College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council

Aslin Argueta ’27

Majors: Sociology and Hispanic & Latin American Studies

Ambitious about fostering inclusivity, community, creativity and passion within the student body at QU, Aslin is involved with QU IRIS, Montage Literary & Arts Magazine, and works in the Office of Community Engagement.

After graduating, Aslin plans on continuing their academic journey in higher education by pursuing a PhD in Latin American Studies focusing on the intersections of literature, culture, history, sociology and language to one day become a professor. As a bilingual Guatemalan American, Aslin finds a lot of value in cultural and linguistic exchange.

Younes Benbrahim ’28

Major: Behavioral Neuroscience

Younes Benbrahim is an undergraduate student at Quinnipiac University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track, pursuing a 4+1 master’s in molecular and Cell Biology alongside a Chemistry minor. Driven by a passion for brain function Younes aspires to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Academically, Younes is a member of Nu Rho Psi and supports peers as a Peer Fellow, currently for organic chemistry. Outside the classroom, he participates in a research lab, stays active through exercising, ice skating, and values time spent with friends. Younes belongs to an academically driven family rooted in STEM. He is a triplet alongside his brother Anouar, a Mechanical Engineering student, and his sister Safia, a biology major. Following Anissa who got a bachelor’s in Biology, and holds a master’s in Molecular & Cell Biology. Younes aspires to build a strong foundation in neurological sciences so that using his knowledge, he could give comfort to others.

Samaya Cabrera ’28

Majors: Criminal Justice, Psychology

Samaya is a junior double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a strong interest in law and public service. She is actively involved in the Quinnipiac community through the Student Philanthropy Council, Multicultural Leadership Council, Pre-Law Society, and as a Grove Mentor. Samaya also serves as Lead Office Assistant for the Learning Commons and work with the Quinnipiac Pardons Clinic. Beyond campus, she gained legal and community experience through an internship with Farver & Heffernan Law Firm and a Presidential Public Service Fellowship with the Town of Hamden Youth Services. These experiences have strengthened her leadership, communication, and advocacy skills while deepening her passion for criminal justice. After graduation, she plans to attend law school with the goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney. Outside of academics, Samaya enjoys reading, traveling, trying new foods, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

Eliza Cho ’27

Major: Biology

Eliza is majoring in biology in the 3+1 program. She holds several leadership positions, including President of the Big Event and Vice President of Logistics & Volunteer Coordination for The Neurowaves Project, among others, which enable her to aid her local communities while enhancing the campus experience. Beyond Quinnipiac, she regularly volunteers through Yale New Haven Hospital’s Emergency Department and as a companionship volunteer for individuals in nursing homes through AccentCare. 

After graduation, Eliza plans on furthering their education in medical school, with the main goal of becoming a doctor and contributing to underserved communities.

Ava Real ’28

Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies

Ava is a 3+1 Molecular and Cell Biology Major with a Co-major in Environmental Studies on the pre-med track here at Quinnipiac. Ava is also a peer fellow for organic chemistry and serves on the E-board for GSA as the PR chair. While at Quinnipiac she has completed the QUIP-RS program researching the impact of PFAS on native pollinators and works in the lab regularly. While completing the QUIP-RS program Ava also helped at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station. Outside of Quinnipiac Ava is passionate about sharing art with her community. She volunteered to paint murals across her home town, including one for the first selectman.  After Quinnipiac Ava plans to continue her education in medical school with the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.

Aslin Argueta ’27

Majors: Sociology and Hispanic & Latin American Studies

Ambitious about fostering inclusivity, community, creativity and passion within the student body at QU, Aslin is involved with QU IRIS, Montage Literary & Arts Magazine, and works in the Office of Community Engagement.

After graduating, Aslin plans on continuing their academic journey in higher education by pursuing a PhD in Latin American Studies focusing on the intersections of literature, culture, history, sociology and language to one day become a professor. As a bilingual Guatemalan American, Aslin finds a lot of value in cultural and linguistic exchange.

Eliza Cho ’27

Major: Biology

Eliza is majoring in biology in the 3+1 program. She holds several leadership positions, including President of the Big Event and Vice President of Logistics & Volunteer Coordination for The Neurowaves Project, among others, which enable her to aid her local communities while enhancing the campus experience. Beyond Quinnipiac, she regularly volunteers through Yale New Haven Hospital’s Emergency Department and as a companionship volunteer for individuals in nursing homes through AccentCare. 

After graduation, Eliza plans on furthering their education in medical school, with the main goal of becoming a doctor and contributing to underserved communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Hannah Jack ’24

Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Hometown: Watertown, CT

Hannah is a behavioral neuroscience major minoring in chemistry and biology. She serves as a resident assistant in the Live Well LLC, a peer fellow in biochemistry for the Learning Commons and as a QU Advancing Diversity in Science (QUADS) mentor. She is involved in research for the Betz lab in the Department of Psychology, is a member of the Nu Rho Psi Behavioral Neuroscience honor society, is a student representative for the Academic Integrity board and is a music director for the Legends a Cappella group. After graduation, Hannah will be working as a Certified Nursing Assistant while she applies to medical school.

Thomas Kwashnak ’24

Majors: Data Science and Computer Science
Hometown: Middlebury, CT

Thomas is a data science and computer science double major with a minor in economics. He enjoys open source technology, and is currently studying the in-depth algorithms of reinforcement learning, a vital element of modern AI. He is employed on campus as a technology specialist assistant supervisor in the Technology Center. After graduation, he will be working at Travelers Insurance Company in the Business Intelligence and Analytics Leadership Development program.

Ganine Marottolo ’24, MSW ’26

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Stratford, CT

Ganine is a psychology major with a minor in sociology and she is in the 3+2 Master of Social Work program. She is an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and holds multiple chair positions within the organization. After graduation, she will continue her education in pursuit of a master of social work degree where she will explore social work through the lens of collegiate institutions. Ganine is also interested in the possibility of earning a PhD in order to become a clinical psychologist.

Victoria McKenzie ’24, MAT ’25

Major: English
Hometown: Mahopac, NY

Victoria is an English major in the 4+1 Master of Arts in Teaching program and has plans to work as a high school English teacher after graduation. In addition to her field study placement at New Haven Academy, she is part of the English Honor Society on campus. This is her second year with the College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council and she is very excited to be working alongside her peers in CAS.

Amari O'Connor ’24

Majors: Theater and Game Design and Development
Hometown: Springfield, MA

Amari is a theater and game design and development double major with a minor in women’s and gender studies. While at Quinnipiac, they have served as a director in the theater’s New Play Lab and as a panelist for the LGBTQ+ Teach-In. They also participate in the annual LGBTQ+ and the Student of Color Leadership retreats. Amari has been elected public relations chair of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and they were appointed assistant director of the musical “Bulgaria! Revolt!”. After graduation, Amari plans to work on building their professional resume while pursuing directing, playwriting, and game design, specifically in narrative or art design. Through their work, Amari hopes to explore the representation of minoritized communities and social justice issues through a creative lens.

Sofia Suarez ’25

Majors: Criminal Justice and Sociology
Hometown: Danbury, CT

Sofia is a criminal justice and sociology double major. She is currently the treasurer of the Sociology Club and the G-board representative of the Latino Cultural Society. She is working on her own research project where she is investigating the extent to which undocumented immigrants underreport crime. She has also worked alongside Professor Catherine Solomon in her research in looking at the work/life balance of fathers who have children with disabilities. Proudly, she was chosen to be a part of the Sawhney Leadership Program at Quinnipiac. After graduating she plans on going to law school to become an immigration lawyer.