NAU Graduate Student Government
Advocating for all graduate students at NAU
The NAU Graduate Student Government (GSG) represents and advocates for the graduate student body within the university administration and local, state, and national governing bodies. If you are interested in one of the vacant positions, please email GSG@nau.edu.
2024 – 2025 Graduate Student Government Officers
Jennifer Lee is a fourth-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the NAU North Valley campus. She participates in research and advocates for autism awareness. At NAU, she is a Culturally Centered Addictions Research Training (C-CART) scholar and is working towards outreach for substance use/addiction in underserved communities. Her study interests also include cultural influences on mental health stigma, childhood development, and health psychology. Born and raised in AZ, Jennifer tries to avoid the heat by building Legos, volunteering, or watching Grey’s Anatomy. As a first-generation Asian-American graduate student in her family, she hopes to build personal connections in her role as a GSG President while supporting other graduate students to thrive at NAU.
Email Jennifer at: jl3836@nau.edu
Phoenix Eskridge-Aldama is a third-year PhD student in the Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability program at Northern Arizona University. Her main research interest is environmental political science, particularly climate change and political mechanisms of obstruction to climate action. She attended the University of Arizona for her B.A. in Environmental Studies, with minors in Spanish, Government and Public Policy, and Geoscience. As the previous Director of Climate Action here at NAU, she has created the Climate Action Committee student club in order to get students involved in campus sustainability projects. Phoenix is also passionate about social justice and is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Group for the School of Earth and Sustainability (DIGS), where she developed a project that helps undergraduate students access resources and mentoring for the graduate school application process. Phoenix plans to continue using her passion for helping people and the environment to serve NAU graduate students and help implement the green changes they want to see as Vice President of Internal, University Affairs!
Email Phoenix at: pje53@nau.edu
Cosmos Ansah is a third-year PhD student in Political Science at NAU. He completed both his bachelor’s and master’s in Ghana, where he hails from. Cosmos is driven by a strong curiosity about environmental institutions and how they are designed to tackle cooperation problems. His passion for environmental politics stems from his desire to contribute to sustainable environmental governance. When he’s not immersed in learning and research, you can find him on the soccer field, exploring hiking trails, or enjoying a refreshing swim.
Email Cosmos at: csa223@nau.edu
2024-2025 Graduate Student Government Directors
Aden Stern – Director of Climate Action
Mehwish Maria Hameed – Director of Travel
Mehwish Maria Hameed is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Political Science. She holds master’s degrees in Education, International Relations, and English Literature and boasts over a decade of university-level teaching experience in Pakistan. Her research centers on conflict resolution through international organizations, particularly those addressing climate change-induced conflicts. Mehwish’s academic prowess is matched only by her adventurous spirit. She finds joy in skydiving, hiking, and expressing her creativity through cooking. Her academic journey underscores her dedication to education, while her research reflects her commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
Obinna Nwuko – Director of Diversity
Obinna Alexander Nwuko is a second-year master’s student in Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University. Originally from Nigeria, where he completed his bachelor’s degree, Obinna brings a rich cultural perspective to his studies. He is committed to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s unique perspectives are valued. Obinna is passionate about history and geography, recognizing the profound connections between different cultures and the importance of learning from the past. He believes strongly in the unity found in diversity and is dedicated to promoting inclusive policies that reflect this ethos. Through his academic and professional endeavors, Obinna aims to contribute to a more equitable and harmonious global society.
Doris Amoakohene – Director of Special Events and Student Involvement
Graduate Student Government Representatives
Mallory Schwark – College of Education Representative
Emem Sunju-Abbey – College of Education Representative
Emem Sunju-Abbey is a second-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the NAU North Valley campus. She spent part of her elementary education in Nigeria , as she is Nigerian-American. Emem enjoys traveling the world, meeting new people, and fostering connections between diverse groups. Her passion for creating harmonious environments is matched by her commitment to sharing her Christian faith. As a COE representative, Emem is eager to advocate for graduate students and influence decisions that reflect their needs and interests. She looks forward to working collaboratively to enhance the graduate student experience and promote a supportive academic community.
Tyler lawhead – College of Education Representative
Luis Estrada – College of Business Representative
Vacant – College of Social & Behavioral Sciences Representative
Vacant – College of Health & Human Services Representative
Philip Asare – College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences Representative
Philip Asare has a master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University (ASU). He is a doctoral student in Applied Physics and Materials Science at NAU. He has served as the membership chair for the National Society of Black Engineers at ASU. He enjoys reading and hanging out with friends. Philip can be reached at Philip.Asare@nau.edu. Looking forward to all the great things we will achieve together as graduate students at NAU!
Ella Tagoe – College of Engineering
eat277@nau.edu
Gabriela Joma – International Student Representative