Meet the MCR

Hello, my name is Harry, I’m studying for a DPhil in Engineering Science, my research is on how to synthesise metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on textiles. MOFs are porous crystal structures which, when coated on textiles, can break down organophosphates found in pesticides and nerve agents, like Parathion or Sarin, providing protection against dermal exposure for agricultural works and civilians. As Somerville MCR president I hope to make sure the MCR is welcoming and accessible to everybody, whether it is celebrating a particularly special cultural event or ensuring a particular banger is played at one of our BOPs. I am especially interested in the history of our MCR and graduate house (known as Margery Fry), and want to embrace this history during my term as president. If you have any questions or simply want to talk to somebody about Somerville, please feel free to get in touch at mcr.president@some.ox.ac.uk.

Hello, I’m Mehtab, and I am the Vice-President of the MCR. I am a final year DPhil student studying ion channel proteins and membrane transport in health and disease using interdisciplinary approaches that means I work in of Biophysics, Chemistry, and Pharmacology.

As MCR Vice-President, my duties are in supporting the president and the running of the executive committee. My other priorities are in advocating for improving transparency and democratisation of the MCR, as well as working to improve physical wellbeing facilities for MCR members. If you have any questions, suggestions, or critiques about the running of the MCR, especially if you feel that your voice isn’t being heard, please reach out to me. Part of maintaining the respectful and diverse MCR environment that we all cherish is making sure nobody is feeling left behind or excluded.

Lena is in her second year of the B.Phil. in Philosophy and is interested in metaphysics, metaethics, and the philosophy of law. She loves Somerville and Margery Fry. She likes to cook dinner for people and especially to make cornbread. Please don’t hesitate to write to the Somerville MCR Secretary email!

I’m 22, and a 2nd year MPhil Economics student at Somerville. I’ve been MCR treasurer since last Michaelmas, and I’ll also be a peer supporter this year, so I’m always here for a chat of any kind 🙂

Hi everyone! I’m Erica, a second-year DPhil student in Cardiovascular and Stem Cell Biology. I’m originally from Toronto, Canada and before coming to Oxford, I studied biology at Imperial College London and neuroscience for my MSc at UCL. I’m a huge fan of musicals (especially Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera), Roger Federer, and can tell you where to get the best bubble tea in Oxford!

As Social Secretary of the Somerville MCR, I love creating opportunities for students to connect, whether through formal exchanges, themed socials, bar nights, or day trips. I’m always open to new ideas, or if you just want to have a chat, feel free to reach out 🙂

I am a DPhil student in Medieval German, researching healthcare in medieval German convents. I like to go on long rambling walks, have a (supposedly) questionable obsession with peanut butter, and enjoy meeting friends and new people for shared food and nature excursions!

Ishani is a candidate for the D.Phil. in Law at Somerville College. Her doctoral research aims to evaluate the present paradigm on disability-selective abortions in India and propose reforms thereto drawing upon the ‘ethics of care’. Ishani is keenly interested in analysing rights-based frameworks through feminist and critical legal scholarship and undertaking comparative and inter-disciplinary study of human rights and corresponding State obligations. Prior to the DPhil, Ishani read on the Bachelor of Civil Law programme at the University of Oxford as a Cornelia Sorabji Scholar. She opted for public law courses, like Medical Law and Ethics and Comparative Equality Law. She also graduated with the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) degree from Jindal Global Law School, India.

As the Welfare Officer, she hopes to make the MCR a more comfortable, welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the MCR, through different events, initiatives, and schemes. If there is anything that the MCR can support you with, please feel free to reach out to her.

I’m Ben. I started my BPhil in Philosophy at Somerville in 2025, and serve as House Chair since HT 2026. In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends, read some fiction and go for a run.

Hi everyone! My name is Ben and I am your Sports Rep for this academic year. I am a 5th year medical student and in my spare time have been involved in college rowing, helped run a dance society and participated in university gymnastics. I used to play rugby and I do still occasionally boulder so I am enthusiastic about a wide breadth of sports!

I am really looking forward to promoting sports and physical activity in college, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about sports in college or the university more broadly. I am also in charge of college stash for the MCR for which there will be an opportunity to buy some lovely college branded clothing every term.