Undergraduate Departmental Representatives Program

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2023-2024 Lead UDRs

Lead UDRs serve as liaisons between department/program UDRs, UDR Program staff and School of Arts and Sciences Division Heads. They meet with UDR program staff to discuss program activities and advise on new initiatives and UDR policy changes, and with School Division Heads to discuss academic and pedagogical issues in the division. Additionally, they facilitate collaboration among department/program UDRs, support UDR trainings, and advise UDRs on an as needed basis.

There is one Lead UDR from each School of Arts and Sciences Division (Creative Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences) and one at-large Lead UDR.

Meli Jackson, '25

At-Large Lead UDR

CAST UDR

Pronouns: they/it

Meli Jackson ‘25 is majoring in English and WGS (Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) with minors in CAST(Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation) and Legal Studies. When Meli is not in class, they can be found in the CAST creativity lab, getting some coffee, or just hanging with friends. Meli has a long list of hobbies, but some of the main ones are gaming (especially with their friends!), making and performing music, doodling, and sewing. They absolutely love meeting and talking to new people and getting to know everyone they can on campus, and they are so excited to serve their community as a CAST UDR and the At-Large Lead UDR!

Elisha Gordan, '25

Humanities Lead UDR

NEJS UDR

elishagordan@brandeis.edu

Pronouns: he/him

Elisha Gordan is a rising Junior from Philadelphia. He is majoring in NEJS and History, and also serves as the NEJS UDR. Elisha has been previously involved with Student Union and Hillel. Outside the classroom, he can be found reading, debating, or listening to podcasts.

Adhithri Rajaragupathi, '25

Science Lead UDR

adhithriraja@brandeis.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Adhithri Rajaragupathi ‘25 is dual majoring in neuroscience and biology with a minor
in HSSP on the pre-med track. She possesses a strong passion for promoting health equality and
actively works to raise awareness on this topic. She currently works as a clinical research
assistant at Mass General Hospital and as a biology tutor. She is also the co-president of Brandeis
encourages Women in STEM, the events coordinator for the Brandeis Science Research
Connection Club, and the Relay for Life coordinator for the American Cancer Society.
Apart from her academic and professional commitments, she is also part of the hip-hop dance
team KAOS on campus. She also enjoys playing soccer, spending time with her friends, and
traveling. She loves meeting new people and trying out new things! She is excited to be the Lead
UDR for the Sciences Division and is looking forward to a year of new experiences and learning
opportunities!

Alaina Vermilya, '24

Social Science Lead UDR

alainavermilya@brandeis.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Alaina Vermilya '24 is a Sociology major with minors in Social Justice and Social Policy, Education Studies, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Last semester, she studied abroad in Amsterdam, exploring gender and sexuality using an international lens. She would be more than happy to speak with students about Sociology classes, career opportunities, books, Brandeis a cappella, study abroad, Amsterdam, or queer identity. Outside of Brandeis, she has worked for the Institute for Community Research in Hartford, CT and Citizens for Juvenile Justice in Boston, MA. She is thrilled to be working with the Sociology department again this year and is so excited to serve as the Social Sciences Lead UDR! She would enjoy getting to know you, so please feel free to reach out to her with any questions, concerns or suggestions!

Laya Fridman, '25

Creative Arts Lead UDR

Theater Arts UDR

layafridman@brandeis.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Laya Fridman ‘25 is double majoring in Theater Arts and Psychology with a minor in Near Eastern Judaic Studies. At Brandeis, Laya has performed in three theater department productions, is an active participant in Chabad at Brandeis, and is a member and publicist for Proscenium musical theater a cappella. She is also doing research in one of the psychology labs. When she’s not at Brandeis, you can find her working as a Hebrew school teacher for second grade and serving as a Jewish songleader. Laya is passionate about the power of the arts and advocating for student opinion and is excited to bring that passion to this position.