Student Advisory Board
CIRCLE Student Advisory Board (SAB) is an international student committee that offers guidance to CIRCLE’s professional staff on dealing with the unique needs of the international students at the University of Washington. The principles of the board center around the engagement and advocacy for international student interests at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus by:
- Consulting and engaging with CIRCLE staff to provide student perspectives and input on programs and initiatives related to international students on Seattle campus.
- Rendering and formalizing international student opinions on topics of interest to the international student body to impact University Administration, influencing policy and direction of campus affairs.
- Providing and advocating for a space and environment for international students to partake in the administrative and legislative processes of the University, and increase international student representation at critical campus affairs discussions.
- Taking initiatives to enhance international student experiences and to promote student success.
Meet our 2024-2025 Board Members
Meet Our People
Chentao Cui
Major: Master of Communication in Digital Media
City, Country: Kunming, China
Fun Fact: I am a father of a two-year-old boy, I am really good at changing diapers.
While being a journalist in China for a long time, I’m starting a new life here with my family. I want to share my experiences, both academic and personal, to help more international students in the UW community.
Chloe Li
Major: International Studies
City, Country: Irvine, California / Zibo, China
Fun Fact: I have a super cute kitty named Molly!
I joined CIRCLE SAB because I love meeting cool people from different cultures and hearing fresh perspectives!! It felt like the perfect place to grow as a leader and be part of something bigger—bringing people together worldwide! If you see me on campus, come say hi or catch up—I’d love to chat!
Antares Yuan
Major: Human Centered Design & Engineering (intended)
City, Country: Beijing, China
Fun Fact: I love spicy food.
My experience facing many difficulties during my freshman year as an international student inspired me want to help other international students going through similar situations. I am currently working on the funding project for SAB!
Jack Tan
Major: Psychology
Country: China
Fun Fact: I completed my high school education in Thailand, even though I am from China, and I can speak three languages. I also love having late-night parties with friends!
I am currently on the recruitment team of the CIRCLE SAB. I would like to contribute to our large and vibrant international community by seeking more benefits for our community and promoting greater diversity!
Zoe Huang
Major: Informatics
Minor: Music
City, Country: Harbin❄️(known as the Ice City), China
Fun Fact: One of the reasons I chose UW is because my favorite color is purple.💜
I joined CIRCLE SAB to advocate for the international student community and contribute to initiatives that support and empower international students at UW. I am currently part of the funding project, working to secure resources for future events and initiatives.
Kexin Ding
Major: Law, Societies & Justice
City, Country: Beijing, China
Fun Fact: I tested 100% introverted for MBTI for three times.
I joined the CIRCLE SAB to make a meaningful impact on campus. I was drawn to its mission of engaging and advocating for international student interests. By joining the CIRCLE SAB, I hope to enhance international student experiences and promote student success. As a member of the SAB, I look forward to fostering lasting personal connections and creating a sense of belonging for international students at UW.
Thao Nguyen
Major: Informatics
City, Country: Hanoi, Vietnam
Fun Fact: Sometimes my eyes are open while I sleep.
I attended many CIRCLE events last year, which I found really interesting and a great way to connect with new friends. Therefore, I want to join CIRCLE to contribute and learn more soft skills. I am involved in the funding project.
Selena Liu
Major: Human-Centered Design & Engineering
City, Country: Beijing, China
Fun Fact: I’m a FIG leader!
I’m a sophomore at UW in the College of Engineering! I love to dance and cook Chinese food. I joined CIRCLE because I wanted to contribute to the international student community. I’m part of the event planning group and we will bring you many interesting activities!
Damini Sheth
Major: Master’s in Human-Centered Design & Engineering
City, Country: Mumbai, India
Fun Fact: I can read and write in Arabic but can’t speak it!
I am pursuing an MS in Human-Centered Design & Engineering at UW. With four years of experience as a Software Engineer and Product Owner, my passion for behavioral science led me to UX. Living in various countries has given me a deep appreciation for inclusion and representation, inspiring me to join CIRCLE. As part of the recruitment team, I am excited to meet new people and support diversity and inclusion. I enjoy playing sports (any kind, though not always well) 🤾♀️, exploring nature 🌄, and savoring Chai 🫖
Kashyap Khandelwal
Major: Information Management
City, Country: Delhi, India
Fun Fact: I hitch-hiked from Langley (Whidbey) to Seattle in March.
I am a second-year Master’s in Information Management from Delhi, India. I joined CIRCLE because I enjoy creating a community and helping international students make their lives easier. I like taking walks and spending hours exploring things to do in Seattle, even if I don’t alays follow through.
Judy Machuka
Major: MPH (Global Health)
Country: Kenya
Fun Fact: I swim, hike, play tennis, and guitar.
I am interested in the CIRCLE SAB because I received guidance on financial support for my MPH at UW. I am passionate about leadership and advocating for international students at UW. I have honed these skills as a parent, teaching assistant, and election committee member of UAW 4121. My teamwork experience includes serving on the School of Public Health Dean’s Advisory Board for Students (DACS) and a Community Advisory Board (CAB) in Kenya, where I collaborated on health-promoting solutions. My values align with CIRCLE’s respect, equity, and initiative principles. With my background in education and counseling, I aim to support CIRCLE’s efforts. I am committed to advocating for international students on issues like financial support for education, childcare, professional development, and employment opportunities. In the SAB, I serve as a GPSS and ASUW project member.
Eric Zhang
Major: Computer Science
Country: China
Fun Fact: I start talking about my belief that the earth is flat when I get tired of arguing with people.
I joined CIRCLE because, despite the school’s 150- year history (if my math is correct), there are still many areas where student life can be improved, such as inclusive food and housing. I decided to join to see if I could make a difference. I am now part of the SAB Voice project.
Aiying Huang
Major: Biochemistry and Public Health-Global Health
Country: China
Fun Fact: I like baking and cooking!
I joined CIRCLE because I am interested in contributing to the community and improving international students’ experiences. I am currently in the funding project to research secure recourses that could support initiatives fostering inclusivity, and cultural integration.
Cissy Dai
Major: Drama, Design
City, Country: Beijing, China
Fun Fact: I always use chopsticks the wrong way.
I love traveling and being a foodie. I’m excited to meet people from all over the world and make connections. I’m now part of the SAB Voice project.
Anusriya Rahman Ornie
Major: Bioengineering
City, Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Fun Fact: Even though I am allergic to cats, I still have one. Hehe.
Driven by my own experiences as an international student, I joined CIRCLE to create a smoother, more supportive environment for others navigating similar challenges. Committed to making a difference, I serve as the ASUW liaison, actively engaging with university bodies to advocate for policies that truly support international students. Through my roles in various student organizations, like the Bangladeshi Students Association and SEBA, I have honed my skills in fostering community and championing inclusivity. I am determined to ensure that no international student feels alone or unsupported during their time at UW.
Jood Almokharrak
Major: Oceanography
Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fun Fact: I love music and crocheting!
I joined CIRCLE during my freshman year to connect with other international students and find a supportive community on campus. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in various projects and programs, helping foster a sense of belonging for international students. As part of the CIRCLE SAB, I serve as the ASUW Senate Liaison, advocating for the needs and interests of international students within the university’s student government.
Ayo FemiOsinubi
Major: Masters in Health Administration
City, Country: Ogun, Nigeria
Fun Fact: I enjoy listening to and dancing to Afrobeats as well as cooking.
I joined CIRCLE to help international students navigate campus life and Washington State. I serve in the event support project group.
Nidhi Jain
Major: Landscape Architecture
City, Country: Mumbai, India
Fun Fact: My dark jokes will hurt everyone but also love to be humourous!
Explorer( not dora), always curious to learn about many things and always want to help the world to become a better place! I was part of this board last year as well, and I liked how the diversity of people and how we all can vocalise our opinions and feel safe in the group, which is why I am part of SAB!
Past SAB Members
Riffat Ara Shawon | Bangladesh, Ph.D. Student
Manya Oswal | India, Undergraduate Student
Nidhi Jain | India, Master’s Student
Selena Liu | China, Undergraduate Student
Chithira Unnikrishnan Melambat Kalappurayil | India, Master’s student
Zoe Huang | China, Undergraduate Student
Vy Nguyen | Vietnam, Master’s Student
Tianxin Zhang | China, Undergraduate Student
Ruyan Li | China, Undergraduate Student
Anusriya Rahman Ornie | Bangladesh, Undergraduate Student
Jood Almokharrak | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Undergraduate Student
Jove Pendapotan | Indonesia, Undergraduate Student
Dev Gandhi | India, Undergraduate Student
Anushka Kelkar | India, Master’s Student
Susie Zhang | China, Master’s Student
Shah Asraff Khan Mohamed Bakhash | Singapore, Undergraduate Student
Benjamin Chan | Singapore, Fifth-year Undergraduate
Claudia Gutiérrez | Colombia, Third-year PhD
Rahik Ruhin | Bangladesh, Junior
Shengruo Zhang | China, First-year PhD
Avrum Leung | Hong Kong, Senior
Nibedita Paul | India, First-year Master’s
Stephanie Oshikiri | Japan, Junior
Alex Kuo | Taiwan, First-year, Master’s
Xiyu (Olivia) Yan | China, Junior
Shubhangi Bansal | India, Senior
Aditya Thakur | India, Sophomore
Ching Yee Fung | Hong Kong, Sophomore
Claudia Gutiérrez | Colombia, Second-year PhD
Hanna Choi | South Korea, First-year
Heyang Dai | China, Junior
Jade Liang | China, Junior
Nicolas Matthew Suhardi | Indonesia, Sophomore
Peixin Yang | China, Master’s
Rahik Ruhin | Bangladesh, Sophomore
Rinka Tonsho | Japan, Sophomore
Rituraj Sohoni | Japan/India, Sophomore
Shengruo Zhang | China, Master’s
Vic Bulbon | Thailand, First-year
Dean Dai | China, Sophomore
Diya Sairindhri Das | India, Junior
Erik Solhaug | Norway, Sophomore
Himeno Hashimoto | Japan, First Year
Morris Chang | Taiwan, Senior
Nicolas Matthew Suhardi | Indonesia, First Year
Rituraj Sohoni | India/Japan, Junior
Shubhangi Bansal | India, Junior 
Tina Feng | China, Sophomore 
Ziva Xu | China, Senior
The Student Advisory Board is proudly funded by the Services and Activities Fee (SAF), a student-levied fund designed to enhance the out-of-class experience for students at the University of Washington. SAF supports a wide range of programs and services that promote students’ cultural, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being. Through this funding, we’re able to offer ongoing support and amplify students’ voices.