Meet the MCR

Hello everyone! I’m Isaac, and I’m the Somerville MCR President.

I started my DPhil in Medical Sciences back in 2020 with a focus on craniofacial genetics. When not up at the hospital looking at skulls or genome sequences, I can be found singing in Somerville’s choir, rock climbing, or cycling to and from College (often at great speed!).

As President, I have overall responsibility for the committee, and for making sure that the MCR and its members get what they need from College – whether that’s answers to certain questions, welfare for specific individuals, money for the socials… My goal is to keep Somerville as one of the most sociable and welcoming MCRs in Oxford – an easy job considering how great our members are!

If you’ve got a question, be sure to ask; if I can’t answer it, chances are I’ll be able to forward it to the person who can.

Email – mcr.president@some.ox.ac.uk

My name is Snigdha and I am the Somerville MCR secretary. I am a first-year DPhil in the Department of Physics. Before coming to Oxford, I was doing my Masters in the Netherlands and many many moons ago I finished my Bachelor’s degree in India.

When not in the lab or secretarying, I can be found playing badminton or in my natural habitat with a cup of chai and a book/movie. As the MCR Secretary, my main job is to send out the weekly notices. So if you have anything that you want to be disseminated across the MCR, please reach out to me!

Email: mcr.secretary@some.ox.ac.uk

My name is David (Zheyi) Cao, and I am a DPhil student in Clinical Medicine studying computational cancer genomics. As the 22-23 MCR Treasurer, I hope to contribute to the smooth functioning of the MCR executive committee. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and reading books. You could also see me cycling or jogging. 

As treasurer, I manage the finances of the MCR: preparing budgets, handling reimbursements, awarding grants, etc. I work closely with other members of the committee, aiming to deliver good value for money!

Email: mcr.treasurer@some.ox.ac.uk

Ash is a 3rd year DPhil student in Politics, and one of the MCR Welfare Officers. She has responsibility for attending to the welfare needs of the MCR, organising welfare events, and liaising with the College Authorities on matters of welfare.

Email: mcr.welfare@some.ox.ac.uk

Hello! I am Gauri Chandra, one of the MCR Welfare Officers, and the MCR Catering Rep. I am doing the DPhil in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.

Whether you are here for a 1-year Masters degree or longer research degrees, the academic year can get quite overwhelming at times.  And a good support system can make a huge difference – it certainly did for me.  I am here to talk about, and support you with any issues or concerns you may have, and to organise events to promote good mental health.

If you would like to discuss any concerns, or have suggestions for welfare events / for improving hall food, please feel free to write to me!

Email: mcr.welfare@some.ox.ac.uk

Email mcr.catering@some.ox.ac.uk

Joe is a 2nd year Politics MPhil student, and the House Chair of Somerville MCR. He is responsible for the smooth running and maintenance of Margery Fry House, the graduate building on the College site (and home of the MCR).

Email: mcr.housechair@some.ox.ac.uk

I’m Rachel (she/her), the Somerville MCR LGBTQ+ rep! I started my DPhil in Biochemistry in 2021, and I did my undergrad at Cambridge where I was heavily involved with the LGBTQ+ community.  Outside of Uni, I love vegan cooking, board games, and travelling through major cities around the world!

If you have any concerns or just want someone queer and confidential to talk to, I’m always available and the best way to reach me is probably email/messenger.

Email: mcr.lgbtq@some.ox.ac.uk

I come from India following my passion for all things that move (you) on the road and rail, other than cars. As part of my DPhil in Geography and the Environment, I hope to understand the politics behind the push for electric vehicles as a climate solution in India.

As your International Students Rep, my role is to try and ensure cohesion within our diverse Somerville MCR community through initiatives like Friends @ Somerville, and to help address specific issues international students may have while settling into their life at Oxford. And as the SU Rep, I aim to be a bridge between the Oxford University Student Union and our MCR by keeping the MCR acquainted from time to time with relevant OUSU’s activities and initiatives.

Also, as one of the 3 trained peer supporters in our MCR presently, I’m available anytime for a confidential chat about any welfare issues that you may be facing and to signpost you towards relevant resources and if suitable, provide advice on the matter.

Email: mcr.internationalstudents@some.ox.ac.uk

Email: mcr.su@some.ox.ac.uk

Hello, I am Misbah Reshi. I am pursuing my Masters in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies which is in the Humanities Division. I am a lawyer by training and have completed my Bachelor’s in Philosophy.

As the Women’s Rep, my aim is to make spaces accessible and resources available. If there is anything that the MCR can support you with or I can help you with, please feel free to reach out to me.

More generally, I am always up for a chat about law, gender, Greek philosophy, and food!

Email: mcr.women@some.ox.ac.uk

Hi!  I am Swapnil Tripathi and I am the Library Representative and the Education Representative.  I am pursuing a DPhil in Law and look at the powers of judicial review exercised by the Supreme Court of India.

Prior to the DPhil, I read for the Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford.  Apart from law, I am passionate about history and love exploring it in my free time.  Happy to take anyone interested on a walking tour of Oxford filled with trivia about history, films, literature, and ghost stories.  I love watching wrestling as well.

As the Library Rep, I hope to raise the MCR’s concerns about the library and suggestions to improve it.  As the Education Rep, I hope to make the academic life of MCR members better and help organise events that further their academic interests.

Email: mcr.education@some.ox.ac.uk

Email: mcr.library@some.ox.ac.uk

Coming from South Africa to read Engineering Science in 2015, I graduated in 2019 and have been working in Oxford ever since.  In my free time, I follow rugby, cricket and track & field and I coach one of the college rowing teams, plus I’ve organised the odd football team and running race in the past.

As Sports Rep, I look after the MCR’s sports/arts (sparts) budget, so get in touch if you have any sparts-related expenses.  I also organise some of our social events throughout the year: kickabouts in the park, poker nights and beer pong tournaments.  If you’re looking to get involved with any aspect of college sport but are unsure about who to contact, I’m the person to speak to!

Email: mcr.sports@some.ox.ac.uk

My name’s Stefano and I’m the MCR’s associate member rep.  I’m currently a Creative Writing PhD student at KCL, and if you have any questions about associate membership at Somerville College you can reach me via email!

Email: mcr.associate@some.ox.ac.uk