Student Committee
The NDWRH Student Committee is a student-led committee comprised of DPhil and MSc Research students, as well as a representative from the MSc in Clinical Embryology.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
The purpose of the committee is to foster a strong sense of community among the department’s students across all sites, and to encourage open communication and feedback between students and staff. NDWRH is spread across multiple sites including: The Women’s Centre (John Radcliffe Hospital), The Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (John Radcliffe Hospital) and The Institute of Reproductive Sciences (IRS), Oxford Business Park. It is therefore particularly important for the students to communicate and get together on a regular basis. To support this, we aim to include a representative from each site in a committee role.
Each member of the student committee sits on a departmental working group. The committee’s deputy also attends the termly Graduate Joint Consultative Committee (GJCC) meetings within the Medical Sciences Division.
The student committee organises social events for DPhil and MRes students throughout the year, as well as induction and welcome events for new students. The Welfare Representatives provide a peer-based point of contact for students and can signpost University support services. Where possible, these representatives will have received Peer Support training and can offer a confidential support network.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
The members of the NDWRH Student Committee act as representatives for the department. Please contact a member of the committee if you have any questions.
President: Assel Sarbalina
What are you studying?
I am a full-time student reading for a DPhil in Women’s & Reproductive Health. I also obtained my bachelor's degree in General Medicine and fellowship training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I then completed a Master's degree in Health.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about research and am deeply committed to my profession, striving to make meaningful contributions.
Favourite hobby?
I enjoy snowboarding and hiking in the mountains!
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
Feel like a wizard from Harry Potter, walking downtown and exploring the historic buildings.
Deputy President: Katherine Dibbon
What are you studying?
I am a DPhil student at NDWRH where I look at the intersection of climate change and maternal-fetal health, specifically the placental mediated mechanisms of extreme heat associated adverse fetal outcomes and pregnancy complications
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations through global health work, ensuring knowledge translation between academia and policy and climate change based health research.
Favourite hobby?
I love to cook and travel!
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
I have a wonderful community at Oxford and enjoy collaborating and learning from highly motivated and passionate individuals.
Research Rep: Gurkarishma Dhillon
What are you studying?
Perinatal mental health in South Asian minorities across the UK
What are you passionate about?
Mental health awareness, feminism, Punjabiyat
Favourite hobby?
Dance, yoga, spending time with my family and friends
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
The access to resources and the spirit of lifelong learning that everybody embodies
Social and Welfare Rep: Luba Maslej
What are you studying?
How progesterone regulates immune cells in endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss
What are you passionate about?
Immunology, my community, and spending as much time as possible outdoors
Favourite hobby?
Knitting and scuba diving
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
Beautiful architecture and the history of the city!
Social and Welfare rep: Inga Williams
What are you studying?
I study Mechanisms of development of fatigue in post-acute infection syndromes.
What are you passionate about?
Exploring the world, searching for answers and connections, going forward despite failures, and learning from the best.
Favourite hobby?
Skiing and climbing mountains solo.
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
Meeting the incredible people
Lab rep: Maeve Janecka
What are you studying?
I am studying endometriosis organoids
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about closing the gendered research gap for women's health conditions
Favourite hobby?
Reading and yoga
Favourite part of being at Oxford?
Hanging out with my friends in and outside the lab and exploring the UK