GSAS Community Fellows have the mission to develop community within the Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences specifically for underrepresented students.

Our Mission

The Community Fellows have the mission to develop community within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences specifically for underrepresented students. Working with the GSAS Dean’s Office and other leadership on campus, the fellows will work to create diversity and inclusion initiatives that will meet the needs of current students and lay a foundation for a continuum of community building.

Learn More about Becoming a Fellow

Meet the 2023-2024 Fellows

Marya Mahmood

Marya Mahmood (they/them/theirs)

I am a queer, Muslim, POC and a first-generation American and college/graduate student. I am in my second year of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Master's program at Tufts. Prior to this I was a History and Gender Studies High School teacher, and I studied History, Gender Studies, Secondary and Special Education at Seton Hall University. 

My personal experiences have fueled my passion for justice and DEIJ work, specifically working with BIPOC FGLI students. The world around us is full of systematic injustice and inequality, and I watched and experienced it growing up. My parents were unable to go to school and have always stressed the importance of education. I realized education was the key to working against the inequalities we were experiencing every day. Because of my experiences, I dedicate my life to fighting oppression and want to make the world a better place. I love community care and restorative justice practices, as well as facilitating conversations that help people understand DEIJ concepts. I am excited to spend my life advocating for marginalized folks, as I hope to work in education increasing access, equity, justice, and community. 

My personal interests include making art (whether its painting, jewelry, crafting, etc.!) taking care of my 100+ houseplants, riding my motorcycle, critically analyzing TV and movies, and being the best sibling I can be to my 3 brothers! 

Amarachi Osuji

Amarachi Osuji (she/her/hers)

I am a third year international graduate student working towards my PhD in Chemistry. Before studying at Tufts, I graduated from the University of Debrecen, Hungary with a  Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.

As a Community Fellow, my primary interest is in fostering a sense of community, inclusion and belonging among underrepresented individuals at Tufts, with a focus on international students like myself. I have previously served as a mentor to international graduate students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, providing much needed support as they transition into this new world of graduate school. 

I thoroughly enjoy traveling, watching true crime shows and listening to podcasts while I work in lab.

Get Involved

Zainab Johnson

Fostering Belonging Among Graduate Students

Two master’s candidates work to build an inclusive community for students of color and underrepresented students at GSAS

Read the full article