College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council

Why serve on the student advisory council?

Members of the student advisory council are an integral part of the College of Arts & Sciences experience by sharing their insights with prospective students and advocating for their interests now and in the future. Involvement with CASSAC offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on the community and enhance the college experience for both current and future students within the College of Arts & Sciences.

Member responsibilities include attending bi-weekly meetings during the fall and spring semesters, fostering connections with the dean and the leadership team through social networking hours and representing the input of students. Additionally, members serve as brand ambassadors for the college, including during Welcome Weekend, Open Houses, Academic Exploration Days and alumni networking events.

Members also help select the commencement speaker and recruit potential CASSAC members. Council members serve one-year terms with possible one-year reappointments.

Eligibility:

Must be a full-time student with a major in the College of Arts & Sciences
Should have completed at least one year at Quinnipiac
Must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.00 or higher
Must be in good conduct standing
Must demonstrate extra or co-curricular involvement(s)

Meet the Student Advisory Council

Vlora Alka ’25

Major: Health, Medicine and Society
Hometown: Wallingford, CT

Vlora is a Health, Medicine, and Society major with a minor in Biology. She is deeply engaged in campus life, serving as President of the American Medical Student Association, Vice President of the Handprints for Sunshine community service club, and as a member of the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society. She is also actively involved in breast cancer research at the Breindel Lab.

Beyond campus, Vlora works as an Emergency Room Technician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, gaining hands-on clinical experience. She also volunteers as a Wish Granter for Connecticut’s Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses.

After graduation, Vlora plans to pursue a Master’s degree before applying to medical school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician dedicated to both research and patient care.

Kylie Allardice ’25

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Wallingford, CT

Kylie is a senior at Quinnipiac University, where she has demonstrated leadership and a passion for teamwork through her involvement with the women’s club lacrosse team. She served as treasurer during the 2022-2023 academic year and president in 2023-2024. Kylie also gained valuable experience through a recent internship in the sports industry. Following her graduation next spring, she plans to pursue graduate studies in psychology.

Ahmed I. Anwar ’25

Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Hometown: North Haven, CT

Ahmed I. Anwar is a Behavioral Neuroscience major with minors in Biology and Chemistry at Quinnipiac University. He holds several leadership positions on campus, including President of the Behavioral Neuroscience Society (BNS), Leadership Board member of the Honors Program, Academic Integrity Board representative, Peer Fellow, and committee member, showcasing his commitment to both academic and community involvement.

Ahmed is actively engaged in research across multiple institutions, serving as a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology at the Haight Lab. He is also a member of the Nu Rho Psi honor society and continues to contribute to the University Honors Program.

Beyond academia, Ahmed works as a Medical Assistant and volunteers in healthcare, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in the community. With his diverse experiences and passion for medicine, Ahmed plans to pursue medical school after graduation, where he aspires to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine.

Benjamin Bogues ’25, MAT ’26

Major: Mathematics + Secondary Education (MAT)
Hometown: Brookfield, CT

Ben is a Mathematics major enrolled in Quinnipiac University’s 4+1 Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in Secondary Education, with a minor in Psychology. He is the President of the Quinnipiac Future Teachers Organization (QFTO), a member of the Connecticut Education Association, and an active participant in the Quinnipiac Honors Program.

Ben has gained valuable experience through tutoring and teacher shadowing at North Haven Middle School, along with participating in various educational initiatives. Outside of academics, he works at the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut in his hometown and serves on the Brookfield Youth Commission, where he is committed to improving his community.

After graduation, Ben plans to teach high school Mathematics in Connecticut, where he hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Michael Bunce ’25

Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Prospect, CT

Michael is a Chemistry major with a minor in Mathematics at Quinnipiac University. Throughout his time at QU, he has been deeply involved in campus life, serving as a dedicated Resident Assistant and fostering a strong sense of community among the student body.

Michael is also engaged in research under the mentorship of Dr. James Kirby, focusing on polymer and organic chemistry—his primary areas of interest. His passion for discovery and innovation drives his academic pursuits and fuels his commitment to advancing in the field.

After graduating, Michael plans to further his education, aiming to deepen his expertise and contribute to the growing field of chemistry.

Breana Butkievich ’26

Major: Law in Society
Hometown: Oxford, CT

Breana is a dedicated and driven student at Quinnipiac University, where she has excelled both academically and as a leader. She serves as a Peer Catalyst in First Year Seminars and sociology classes, providing support and guidance to fellow students. Breana is also a Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions and a member of the Honors Leadership Board. Beyond campus, she is the 2023-2024 State President of the Connecticut FFA Association, having previously served as State Parliamentarian.

After graduation, Breana plans to pursue a J.D. with the goal of becoming a constitutional lawyer. She also aspires to earn her Ph.D. and continue contributing to the field of law and society.

Riley Demotses ’25

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Hometown: Peabody, MA

Riley is a 4th-year Interdisciplinary Studies major in Quinnipiac University’s 4+1 Master’s in Elementary Education Program. She is an active member of the Psychology Club and Quinnipiac Future Teachers Organization (QFTO), where she nurtures her passion for education and child development.

Beyond academics, Riley holds a leadership role as Vice President of Event Management for Alpha Delta Pi. In this position, she plans and coordinates a variety of events, including parents’ brunches, anniversary galas, and formal dances, fostering community and connection both on and off campus.

Riley is committed to making a positive impact both in and outside the classroom. As a member of the advisory board, she is focused on strengthening communication between students and administrators to ensure every voice is heard. After graduation, she looks forward to bringing her energetic, hardworking, and inspiring personality into the classroom, shaping the next generation of learners.

Matthew Gothers ’25, MS ’26

Major: Biology
Hometown: Somers, CT/McKinney, TX

Matt is a biology major in the 3+1 Molecular and Cellular Biology program with a double minor in chemistry and gerontology, who was born in CT but finished his highschool career in TX. Outside of CASSAC, Matt is a member of the Honors Program and serves on the Honors Leadership Board as a representative of the Cultural Involvement Pillar, and he also worked as an Orientation Leader. In the future, Matt wishes to attend medical school where he plans to specialize in clinical psychiatry.

Alise Kayser ’25

Major: Sociology
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC, Canada

Alise is a sociology major and a criminal justice minor. During her time at Quinnipiac, she worked as a resident assistant and currently serves as the president of the Sociology Club. Alise’s future goals are to continue her studies in graduate school for a master’s degree in social work as she strives to pursue a career that serves others.

Apoorva Kuppa ’25

Major: Economics
Hometown: Avon, CT

Apoorva is a 3+1 Economics major at Quinnipiac University, with minors in General Business and Applied Statistics/Data Science. She is a dedicated member of the Honors Program and an active leader on campus, serving as President of the Economics Club and Secretary of the Bobcat Project Management Club.

Her academic journey is complemented by her role as a Research Analyst for the Quinnipiac Global Economics Research Team and as a department and internship assistant in the Sociology and Anthropology Department. She also plays a key role in organizing the Quinnipiac G.A.M.E. Forum, the world’s largest student-run financial conference, as a member of the Volunteer Committee.

Apoorva’s practical experience includes collaborating with Professor Gedeon Werner and the Central European Institute on a consulting project to support a Poland-based company’s expansion into the U.S. market.

Looking ahead, Apoorva plans to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics, with aspirations to build a career in the insurance industry, leveraging her skills in data analysis and economics to drive innovation and growth.

Isaiah Lopez ’26

Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Greenwich, CT

Isaiah is a Criminal Justice major at Quinnipiac University, with a double minor in Sociology and Political Science. As Public Relations Officer for the Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program (JUMP) E-board, he is dedicated to promoting youth empowerment and multicultural engagement. Additionally, he serves on the Academic Integrity Board, upholding Quinnipiac’s core values of honesty, trust, responsibility, fairness, respect, and courage.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a Homicide Detective, using his education and experiences to bring justice and closure to communities. He's passionate about advocating for his fellow Criminal Justice majors and contributing to the continued growth and success of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Kaitlyn McVeigh ’26

Major: Data Science
Hometown: Floral Park, NY

Kaitlyn is a Data Science major with a minor in Law in Society at Quinnipiac University. She is the President of the Irish Dance Club, where she combines leadership with her passion for dance, and serves as an active member of the Dining Advisory Board, contributing to enhancing the campus experience.

In addition to her extracurricular involvement, Kaitlyn works as a Peer Catalyst for First-Year Seminar classes in The Learning Commons, supporting new students in their academic transition. This past summer, she gained valuable professional experience as a Data Science Intern at National Grid.

Kaitlyn is passionate about harnessing the power of data to drive impactful solutions and looks forward to pursuing a career in the data science field after graduation.

Lily Philipczak ’25

Major: Political Science 3+3
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ

Lily is a Political Science major in Quinnipiac University’s accelerated 3+3 BA/JD program, with minors in Public Diplomacy and Women & Gender Studies. She is deeply committed to advocacy and leadership, serving as Secretary of the Survivor Advocacy Alliance, DEIA Pillar Leader on the Honors Program Leadership Board, and Event Coordinator for NAMI.

Lily’s dedication to public service and mental health is reflected in her accomplishments as a Public Service Award recipient, member of Pi Sigma Alpha (the Political Science Honor Society), and certified Mental Health First Aid provider. She is also a QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Instructor, equipping others with life-saving intervention skills.

This summer, Lily will intern with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Victim Witness Advocacy, and in the fall, she will serve as a Policy and Press Intern for the Sexual Violence Prevention Association. After graduation, she plans to pursue a dual JD/MSW degree, focusing on the intersection of law and social work to advocate for survivors and marginalized communities.

Sadie Sheehan ’26

Major: English
Hometown: Norwood, MA

Sadie is an English major with a minor in Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University. She serves on the Executive Board of Dance Company, where she helps choreograph routines for various on-campus events and plays a key role in organizing the group’s annual showcase.

In addition to her extracurricular leadership, Sadie works as a Campus Life employee in the Organization Suite, assisting with campus event coordination. She is also an America Reads tutor at the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club, where she supports K-8 students in their after-school program.

Sadie is passionate about the intersection of law and community service, and she plans to pursue a career as a paralegal after graduation, applying her skills to support legal professionals and contribute to her community.