Executive Council

Diweng is a French PhD Candidate at the University of Alabama in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics. She is from Plateau State in Nigeria. She completed her BA from the University of Jos and her master’s in French studies from the University of Ibadan, all in Nigeria. Diweng is passionate about poetry and migration writings; her research is on how Burkina Faso female writers and filmmakers are shaping public perception of immigration and insecurity. She is the founder of Femigritude Literary Lab (FLL), a free writing initiative that encourages young girls to write in Burkina Faso. Diweng loves to write short stories and poetry, and she also loves to swim.

Saketh is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama, where he also completed his master’s thesis in summer 2025. As a Graduate Research Assistant with the Alabama Initiative on Manufacturing Development and Education (Alabama IMaDE), his research focuses on industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.

Saketh previously served as the Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), where he advanced the organization’s mission by expanding access to resources, strengthening support for student organizations, and broadening opportunities for student-driven academic, professional, and community engagement across campus. He developed and operationalized the GSA-FAC Funding Initiative, designing the funding guidelines, eligibility standards, and governance framework that support its operations. He also founded the Financial Affairs Committee (GSA-FAC) to administer the program, leading the full funding process from proposal review through reimbursement oversight and serving as the primary point of contact for all applicant organizations. The initiative proved a tremendous success in 2025–2026: under his leadership, funding support expanded significantly across the campus community, establishing a sustainable financial governance model that now supports programming benefiting thousands of students across the university.

Beyond the GSA, Saketh has been deeply engaged in campus life. He served two consecutive years on the executive board of the Indian Student Association of Tuscaloosa and three consecutive terms as a senator in the Student Government Association. He was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and has contributed as a member of the House of Delegates – Student Experience Committee. Outside of academics, he is passionate about cars and technology and enjoys playing racket sports.

Lizzette is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology, where she studies the Archaeology of Complex Societies of the Americas.

Romit is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Abiodun Wahab is a Ph.D. student in Advanced Drug Delivery in the Department of Translational Science and Medicine. With a background as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s degree in Theriogenology, Abiodun brings a global, interdisciplinary perspective to her work at the intersection of pharmaceutical sciences, toxicology, and public health.

As the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Graduate Student Association (GSA), she advocates for academic excellence, mentorship, and collaborative scholarly engagement among graduate students. Her passion for student success and international representation is evident in her previous leadership as President of the International Student Association (ISA) and her service as a Graduate Student Ambassador.

A fierce advocate for community and collaboration, Abiodun also holds a leadership role on the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC), where she serves as a mentor-leader in the Global Tide Mentorship program. She is also a member of the House of Delegates in the UA Graduate Student Council, where she helps shape graduate student policies and advocates for student interests.

Adeyinka Olaseinde is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geological Sciences. His current research focuses on water resources for AI infrastructure expansion by integrating hydrology, geospatial data, and AI-driven analysis.

As the Vice President of Opportunities, Connections, and Success for the Graduate Student Association, Adeyinka is committed to fostering graduate student engagement, mentorship, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across campus. He is passionate about building meaningful connections among graduate students and creating opportunities that support academic, professional, and personal growth.

Outside of academics and leadership, Adeyinka enjoys mentoring students, community engagement, networking, and exploring innovative applications of technology in Earth and environmental sciences.

Husnain Riaz is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biology at the University of Alabama, where his research focuses on epilepsy and advancing the understanding of neurological disorders. With a strong commitment to both scientific inquiry and community engagement, Husnain has combined his academic pursuits with active leadership across campus.

Throughout his time at the University of Alabama, Husnain has served as President of the Pakistani Student Association (PSA), Outreach Officer for the Biology Graduate Student Association (BGSA), and as a member of the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC), contributing to student advocacy, cultural engagement, and outreach initiatives. His involvement reflects his dedication to fostering inclusive communities and creating meaningful connections among students from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond the laboratory and campus leadership, Husnain values balance through personal interests such as hiking, playing badminton, and cooking. These passions reflect his appreciation for exploration, wellness, and creativity. Whether in research, leadership, or personal pursuits, Husnain is driven by curiosity, service, and a desire to make a positive impact both within and beyond academia.

Qudus Ayinde Adebayo is a doctoral candidate in the Composition, Rhetoric, and English Studies program within the Department of English. His campus involvements include serving as Public Relations Officer for the African Student Association (ASA), Liaison Officer for the International Students Association (ISA), and Communications Officer for The University of Alabama Languages Conference. He currently works as an Assistant Director at The University of Alabama Writing Center.

The 2026-2027 academic year marks his second tenure as the Vice President of Public Relations on the GSA Executive Council (EC). In this role, Qudus is dedicated to enhancing communication and outreach, improving student collaborations, and highlighting the diverse experiences of graduate students. He is committed to building a strong graduate student community and responding to feedback with purpose and care. If you have any suggestions, proposals, or collaboration opportunities vis-à-vis GSA marketing and publicity, please do not hesitate to reach out to Qudus and the EC via email.