Meet the Student Council: Advocating for Students and Shaping the USG Experience

The Student Council at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is the heart of student leadership and advocacy on campus, giving students a direct voice in shaping their academic and social experience. Representing both undergraduate and graduate students across USG’s four industry hubs — Engineering & Technology, Health & Life Sciences, Business Enterprise, and Public Service, Education & Social Sciences — the council serves as a bridge between students, administration, and the broader community.

The Council members collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to identify student needs, host events, and advocate for initiatives that enhance belonging and success at USG.

Student Council President Jennifer Yu is a graduate student in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Master of Social Work program. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to engage in a collaborative partnership with students, other student council members, and the USG administration to address students’ most pressing needs,” Yu shared. “I plan to work toward direct change that tangibly improves the student experience at USG, whether that’s their academic success, emotional wellness, or career readiness.”

Yu says her social work values guide her leadership and advocacy efforts, and she encourages all students to get involved and share their perspectives. “Through Student Council advocacy, I hope students feel their voices are heard and their representatives are accessible,” she said. “I invite students to voice their thoughts, concerns, and feedback about what the Student Council can do to support their success at USG.”

Looking ahead, Yu emphasizes that the council’s goals are grounded in student feedback and collaboration. “We have a very dedicated and diverse group of students on the council this year, so I’m optimistic about what we can achieve,” she said. “Broadly speaking, I hope to improve communications and the accessibility of the Student Council, and I’d like to increase student engagement in our events.”

Engineering & Technology

	Avneet Bahra B.S. Biocomputational Engineering University of Maryland Engineering & Technology Industry Sector Hub Student Leader
	Brian Caceres B.S. Information Science University of Maryland Vice President of Student Engagement
	Devashish Kalambe M.S. Biotechnology UMBC Secretary of Publicity & Social Media
	Espina Lupili B.S. Translational Life Science Technology UMBC USG Career Readiness Representative

Health & Life Sciences

	Lenore Almeida M.S. Biotechnology UMBC USMSC Graduate Student Representative
	Jenifer Mandabrandja B.S. Nursing University of Maryland, Baltimore Secretary of Marketing Strategy & Outreach
	Herbert Marques Mendes B.S. Biological Sciences University of Maryland Health & Life Sciences Industry Sector Hub Student Leader
	Naomi Ermias Shimeles M.S. Pharmaceutical Science University of Maryland, Baltimore Montgomery County Food Security Advisory Board

Public Service, Education & Social Sciences

	Karen Chij B.A. Social Work UMBC Senior Vice President; USMSC Undergraduate Student Representative
	Ashlyn Medina B.A. Social Work UMBC Vice President of Industry Hub Collaboration
	Stephen Toth B.A. History UMBC Public Service Industry Sector Hub Student Leader
	Jennifer Yu Master of Social Work University of Maryland, Baltimore President; Board of Advisors Graduate Student Representative

Business Enterprise

	Krisha Kalyan Kumar B.S. Marketing University of Maryland Secretary of Administration
	Sehrish Khan B.S. Business Management University of Maryland Business Enterprise Industry Sector Hub Student Leader
	Christopher Williams B.S. Accounting University of Maryland Treasurer; Board of Advisors Undergraduate Representative

To connect with the student council, email usg-student-council@umd.edu. 

Students interested in more information about campus leadership and leadership skills development opportunities can visit the Macklin Center for Academic and Leadership Success located in Building IV, Suite IV-1322.