Student Ambassadors

Ellen Bridson, Alumna

As a historian (MPhil in Health, Medicine and Society), I am used to thinking and talking about the past. Changemakers allowed me to develop the language, toolkit and mindset to pose questions about the future and enabled me to understand how I can be an active agent for change. There are lots of causes that I am passionate about, including women's participation and equality, diversity and inclusion in sports, and demystifying politics for young people. One of the most valuable aspects of being involved with Changemakers for me is the network of enthused individuals who all share the desire to make positive changes. Through this I have developed my understanding of how to make a tangible difference with the causes I care about and am looking forward to continuing on this journey. 

Joseph Cameron, MPhil in Advanced Computer Science

I am a master’s student studying the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science at the University of Cambridge. My research interests focus on human-centred artificial intelligence technology and its impact on society. Outside of academia, I’m very passionate about sports, music, and travel. I’m deeply grateful to be a member of Homerton College and of Changemakers as a student ambassador. My connection with Changemakers started when I took part in the Homerton Changemakers Annual Residential in 2023, and I happily describe it as a perfect introduction to various aspects of life here at the University of Cambridge. The atmosphere of Changemakers is one of ideation, connection, and inspiration. I’ve had many vibrant conversations with many inspiring individuals through Changemakers, and as a result I’m excited to contribute to the Changemakers philosophy as a student ambassador.

Janna Chowdhury, MPhil in Education

As a first-generation college student and Bangladeshi woman, I deeply value the privilege of education. My journey has been defined by the transformative power of learning. Currently, I'm pursuing an MPhil in Education with a specialized focus on Knowledge, Power, and Politics at the prestigious University of Cambridge. My aspiration is to leverage this education to enhance access to higher education for immigrants and their children, bridging the gap for those who aspire to achieve academic success.

As a dedicated student in education and a recipient of the esteemed Gates Cambridge Scholarship, my commitment to improving the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds has been a constant driving force. It was my strong alignment with Changemakers' mission that led me to choose Homerton College, where I am now honored to serve as an ambassador for the program.

In my role as an ambassador, my primary mission is to pave the way for fellow first-generation students, breaking down barriers and advocating for inclusive education. My journey isn't solely about personal success but also about creating well-lit paths for others to pursue their aspirations.

Bethany Clarke, Recent Alumna

Whilst undertaking the PGCE at Homerton in 2021, I suffered a major medical trauma, followed by significant mental health challenges. The Changemakers community helped me to regain trust in myself and hope for the future. I successfully completed my PGCE with a research focus on trauma-informed approaches to teaching. I now lead a mental health and psychosocial program for refugee children, at The Fáilte centre in Athens, Greece and am working towards establishing ‘WellMinder’: a social venture which will harness the power of community, cutting edge technology, and scientific research, to support children affected by trauma or adverse experiences to grow into healthy adults with positive coping mechanisms. As an ambassador, I am committed to ensuring the Changemakers community continues to be a compassionate and inclusive space to uplift all. 

Eyal Cohen, Alumnus

I am honoured to be part of Changemakers as an ambassador.  I would like to get a PhD in Machine Learning in the future. I have always been interested in data and how to connect elements and make predictions. I also love sports, poetry, drama, music and cooking. I want to be able to bring a change in today’s society, and aim for better. I would like to tackle the climate emergency using data and modelling. 

Vincenzo Di Bartolo, PhD in Pure Mathematics

I am a great lover of music, mathematics and more generally of the harmonies around me, which here at Homerton I have the pleasure of perceiving deeply.  We are inclined to think that what we imagine or conjecture is "only" something of our own, destined to break on the insurmountable wall of reality, which others seem to pretend to know by heart as it is ... objectively. Yes, our thoughts are powerful waves in our inner sea, stirred by our personal winds of imagination ... but there is no wall they cannot overcome. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Changemakers ambassadors and more generally of a project that has opened my eyes to how necessary it is for each of us to contribute to the blowing of our own wind, to also allow our own sea to shape the reality around us making it wonderful, for us and for others.

Sam Eastoe, 3rd Year History  and Politics

Hi there fellow Changemakers, I’m Sam (he/him) and I’m a third year student in History and Politics here at Homerton. I was lucky enough to have taken part in this scheme at the beginning of my third year, and I can honestly say I was surprised at the level of which it has changed my thinking about my day to day life and the impact we can all have, provided we’re prepared to put the thought and the work into it. Taking part in so many different, engaging activities and making so many real friends as a result was an outcome I wasn’t expecting from this project, but one that has made a real, notable difference to my day to day experiences at Cambridge. I would love to get further involved, help in the process of ensuring Changemakers remains a wide ranging set of experiences and tasks, with the ultimate aim of encouraging students to take their ideas forward, and bring forward a better future.

Deborah Esan, 3rd year Modern and Medieval Languages

I am a third year Modern and Medieval Languages student.  As a Cambridge student, it can sometimes be very easy to focus on just the academic side of things and not pay attention to what truly grounds us, our values. I believe that it is very important to not have narrow-minded and to be open to other perspectives as it helps both communal and personal growth.  Being a linguist, I am interested in modes of communication and building further relations with people. I hope, as a Changemakers Ambassador, to open up conversations that are typically disregarded and that play an essential role in our society.

Kayla Gillman, Alumna

When I began my MPhil in Criminological Research last September, I believed my year-long academic course would provide me with the gift of time: to reflect on the world’s systems, particularly criminal justice systems, and to think intentionally about how we might work to change them for the better. My course gave me just that opportunity, but it was the Changemakers program that grounded my reflection and enabled my thinking to be its most expansive and robust. Through Changemakers’ Residentials, dinner seminars, field trips, and weekly conversations, I considered the world and its systems from perspectives I never would have engaged with alone, and I became part of a community that shaped my time in Cambridge. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to stay connected with the Homerton Changemakers as an Ambassador. I deeply believe in the power of the program and look forward to continuing to champion this community as we collectively reflect on ourselves, society, and the world.

Yusuf Khalil, second-year Land Economy

Hello, I'm Yusuf, a second-year Land Economy student from Wales. My academic interests lie in exploring inter-regional inequality, delving into its underlying factors, and understanding its pervasive presence in our society. My pursuit of a multi-disciplinary degree, coupled with personal experiences, has fueled my interest in abstract social issues. Looking ahead, I aspire to delve into research examining the privileges associated with speaking a universal language and its inherent limitations. I am particularly keen on understanding how this linguistic dynamic inhibits our economic, political, and legal systems.

I have enjoyed participating in the Changemakers Program this past year. From developing soft skills to networking, it has been a fruitful part of my Cambridge experience. I was also fortunate enough to be one of the winners of the Catalyst Fund. Through Changemakers, I started my own project in my home city aimed at tackling rising levels of isolation facing the senior community. A problem only set to grow due to an ageing population in the UK.I look forward to seeing how the project grows.

Kardika Kukreia, Alumna

I have just completed my LLM at the University of Cambridge. Law is something that has always intrigued me because it is a tool for people to gain justice and it has always strengthened democracy. This is what assisted me in my pursuit to venture my career into legal studies. Since I was young, I used to read articles where noticeably there used to be publications of at least one activity of grave injustice against women; this is what led me towards the conduit of law. Women's Rights are something that I am passionate about. Homerton Changemakers for me is a way to learn from like-minded people where we can create a society where there is inclusion and equity. I am sure that through this platform I can polish my leadership skills and be a benefactor of women's rights as well as social justice.

Aurora Lixinhao Gao, PhD in Education

As a PhD candidate who graduated from Cambridge with Best Dissertation Award and Distinction in her MPhil, Aurora truly cherishes the academic and social opportunities offered within Homerton's revered halls. Her academic tapestry unfurls across a canvas painted with a Spanish major and a Psychology minor. This is a vivid testament to her insatiable thirst for challenges and the boundless realm of linguistics, psychology, and education. In the symphony of her life, Aurora not only commands the mastery of multiple languages but also wields the mesmerising cadence of a violin's strings, creating a harmonious coexistence. As a Homerton Changemaker Ambassador, she embarks on a voyage that transcends the boundaries of research, embracing personal growth, all fuelled by her enduring love for languages. Within this unique opportunity, Aurora envisions the flourishing of self-awareness and the forging of unbreakable bonds with kindred spirits from diverse cultural backgrounds. In this journey, she seeks not only self-discovery but also the privilege to enrich her MPhil college with her exceptional expertise. Aurora's enduring motto resounds with heartfelt sincerity: “Wherever I may wander, Homerton remains etched in my soul as my forever home.”

Andre Lo

I am Andre, a doctor passionate about improving health and combating inequality. Presently, I am undertaking an initiative called Health Heroes, which focuses on elevating health literacy and instilling healthy habits in children and families. The unwavering support from Homerton Changemakers has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Health Heroes. Academically, my interest lies in population health and enhancing medical research reliability. I'm excited about future opportunities and am eager to create positive change with Homerton Changemakers. Feel free to reach out for a chat over tea or coffee — I'm always open to interesting conversations and 

Kate Lucas, 3rd year Manufacturing Engineering

I am a third year undergraduate student studying Manufacturing Engineering. I have always loved finding out how things work, and have a particular interest in how robotics can help us build a better world. As a woman in engineering, I am passionate about increasing diversity and am heavily involved with outreach projects to help encourage the next generation of engineers. I think Homerton Changemakers is a great programme because it is really focussed on how you can translate the interesting and exciting ideas you have to make the world a better place into something concrete and deliverable.

Abiel Ma, recent Alumnus

I am Abiel, a recent Mst graduate at Homerton and the CEO and Co-founder of Vuala. Our company is working to make food waste recycling easy with our automatic waste sorting technology. Our solution automatically liquifies and separates food waste from other waste, turning them into raw material for biogas and animal feed production within hours on site. Homerton Changemaker has been a life-changing experience for me, it has provided me with a lot of opportunities and networks, which has been essential to develop my company. As an ambassador, I am looking forward to serving, and sharing my entrepreneurial experience to fellow students, as well as acting as a bridge to facilitate more opportunities and network for the wider Homerton community. 

Electra Michael, 2nd year Philosophy

I’m a second year Philosophy student, from Hertfordshire. My areas of interest within my degree are ethics and political philosophy. To me, these areas light up discussions that unveil the inner workings of our society and how we all fit into the grand scheme of things. Psychology is a another interest of mine, not only because it is fascinating but because it encourages and facilitates understanding and empathy.

Beyond the books, I'm a creative soul who's all about art. Take me to any exhibition, and I'm in my element, as I live by the statement ‘Art reflects life.’ I believe in the value of learning through unconventional means, so I love to read fiction, watch movies and listen to podcasts. I am also passionate about climate change and existential risk prevention and hope to make a contribution in that field. Changemakers have made it clear to me that there is a world beyond the corporate grind, and with all the encouragement and support they’ve provided me, I no longer think of my future with existential dread but excitement.

Josh Moreton, 4th year French and Arabic

I’m Josh, a fourth French and Arabic student currently on my year abroad. I was a Changemakers sceptic before this year’s Autumn Residential and now I advocate with the zealotry of a convert! Not only does the Changemaker programme give you concrete skills to help you make your way in the world, it ensures that you do so with confidence and integrity. Thinking about life post-uni is like finding your way through a dark tunnel, but Changemakers provides a torch to light the way. It also shows you that if you have exciting plans, you can get started right away!

Rebecca Myers, PhD in Psychology

I am a 2nd year PhD student in Psychology at the University of Cambridge and an alumna of Homerton College. My research focusses on the relationship between exceptional mathematics (e.g. maths creativity, giftedness and expertise) and a combination of cognitive, personality and affective factors. I also hold an MPhil in Psychology and Education (University of Cambridge) and a Masters of Mathematics degree (University of Warwick). As someone who enjoy interdisciplinarity, I appreciate how Changemakers brings together people from different disciplines who are open to discussion about how to be better and actively seeking ways to put this into action. I look forward to contributing to this further as a Changemaker ambassador.

Damilola Ogunlana, 1st year Education

I am a 1st Year Undergraduate doing Education with the now revised version of four core papers in Introduction to Education Systems and Disciplines, Learning and Human Development, Education, Creativity and Culture and Education and Social Justice. These core papers are all very much interlinked and highlight issues with our education system that have persisted for many years. I am very interested in enacting change in the education system where every child feels included and heard. Doing the Changemakers residential has enlightened me to accepting that change may not come quickly but with hard work and perseverance, even if that step up may not be much, it is still one step higher than before. Having worked with children for about 2 years from different walks of life, further proves how unjust the institution has been to certain children and how it needs to change its form to bear fruitful results. With Changemakers, I have met various people who also met challenges in their lives and have tried to impact this setback as positively as they can and I aspire to impact the lives of those around me positively whilst being true to my authentic self. 

Andre Pancholi, 2nd year Geography

Hello - my name is Andre Pancholi, and I am a 2nd-year Geography Student at Homerton College. Academically, I am really interested in the intersection between the natural and social sciences - and how we can use radical and innovative interdisciplinary approaches to solve global challenges - particularly within the context of the climate and biodiversity crises. I am originally from West London, and outside of my studies, I enjoy music, singing, trying new food and travelling to new places. I am really honoured to have been selected to be a Changemakers Ambassador, as I really believe in the potential of this programme. I was lucky enough to have participated in the Changemakers Residential, as it opened my mind to some of the key issues of our generation, and how we can equip ourselves to tackle them. Changemakers is unique in its collaborative approach. On the residential, I felt myself having more meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. At Homerton, we are incredibly lucky to have an initiative that provides education extending beyond the confines of a degree. Instead, it equips us with lifelong skills and inspires us to continually broaden our horizons, fostering a motivation for continuous learning and personal growth. Thus, I am excited for the year ahead and everything this role has to offer.

Subhankar Paul, MD in Transplantation and Vascular Access Surgery

The Homerton Changemakers is a novel and unparalleled platform to connect with like-minded people and to pause and reflect on what truly matters. The innovative and interactive Changemaker sessions have initiated and facilitated a deep dive into exploring our core values and provided a safe space to express, discuss and guide our thoughts towards a positive pathway of self-growth and clarity of purpose. To learn from the experience of professionals and academics who have excelled in their fields is a rare opportunity. I am very excited to be involved as a Changemakers Ambassador and work with an ever-growing network of motivated individuals who believe in the power of positive thought, leading to positive change.

Leonas Pausch, 2nd year History and Politics

Hello, I'm Leonas Pausch, a 2nd-year student reading History and Politics. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, my academic focus revolves around International law and European affairs. Having participated in this year's fantastic Changemakers residential, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power and sheer diversity of the Changemakers programme. It heightened my awareness of global interconnectedness, extending beyond my immediate horizon and made me consider as an Individuum and in relations to others. Driven by the aspiration to achieve impactful deeds and garner thoughtful perspectives, I see Changemakers as the ideal platform for nurturing both personal and collective growth, engaging in meaningful conversations that transcend the ordinary.  I firmly believe in the program's paradigm-shifting potential, providing personalized tools for individual growth and impactful change. I eagerly anticipate contributing to the community as a Changemakers ambassador.

Megan Renoir, PhD in History

I am a second year PhD student in History working with the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe in California to examine land conflict and contemporary Indigenous sovereignty and survival via a framework of ‘competing cosmologies’. From roughly 10 years of working in the international peacebuilding sector, I have been consistently amazed by how vital cultural (or cosmological!) literacy is for effective and sustainable peacebuilding. To me, Homerton Changemakers is a peacebuilding course at its core, and one that provides the most effective methods towards developing this type of literacy that I have ever seen. It is for this reason that I am beyond humbled to become a Changemaker Ambassador. Within this role, I hope to facilitate wider recognition and broader access to the program so that more people are able to become peacebuilders in their personal and professional lives.

Manpreet Sagoo, MSt Genomic Medicine

As a doctor, my clinical experience has encouraged me develop a strong interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in healthcare. My academic interest lies in genomics and precision medicine – an exciting and novel area of medicine. The Changemaker’s community is an inspiring space for stimulating, dynamic and engaging conversations with like-minded individuals, committed to making a meaningful difference in society. I am excited to make active contributions to the Changemaker community as ambassador. Whilst balancing my Genomic Medicine Masters alongside my clinical work as a doctor, I hope to bring creativity, curiosity and alternative perspectives to the team. I love connecting with new people from diverse backgrounds/fields for inspiring conversations – so please do reach out and let’s grab a coffee!  

Mikha'el Seth, 4th year Medicine

Hi there, my name is Mikha'el and I've just started my fourth year of medicine in Homerton! I'm super excited to be a changemakers ambassador this year and hope to use this opportunity to explore my interests and help make change in our local community. In addition to my degree I am deeply interested in the social sciences, especially psychology and philosophy, and their influence on both individuals and systems. I have been both a welfare and disabilities officer in College as well as a university LGBT parent, and so am passionate about making others feel safe and welcome whilst also campaigning for institutional change. This year I am also Vice President of Make a Smile, a charity aimed at bringing joy to children through dress up and play. I am also very friendly and love meeting new people, so please come say hi if you ever see me around!

Garat Uria, 3rd year Geography

Hello, my name is Garat and I am a third year Geography student. I am interested in applying to be a student ambassador for Homerton Changemakers as I had the privilege of attending the 2022 autumn residential. After my DOS(Francesca Moore) encouraged me to attend the changemakers program I gained a new outlook on formal education. I saw a collaborative inclusive and innovative approach taken to education that fostered and encouraged growth in both the personal and professional spheres. Having been pushed out of my comfort zone to speak in front of a formal hall, I came to understand change was only possible when we push the boundaries of what we think is possible. I feel obligated to play a role in the changemakers process as my newfound outlook and ambition would be beneficial not for collaborating with others and pushing boundaries for what changemakers can be for everyone.

Jason Zhanfeng Si

In my MBA application essay, I wrote "I am prepared to be changed by Cambridge, and I am also ready to bring change". This might sound superficial, but it is my sincere hope. In my previous job, I learned how to initiate and implement meaningful changes. The feedbacks from my colleagues and clients were the most rewarding part of that career. Meanwhile, I had voluntarily provided weekly online tutoring to three middle schoolers from underprivileged backgrounds for 18 months. It is my firm belief that there is no change too small, because through small changes we can build broad connections and make long-lasting impacts. I look forward to sharing my passion, experience and skills within Changemakers and beyond, to honour our shared values and to live up to my promise.

Kogulan Vipulan, 4th year Chemical Engineering

In order to solve any global issue, we require well-rounded individuals who can see from all angles. Changemakers proudly delivers these personal development opportunities. I was drawn to the programme's willingness to explore critical themes and provide students with a more holistic approach to problem-solving. I believe these skills of compassion, building a compelling argument and empowering others are essential for achieving ambitious goals such as net-zero: innovation and people must progress side by side. Within the Ambassador role, I am looking to strengthen the engagement of scientists and engineers with Changemakers events.