Joe Dust, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL – American University
Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience PhD – College of Arts and Sciences

Joe Dust is currently a doctoral student in the Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience PhD program at AU. Before diving into the academic world, he worked as an MRI technician at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he is originally from. Joe also worked with the developmentally disabled population as a Behavior Technician, where he implemented behavioral therapy and community integration to improve social skills and quality of life. His passion for working with underprivileged youth and adults has carefully woven into his research questions about social learning in the brain, which has brought him halfway across the country to work with Dr. Catherine Stoodley!

Once a radio host at Mizzou’s college radio station KCOU, Joe is a bedroom DJ and music-making dilettante hoping to break out in the DC underground. He is also a cat dad to Meeko, loves exploring DC via ebike, and discovering new outdoor activities in the DMV area. On the off-chance that there’s some free time, he also likes to play retro games/boardgames and read Sci Fi, post-apocalyptic, and horror novels.

Joe is looking forward to blending what he knows and loves about the positive impact of community engagement into his new role as the Director of Programming & Events. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any feedback or suggestions!

Adam Ropizar, PRESIDENT
GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL – School of International Service
Email:  ausisgsc@gmail.com   

Adam Ropizar (he | they) is a human rights activist and researcher. They are completing their master’s degree in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights at the School of International Service (SIS) while serving as the President of the Graduate Student Council. Adam is a Senior Fellow & recipient of the “Untold Stories | Forgotten Places of Memory” research grant with Humanity in Action. Their research focus is the ethics of international human rights regimes & the impacts of communal collective memory. In their second semester at SIS, they were awarded the Charles O. and Margaret Lerche Travel Award to support their research in Haiti surrounding the present-day ramifications of the Duvalier Regime and the impacts upon differing social groups. Adam currently works with Maven Leadership Collective, serving as their Research & Logistics Lead. They are also the Founder & Executive Director of Evolve Campus, a 501(c)(3) social impact organization based in Florida working to radically redefine what sexual violence prevention curriculum looks like to be more inclusive of queer & trans students.

Owen Kathcart, VICE PRESIDENT OF MANAGEMENT
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL – American University
School of Communication  – Master of Political Communication

Owen Kathcart is excited to be taking on the Vice President of Management role for the Graduate Leadership Council at American University.

Owen is currently earning a Master of Political Communication at American University’s School of Communication. He obtained his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas in 2021 where he volunteered as a student and peer mentor for incoming freshman students until his graduation. With a passion for advocacy and a desire for service, the role of Vice President of Management became an exciting opportunity.

In his tenure as an undergraduate student, his dedication to leadership and public service furthered when he began volunteering with the Arkansas Academy for Public Service. It was the Academy’s student-led civic engagement program that sparked Owen’s interest in the intersection of public policy, political communications, and state and federal politics.

When not in school, you can catch Owen enjoying the city life in D.C., traveling home to visit his family, at the park with his dog, Malachi, or just hanging with his friends at his house. Owen’s favorite thing to do is talk – so don’t hesitate to stop and say hey!

Trevaughn Smith, PRESIDENT
GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL – School of Public Affairs
Email: au.spa.gsc@gmail.com

Trevaughn Smith (he/him) is passionate about utilizing his leadership ability and problem-solving skills to better represent graduate students at the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Currently, Trevaughn is earning a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in Cyber Policy and Management. He obtained a B.A. in Political Science and Computer Science from Hartwick College, graduating cum laude and with departmental distinction. Adept at wielding data to inform day-to-day decisions, Trevaughn currently works at Middle Seat – a full-service digital firm working exclusively with progressive candidates and causes – as their Social Media & Texting Coordinator.

In his free time, Trevaughn is a published portrait photographer who eagerly captures important moments for all to enjoy.

Joel Denicoff, INTERIM GBA PRESIDENT
GRADUATE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION – Kogod School of Business
Email: gbaclubkogod@gmail.com

Meet Joel – a current full-time MBA student in the Kogod School of Business from Potomac, Maryland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Indiana University in 2016. Upon graduation, he worked for six years at Macy’s corporate headquarters in New York City in various planning and digital roles. Joel possesses great leadership and presentation skills. He conducted the Macy’s Trend Curve presentation to 200 employees on upcoming business initiatives and market trends. Joel has a passion for statistics, research, and using data analytics to solve business problems. One of his favorite courses is Applied Managerial Statistics with Professor Wasil, where he loses sleep in hopes to become the Goldfish Champion (IYKYK).

In his free time, he enjoys playing and coaching basketball, training for triathlons, and perfecting his secret grilled cheese recipe. Having grown up in the greater DC area, he is known for being a “DC Tour Guide” to his MBA cohort while organizing his classmates to visit The Hirshhorn Museum, The National Arboretum, and losing their voices at a Washington Wizards game. He is thrilled to serve as the GBA Interim President!

Kyle Ta-ay, VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL – American University
Master in International Affairs: Global Governance, Politics, and Security – SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Kyle is a Master’s candidate in International Affairs: Global Governance, Politics, and Security (GGPS) concentrating in Global Governance at the School of International Service. Kyle received his Bachelor’s in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. He also serves the community of international students at American University through his role as Student Staff Advisor at the International Student and Scholar Services. He is a Program Ambassador for the GGPS program and serves as Program Coordinator for the ASEAN Studies Initiative under Ambassador Piper Campbell.

Kyle has extensive experience in the executive branch of government having served in three government agencies (the Department of Labor, the Department of Trade, and the Department of Tourism) with his most recent role as the Executive Assistant to the Philippine Secretary of Tourism. He concurrently serves as Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer for a tech startup providing micromobility solutions in the Philippines. He was a Program Intern for the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu, Hawai’i in 2017 and is a member of the Young Leaders Program 2019 cohort. 

Kyle’s interests include maritime security, international trade and economics, financial integration, climate change, and international organizations. In his free time, he likes exploring new places and is always up for adventures.

As the GLC’s Vice President of Finance, he aims to promote efficiency, accessibility, inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability in the management of the graduate community’s finances.

Feel free to reach out for any questions or just to say hi!

Samantha Noland, GLC PRESIDENT
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL – American University
School of Communication- Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts

Samantha Noland (she/hers) is pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film and Media Arts in the School of Communication. She wishes to make films that will change the world. At AU, she sings in the AU Chorus and holds a Graduate Assistant position, working for a Professor. She is excited to be the new GLC (Graduate Leadership Council) President. 

Samantha received her undergraduate Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree from Cornell University’ College of Arts and Sciences, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in Performing and Media Arts and American Studies. Prior to college, she graduated with highest honors from The Holton-Arms School where she now serves on the Alumnae Board. She has worked for numerous non-profits such as Running Start which trains young women to run for political office, the Jewish Democratic Council of America, and the American Jewish Committee. In addition, she has interned on Capitol Hill with Senator Van Hollen and has an extensive theater background, having trained at Arena Stage and Imagination Stage. 

She is from Silver Spring, MD where she currently resides with her parents and cat, Zohar. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys making and eating healthy plant based food, swimming, and posting updates on Instagram. Follow her @samanthalnoland !