The Cabinet
The Cabinet is a part of the GPSG Executive Branch that enables exceptionally motivated graduate and professional students to serve as chairs or co-chairs of particular areas of campus and community life that require our participation in policy-making and programming. The Cabinet, alongside The Executive Board, design, implement, and engage new initiatives in collaboration with the graduate and professional student community. All students and members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Cabinet Members Biography Neil Sharma is a Master of Public Policy student studying higher-education access and AI policy, from Jamestown, NC. A former college dropout, Neil worked in the restaurant industry for 7 years before returning to education. Today, he is grateful for the affordability of the community college pathway that gave him opportunities to study policy research despite being older. Empowered, Neil’s career passion is to revitalize similar college pathways as the foundation of higher-ed accessibility and professional mobility for all North Carolinians, regardless of age or background. Drawing from his journey back to college, as DAA, Neil will prioritize advocating for increased stipends to reduce the cost of living, and improving TA/RA working conditions to ensure that the professional and academic environments at Carolina remain conducive to graduate Tar Heel wellbeing. He will also rely on relationships developed during his previous role as undergraduate DAA to deepen collaboration with University Career Services and support post graduate success via increased access to career scaffolding resources and professional development. Neil believes ensuring learning accessibility, whether via increased grad experience affordability, or resources for students with young families, is the first step to a fulfilling career at Carolina. He also plans to support programs that foster early career success for new UNC alumni, and develop grad-undergrad student connections. Neil is thankful for opportunities that developed his quantitative and qualitative research skills, and provided experiences in both K-12 and higher-ed spheres, which he will incorporate within his GPSG advocacy roles. These include interning with the Department of Public Instruction, analyzing Japanese laws in Tokyo as a Gilman Scholar, and conducting research for the UNC-System and NCCCF via surveys and focus groups. Outside school, Neil likes to spend time as a proud uncle to his nephews and niece and go on hikes across North Carolina. Biography Sam (she/her/hers) is a second-year graduate student in the Masters in Public Health program at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Concentrating in Global Health, Sam is dedicated to addressing issues such as substance misuse, homelessness, and generational health by learning from international perspectives and applying them at home in the U.S. Originally from Illinois, Sam pursued a dual-degree program in Molecular and Cell Biology at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Outside of her work in public health, Sam enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible – whether hiking, scuba diving, or laying in a hammock to read or nap. As she enters into her second year as Director of Health and Wellness with GPSG, Sam is incredibly excited to continue ensuring graduate and professional students have ample and equitable opportunities to prioritize their holistic health and wellbeing during their time at Carolina. Biography In progress The Director of Local Relations shall advise the Executive Board on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts within Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange County, and Durham County. Biography In Progress The Director of State and Federal Relations shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting graduate and professional education at UNC Chapel Hill. Biography Hannah Friedman is a Microbiology & Immunology PhD student studying antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus infections. Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, which is how she first began to take an interest in government and advocacy. Hannah grew up in Cleveland, OH, and then moved to Boston, MA after college to research for Boston Children’s Hospital. In her free time, Hannah loves to travel, try out new recipes, play volleyball, and spend time with her family & friends. Biography Carmen is a first-year graduate student in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program at the UNC School of Medicine. Originally from Michigan, she earned her BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Eastern Michigan University. Outside of her research, Carmen enjoys dancing with friends, playing pool, and engaging in science communication through organizations like Science on Wheels. She is also passionate about advocating for research funding and is involved with Stand Up for Science NC. Carmen is excited to continue advocating for ALL in this role. Biography Josh (he/him/his) is a first-year student in Public Health in the Global Health concentration at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. He is originally from New Jersey, but spent his undergraduate years at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, studying Biology and Sustainability Sciences. While his interests are still developing in the public health field, he loves learning about how environmental systems affect human health, environmental justice, and how projected climate change exacerbates issues in said fields. Outside of his academics, you’ll probably find him out and about exploring and trying new things, whether it be hobbies, restaurants, or experiences. He is looking forward to his first year and beginning to build support and community amongst his peers, as well as work with various organizations on and off-campus to have cross-school events. Biography In Progress The Director of Data Collection and Assessment shall assist in designing robust and statistically sound survey tools for collecting quantitative and qualitative input from graduate and professional students. Biography Hi! I’m Dev Gandhi, a Master’s student at School of Information and Library Science specializing in data science and analytics. As Director of Data Collection & Assessment, I help transform graduate and professional student perspectives into actionable insights that guide GPSG’s advocacy and campus-wide initiatives. My work focuses on analyzing trends in student well-being, academic life, and emerging technologies like AI, helping ensure that every graduate and professional student’s experience is represented in decision-making across campus. Outside of GPSG, I’ve worked in applied AI, data engineering, and analytics. I’m passionate about using data to make systems more transparent and human-centered. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me playing soccer, training in mixed martial arts, or just spending time outdoors enjoying the sun. The Director of Communications shall assist the Vice President for Communications with the communication and public relations activities for GPSG, including maintaining social media platforms and publishing the bi-monthly GPSG Newsletter. Biography Kaitlyn Barker (she/her) is a student in the Master’s in Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship program. She earned her BA in Elementary Education and Spanish from Randolph-Macon College. She is passionate about using technology to bridge opportunity and achievement gaps, ensuring that all learners have access to meaningful and inclusive educational experiences. As Director of Communications, I look forward to bridging the communication gap between graduate students and GPSG by creating engaging digital content that helps students stay informed and involved. When she’s not working, Kaitlyn likes to attend UNC sporting events, spend time with her friends, and try new hobbies. All minutes can be found at the GPSG archives.
Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) Neil Sharma
The Director of Academic Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to University academic policies, graduate and professional degree requirements, and educational resources.
Director of Health and Wellness (DHW) Sam Schild
The Director of Health and Wellness shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to personal health and wellbeing of graduate and professional students and their dependents.
Director of Employment Affairs (DEA) Vacant
The Director of Employment Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to graduate and professional student employment as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and other university positions.
Director of Local Relations (DLR) Vacant
Director of State and Federal Relations (DSFR) Hannah Friedman
Director of Advocacy (DA) Carmen Martin
The Director of Advocacy shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy on behalf of currently and historically marginalized student populations.
Director of Community Engagement (DCE) Josh Bream
Director of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Vacant
The Director of Environmental Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Director of Data Collection and Assessment (DDCA) Dev Gandhi
Director of Communications (DC) Kaitlyn Barker
Minutes and Documents