About / Committee
Here you can meet the MCR Committee and get to know a little about them and their responsibilities, along with their email addresses for contacting them. You can get in touch with all of us at once by emailing caths-mcr-committee@lists.cam.ac.uk.
You can view the minutes of all our committee meetings here.
View the MCR Constitution here.
Co-President <mcr.president@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hey! I'm Sam your Co-President for 2023-24.
I'm currently in my 4th year of my PhD in Astronomy focusing on the history and structure of the Milky Way using the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, a field which we call Galactic Archaeology.
Last year I was Formal Hall Officer and I've been with the College since 2020 so I've spent quite a bit of time here. So if you have any questions about Catz or about Cambridge as a city or university don't hesitate.
As Co-President I'll be working with Praharsh and College to make sure as many of you have a fantastic year. Representing our postgraduate community and sure our views are heard. So if you have any questions about the MCR or any issues please do email me or if you see me in person say hi and ask then.
Looking forward to seeing everyone this year!
Preferred pronoun: He/Him
Co-President <mcr.president@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hi everyone!
My name is Praharsh. I'm a final year year medical student here at Catz and your MCR Co-President.
I feel lucky to have been at Catz for 5 years now, it's been amazing to be part such of a strong and welcoming college community. My goal is to try to make sure your student experience at Catz, fun, supportive and memorable.
Last year I was your MCR accommodations officer; a role which taught me key skills and allowed me to develop a good working relationship with the college which I hope to utilise in my new role.
My role this year is to represent the views of postgraduate in meetings with the college, to push for the changes you would like to see and to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. (mcr.president@caths.cam.ac.uk)
Preferred pronoun: He/Him
Secretary <mcr.secretary@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hello there!
My name is Paula Teeuwen. Currently, I am in the second year of my PhD in Chemistry, where I am focusing on metal organic cages. These are self-assembled materials in the shape of polyhedra. Alongside the PhD I teach undergraduates by demonstrating lab courses, supervising taught courses and supervising part III students / interns.
I love speed- and inline skating, however this is a bit difficult to do in the UK. Therefore, I am enjoying rowing at our boatclub and running instead. Besides that, I am a member of the Dutch Society, of which I am in the committee this year.
I joined St Catharine's College last year and I have loved my time here ever since. This year I am representing our postgraduate students as MCR Secretary. As the secretary I will prepare agendas and keep minutes of the MCR committee and open meetings. Besides that, I circulate our weekly newsletter to keep our members up-to-date about events, news or other relevant information.
Preferred pronoun: She/Her
Treasurer <mcr.treasurer@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hi there! I'm Samuel, computer science PhD candidate and MCR treasurer. When I'm not working on our budgets and spreadsheets, liasing with the college, and doing my PhD on the side, you can find me playing percussion with the Gilbert and Sullivan society and at the occasional pub quiz.
Preferred pronoun: he/him
Welfare Officer <mcr.welfare@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hello there!
I'm thrilled to introduce myself as William, an enthusiastic MPhil student delving into the fascinating realm of Medical Science with a specialisation in Psychiatry.
In my role as the MCR Welfare Officer, my mission is to infuse a vibrant spirit of health and wellbeing throughout the Catz postgraduate community. Additionally, I'm here to offer "office hours," which is where you can confide in a compassionate listener in a completely confidential setting.
Brace yourself for an array of termly wellbeing extravaganzas, including arts + crafts nights, enchanting tea parties, rejuvenating mindfulness sessions, and more!
Your questions, ideas, and thoughts – they're all welcome in my inbox. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need; I'm committed to providing you with my utmost support in any way possible.
Preferred pronoun: He/Him
Formal Hall Officer <mcr.formalhall@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hi everyone, I'm Tanja, your Formal Hall Officer. In my spare time I'm a PhD student in Clinical Neurosciences, using MRI and machine learning to make a prognosis for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at formals and I'll do my best to come up with exciting themes. If you have any suggestions/wishes for themes, swaps etc., don't hesitate to get in touch (I'm very approachable even when my face doesn't look like it)! Likewise do contact me if you have questions about the rules - how to bring guests, dresscode, drinks...
Preferred pronoun: she/her
Computer Officer <mcr.computing@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hello! I'm a PhD student in biostatistics working in statistical genetics, in particular as relates to primary immunodeficiencies and coheritability. I moonlight as the MCR computing officer and the second oldest rower in the boat club.
Food and Drink Officer <mcr.fooddrink@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hi, I am Jessica, a second year PhD student in developmental psychology at the Centre for Family Research.
I’ll be your food & drinks officer this year and make sure you will be able to get your daily coffee from the MCR! On top of that I will be working together with catering on the food in the dining hall and let’s not forget about the Catz bar where we will be organising themed bar evenings and bops (with drinks that are half the price of in the pub!). If you have any suggestions regarding the food or the bar or questions, please let me know!
LGBTQ+ Officer <mcr.lgbtq@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hi everyone! My name is Yorgos and I am your LGBTQ+ officer. I'm a 2nd-year PhD student and my research focuses on how animated films can become more inclusive and progressive in their representations of gender and sexuality. Therefore, I am undeniably the most qualified person in the committee when it comes to having a debate about Shrek or singing a Disney duet.
Apart from these very important matters, I am also responsible for the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community at Catz. I hope that through this role I will be a stable point of reference and support for the LGBTQIA+ members of our college. My aspiration is to create a close-knit community where everyone feels welcome, proud, safe and free to express their beautiful selves.
I am also hoping to create regular events, ranging from an LGBTQ+ history month formal to more casual socials. Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, issues that you'd like to raise, need support, or have any ideas about events you'd like to share.
Preferred pronoun: he/him
Accommodation Officer <mcr.accommodation@caths.cam.ac.uk>
Hello!
I'm Anna, the accommodations officer on the MCR this year. This is my 2nd year here at catz during my PhD in biology. My project looks at the role of an enzyme in antibody production in B cells.
Please do send me an email or message (you can find me in the freshers and PhD WhatsApp groups) if you have any questions/suggestions/qualms about accommodation or anything you would like to discuss with a committee member. I'm always happy to have a chat or lend an ear!
I hope everyone has a great year!
Preferred pronoun: she/they
BAME Officer <knl25@cam.ac.uk>
Hi all! I'm Kim (he/she/they), your Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) Officer!
I'm a third year PhD student in Pathology and I am looking at the genetic risk of coealic disease. I hope to lend you an ear and support you throughout your time at Catz. We will have monthly meet-ups where you can share your joy and vent your feelings in a safe environment. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to discuss anything!
Preferred pronoun: she/he/they