik
(Treasurer, CISAT Senator)
Bio:
I am Prajwal, a Master’s student in Information Systems and Technology at Claremont Graduate University. Originally from India, I have been actively involved in the CGU community, previously serving as a CISAT Student Representative, where I worked to bridge the gap between students and leadership, ensuring their voices were heard. Currently, I work as a Graduate Assistant at the Office of Student Engagement, where I contribute to enhancing student experiences through communication, events, and support initiatives. With strong communication skills and a passion for student-centered roles, I enjoy creating meaningful connections and fostering a supportive campus environment. My time at CGU has been a journey of growth, leadership, and collaboration, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact by helping students navigate their academic and professional paths.
Senate Secretary Candidates
Cliff Huang
Bio:
Hi y’all! My name is Cliff! Claremont is my hometown and will always be home, so I am beyond excited to represent my people, students, and community! My life has always revolved around helping others and I am someone who is willing to go out of my way to help. This all started when I broke my tibia and fibula and was put into a wheelchair at an early age. I have since recovered, but I learned to never take things like my physical ability for granted and to always pay it forward. I got to see life from a different perspective of how unfortunate someone may be, but also as opportunities for me to help. Growing up, I volunteered in Claremont AYSO, received my certificate as a Community Emergency Response Team for Claremont, and volunteered in the ER and ICU departments at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland. I wanted to end up in the Claremont Colleges, but found an opportunity at UC Davis to pursue psychology. There, I worked as both a Resident Advisor and an Assistant Residential Director aiding students in their transition to college. I was the voice of the students in the halls and the bridge between students and faculty. I developed a stronger passion for helping students and wanted to pursue it further. At CGU, I found running as your secretary to be the perfect opportunity to continue helping students and impacting my community.
Senators
Antonio Gaskin (Drucker)
Bio:
What makes a great leader? Is it experience, vision, or the ability to bring people together? Antonio Gaskin believes it’s all three—and he’s ready to serve as your Drucker School Representative with the same dedication and strategic mindset that have defined his career. As a seasoned executive with Frontier Communications, Antonio has led teams through complex challenges, proving that real leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about understanding people, solving problems, and driving meaningful change. His ability to navigate high-stakes environments while staying grounded in the needs of individuals makes him the kind of leader who doesn’t just listen—he delivers results. What’s at stake? A voice that understands the pressures of balancing work, academics, and ambition. A representative who advocates for collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Someone who will push for initiatives that enhance the student experience, professional growth, and community impact. Antonio is not just running for a title—he’s running for you. Vote for a leader who listens, takes action, and ensures Drucker students thrive beyond the classroom.
Luisa Gianuca (IMS)
Bio:
I am a PhD student in Computational Science at CGU, specializing in mathematical modeling, biomedical research, and scientific computing. My research, conducted under Dr. Ami Radunskaya at Pomona College, focuses on developing differential equation models to optimize drug delivery for Parkinson’s disease, integrating computational techniques to advance biomedical applications. In addition to research, I have extensive teaching and mentorship experience, serving as a teaching assistant and grader for multiple mathematics and computational science courses. I am passionate about fostering collaboration and creating a supportive academic environment where students can thrive. I value interdisciplinary work and believe that strong connections between students, faculty, and researchers enhance the academic experience. I enjoy working across different fields and am committed to building a more engaged and connected IMS community. My experiences living and studying in different countries have shaped my inclusive and collaborative mindset, reinforcing my belief in Ubuntu – “I am because we are.” I believe that research and education flourish when people work together, and I am excited to contribute to the IMS community in a meaningful way.
Joy Shin (IMS)
Bio:
Joy Shin is a PhD student at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Claremont Graduate University. She is deeply involved with the Claremont Center for the Mathematical Sciences (CCMS) across the 6 campuses and the Gateway to Exploring Mathematical Sciences outreach program (GEMS). As part of the student senate, Joy hopes to improve communication between her school and the university and support the math initiatives for all the students.
Edwin Urbina (TNDY)
Bio:
I am a dual-degree graduate student at Claremont Graduate University, pursuing a Master’s in Community-Engaged Education and Social Change (CEESC) and a Master’s in Transdisciplinary Studies (MATDA). My work focuses on integrating diverse fields of knowledge to drive sustainable, community-based solutions that bridge academia and real-world impact. With a background in human services, education, and policy analysis, I am passionate about creating systems that empower individuals and communities. My research explores the intersections of housing, education, and economic mobility, emphasizing the role of stable housing as a foundation for success. I am also deeply engaged in rethinking the traditional structures of higher education, advocating for accessible, interdisciplinary learning models that foster innovation and collaboration. Beyond academia, I am a strategist, writer, and communicator dedicated to making complex ideas accessible and actionable. My approach to leadership is rooted in community-building, empowerment, and self-transformation—values that guide my work both inside and outside the university. As a candidate for the Transdisciplinary Studies Senate seat, I aim to strengthen institutional support for transdisciplinary scholars, expand research and collaboration opportunities, and ensure that students in our school have a strong voice in shaping the future of CGU.
Trianna Lawson
(SCGH Senator, Diversity Senator)
Bio:
From a young age, Trianna Lawson, MPH embraced the intersection of health and community impact. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, followed by a Master of Public Health from The University of Alabama, where she developed a deep passion for health education and epidemiology. As an Epidemiologist at the Alabama Department of Public Health, Trianna uses data to drive meaningful change, analyzing oncological trends and crafting interventions that improve cancer screening rates for underserved populations. But her work extends far beyond numbers—she transforms data into stories, crafting reports and presentations that inform policy and empower communities. Trianna’s dedication to public health is clear in her diverse experiences. As a Clinical Research Coordinator, she worked hands-on with community members, ensuring research translated into real-world solutions. At Howard University, she managed federally funded studies addressing health equity and the impact of COVID-19 on minority populations. She has also served as an ambassador for the Truth Initiative, advocating for tobacco prevention health policy reform, and a Gandhi King Scholar, engaging in international dialogues and projects on social justice. Her expertise spans statistical analysis, health communication, and program management, but what truly sets her apart is her commitment to equity, education, and empowerment. Whether collaborating with the U.S. Embassy, CDC, the American Cancer Society, or grassroots initiatives, Trianna is dedicated to shaping a healthier, more informed world—one data point, one policy, and one person at a time