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2025 Nominees

Bethany Berry

T.H. Chan School of Medicine & Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

MD/PhD, 2026

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

I am a 7th year MD/PhD student and former 2022-23 Student Trustee. I would like to serve as the Student Trustee because I want to advocate for students. In my time at UMass Chan, I have advocated for reforms such as free printing in the library, free UWorld subscriptions, and increased representation. I have navigated working at two separate campuses with my PURCH group. I have gone through the process of finding a thesis lab, and I have an understanding of the resources available to students as well as the barriers that can arise in the laboratory setting. During my previous tenure as student trustee, I served vital roles leading the Student Government Alliance, working with students from public colleges and universities across MA on the statewide student advisory council, advocating for our students during talks to negotiate our health insurance, and as an active member of the UMass Committees on Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, and Audit & Risk.
I fully understand the immense commitment this position demands, and I believe that now, more than ever, we need strong advocates to protect the interests of our students. I have a track record of advocating for SOM, GSBS, GSN, and MD/PhD students, as well as our fellow UMass and public institution students across the state. I am extremely passionate about making our institution a better place for students in all schools and all programs, and I would love the opportunity to continue that as the student trustee.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

1. I would love to advocate for money for students. I began this advocacy previously and would love the opportunity to continue this work. I would like to see increased, equitable funding for student groups across all three schools. I would advocate for increases in benefits and resources available to students including health and dental insurance, child care services, reliable Wi-Fi, exam prep materials, scholarships, and grant writing assistance. The Chan gift has provided our institution with an unbelievable opportunity, and I would like to work with as many students as possible from all three schools to make changes that will be beneficial and long lasting.

2. I would like to put together a student-led reporting service for the adverse treatment of learners. I would collect an anonymous, informal record of adverse events where students have the option of releasing details after their studies are complete or at a time of their choosing. I want students to feel empowered to report adverse treatment without fear of retaliation.

3. I want to improve communication between the schools and awareness of resources and opportunities available to students. I want to continue the work of the previous student trustees of compiling an up-to-date and comprehensive resource of student group activities and opportunities. I would also like to review the current communication practices and work to ensure that students are notified of important information in an effective and timely manner.

Rachel Fetterman

T.H. Chan School of Medicine, 2028

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

My name is Rachel Fetterman, and I am a first-year medical student in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. As a future physician, I strive to become an impactful and knowledgeable leader, worthy of the trust of my patients, their families, and the other members of the healthcare team. My background as a personal trainer, ROTC cadet, and now a House Representative for the Walden Learning Community has shown me that to lead, one must first listen. I aim to listen to the needs of the graduate students from all three schools so that I may then serve as our collective voice among the Board of Trustees.

As UMass Chan students, we are fortunate to belong to a community filled with dedicated and passionate individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, career goals, and strengths. And although there are many things that make our three schools unique, we have even more in common: a desire to become skilled scientists and healthcare providers, to improve upon the system we now belong to, and to enjoy our journeys and future careers. As the next generation of healthcare providers and scientists, we are in a unique position to bring about change, with fresh perspectives and ambitious goals. This is what makes our voices vitally important as we progress through our training. Serving as the Student Trustee would allow me the opportunity to focus on ensuring student priorities and values are heard as we navigate this rapidly-changing landscape together.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

My goals focus primarily on increasing interconnectedness across the large UMass communities to foster a stronger sense of closeness and belonging.

During this challenging era, I seek to enhance connections across the graduate schools, fields, and cultures here at UMass Chan by focusing on supporting our international community. As a research associate at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, I created a Thanksgiving exchange program where members of the Broad hosting dinner could volunteer to host colleagues far from home. Not only did folks from across the country benefit from this program, but so did many from around the world! I hope to bring similar initiatives and events to UMass Chan.
Additionally, impactful mentorship played a large role in my journey to medical school, as it did for many of us. I believe we can pay this mentorship forward and enhance connection to the other UMass campuses by creating a formal mentorship program. I aim to connect volunteers from UMass Chan with undergraduate students from the other campuses seeking a career in healthcare or science.
Lastly, as Student Trustee, my most important goal would be remaining connected to students from each of the graduate schools. Through the Student Government Alliance and by consistently creating opportunities and forums for student thoughts to be heard and shared, I hope to serve as an accessible resource for effective communication with the highest level of our university’s leadership.

Haley A Neff

T.H. Chan School of Medicine, 2027

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

It would be incredibly rewarding to advocate on behalf of graduate students at UMass in a formal political body. In high school and college I was involved in Model UN and studied political science, where my interest in advocacy and legislation grew. I also have previously participated in meetings with the State Department and State Representative Kate Hogan in High School to save a local EMT program that operated under a special project waiver. It would be an honor to practice the skills of public speaking, building relations, compromising, respectful debate, and advocacy as a medical student in the Student Trustee role. I am motivated to apply because I will be in Boston in a partially remote research fellowship next year, and will have flexibility to attend meetings, coordinate with graduate students and board members, attend emergency meetings, and thoroughly commit myself to this position. I am someone who dedicates 120% effort to any engagement and am confident that my schedule next year will allow me to serve at this level. For additional previous experience, I have served as secretary for a medical student organization (DIG), developed and lead a 2 week community health curriculum for fellow third year medical students, and have served as Vice President and Co-President of an additional student organization that hosts community-facing events in a variety of settings. I have significant experience coordinating with organizations, UMass faculty, and staff through these and additional research and community experiences. I am passionate about the student experience and am prepared to dutifully communicate student concerns and demands. I enjoy listening to others, solving problems through creative solutions and cooperation, and asking hard questions. If you were to ask my peers, they would say that I speak with passion and enthusiasm, as well as desire to understand other perspectives and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. I will easily take up other students' concerns as though they were my own personal concerns, and represent the collective students' desires faithfully. I look forward to engaging in meetings and further developing skills that will help prepare me to advocate further for population health in political settings.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

1. Faithfully represent the diverse viewpoints, priorities, and concerns of the UMass Chan Medical School community, as gathered by monthly SGA meetings and open surveys or feedback forum for all students.

2. Be a highly active member on the council -- work with SGA to determine voting positions, draft policy line items, and advocate on behalf of our school body, in meetings and behind the scene, with kind and meaningful communication. I overall hope to make meaningful relationships with other members of the board, and help draft policy, to fully immerse myself in the position and make a large impact as a student.

3. Provide transparent and thorough documentation and communication - I plan to take diligent notes and analysis of meetings in order to ensure students have all information necessary about the BOT meetings. This will also allow myself, with the help of SGA and student input, to determine action items for each new meeting and ensure adequate preparation for the next voting item or policy formulation.

Saylee (Timmy) Phongsamaphanh

Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, 2028

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

From a young age, I have understood the power of healthcare advocacy and the importance of accessible, patient-centered care. Born with a congenital heart defect, tetralogy of Fallot, I underwent two life-saving open-heart surgeries. These experiences not only fostered my deep appreciation for healthcare professionals but also instilled in me a passion for making a positive impact in the world. Healthcare allowed me to thrive beyond expectations, competing at college level wrestling and hiking mountains across the country. These experiences not only deepened my appreciation for healthcare but also solidified my commitment to serving others. As I pursue a career in medicine, I see the role of Student Trustee as an opportunity to extend that commitment by advocating for my peers at UMass Chan.

Throughout my journey in healthcare, I have held multiple leadership positions that have strengthened my communication, time management, and advocacy skills—all essential qualities for the role of Student Trustee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as a Clinical Team Lead for Advance Clinical at Brown University’s testing sites, where I managed patient flow for over 2,000 patients a day. I also trained and supervised new employees, ensuring that operations ran smoothly despite the high-pressure environment. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and collaboration in achieving common goals—skills that will be vital in representing my peers.

Additionally, I have served as a preceptor at Brown University Health Services, where I mentored and trained new medical assistants in both clinical and administrative duties. This role not only enhanced my leadership and teaching skills but also deepened my understanding of the complexities of healthcare administration and patient care for the students of Brown University.These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in leadership and have prepared me to serve as a capable and empathetic representative of the student body at UMass Chan.

Beyond these roles, my involvement in medical missions has fueled my passion for advocacy. During a mission to Haiti, I worked alongside a team to provide critical healthcare to an underserved community. I witnessed firsthand how access to healthcare can transform lives, which has only reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact. I will bring this same dedication to ensuring that UMass Chan students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

My experiences advocating for patients and serving diverse populations have equipped me with the skills to effectively represent UMass Chan students. I have worked as an EMT, medical assistant, and clinical leader during a global pandemic, which has given me a unique understanding of the challenges faced by students in healthcare-related fields. I am keenly aware of the pressures involved in pursuing a demanding academic program while also managing mental health and personal well-being. This firsthand knowledge drives my commitment to advocate for student wellness and ensure that UMass Chan remains a supportive and inclusive institution.

As a Student Trustee, I will be approachable and responsive, ensuring that I listen carefully to the needs of my peers. By fostering open communication channels, I will make sure that student concerns—whether related to academic policies, equity, or mental health—are raised in meetings with the Chancellor, Provost, and Board of Trustees. I will advocate tirelessly on behalf of the student body, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels of leadership.

My journey, shaped by both personal challenges and professional experiences, has made me resilient, empathetic, and driven. I know what it means to fight for access to quality healthcare and a strong support system, and I will bring that same dedication into every meeting, every conversation, and every decision as your Student Trustee.

Healthcare changed my life, and I want to pay that forward. As Student Trustee, I will be a tireless advocate, ensuring that every UMass Chan student has the support they need to thrive.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

1. Enhance Student Support Services:

As a Student Trustee, my primary focus will be to ensure that all students, regardless of background or academic level, have access to the resources they need. This includes academic support, mental health services, and career counseling. Many students face challenges balancing the rigors of academic life with personal well-being, and I will advocate for increased funding and greater visibility for these vital services. My goal is to alleviate stress and improve the overall student experience, ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to succeed.

2. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity:

Having grown up in a diverse family and worked as an advocate for underserved communities, I am keenly aware of the importance of inclusivity and representation. I will champion initiatives that promote cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within UMass Chan. I will advocate for more diverse voices in decision-making processes and ensure that students from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a more equitable learning space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

3. Strengthen Communication between Students and Leadership:

A key component of my role as a Student Trustee will be to serve as a bridge between students and university leadership. I will prioritize transparency, ensuring that students are informed about important decisions affecting their academic journeys and future careers. Through open forums, surveys, and regular communication, I will facilitate a dialogue between the student body and the administration. By making sure student concerns are brought to the attention of leadership, we can work together to improve the UMass Chan experience for all.

Matthew Segil

T.H. Chan School of Medicine

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

I believe my wide range of professional experiences and skills will make me an excellent fit for the role of Student Trustee. I intend to provide my fellow students with meaningful listening, effective advocacy, and responsible representation. My background as a classroom teacher and start-up director uniquely positions me for success in the role of Student Trustee for UMass Chan.

I began work as a 7th-grade science teacher in Springfield, MA as a recent college graduate. Teaching is hard! Much like in healthcare, teaching demands being fully present for the person in front of you while also anticipating what’s next. You need to be able to communicate equally well with a 12-year-old student and a 50-year-old parent.

After four years in the classroom, I switched gears and accepted a job as the first employee of a Cambridge-based education start-up: The Robo Hub. In my first few months on the job, I developed a week-long robotics curriculum, acted as a hiring manager, created and distributed marketing materials, and taught as a lead instructor. As director, I developed and maintained strong partnerships with institutions such as MIT and Cambridge Public Schools.

My work experience taught me that the heart of any conversation is this: everyone wants to feel heard. Most of us don’t listen if we don’t feel understood. That belief is what grounds my approach—and what I’ll carry with me as a Student Trustee.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

My top three goals as a Student Trustee are to:

1. Accurately understand and represent student viewpoints

2. Improve Communication Between Administration and Students

3. Aid in the restoration of our PhD program

My values of advocacy and representation are what bring me to apply for this role. My first goal is to listen carefully to student opinions and share these perspectives with the Board. I plan to conduct outreach, take organized notes, and synthesize what I learn into clear updates. I believe that good listening—paired with strong organization—leads to better outcomes for our community.

The second half of communication is keeping students informed. I envision short, clearly-written memos after each Board and SGA meeting that highlight key decisions, progress updates, and avenues to provide feedback. This kind of transparency builds trust and empowers students to engage actively in shaping our institution.

Finally, like many, I was concerned by the recent decision to rescind acceptances for next year’s incoming PhD class. UMass Chan’s research program—and our close connection to Nobel laureates—is a shared point of pride and a core part of our scholastic identity.

As the Medical School’s class treasurer, I understand some of the financial pressures behind this decision. Still, I believe the PhD program is essential to our mission as a national leader in science and innovation. I intend to do all I can to advocate for its reinstatement.

Lalai Shah

T.H. Chan School of Medicine, 2028

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

My name is Gulalai Shah, and I am a first-year medical student in the LEAD@Lahey track. Before medical school, I spent several years in rare disease research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and I’m currently involved in a multi-species immunodermatology research project. These experiences have shaped my passion for translational science and patient-centered care. As someone from a Pakistani background and a first-generation medical student, I also understand the power of representation and the importance of having diverse voices at decision-making tables.

Serving as Student Trustee is an opportunity to ensure students from all three schools—SOM, GSBS, and GSN—are not just heard, but actively supported in their academic, professional, and personal journeys. This summer, I’ll be participating in Lahey’s Lean Internship to study how healthcare systems can better support patients and trainees—a focus I’d love to bring into my work as a Trustee. I believe the student voice is essential in shaping a more inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking UMass Chan, and I’d be honored to represent it.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

Amplify Support for Student Research and Professional Development
I want to advocate for greater institutional support for student research initiatives, presentation funding, and access to grant-writing mentorship. As someone balancing clinical training with research, I know how vital these opportunities are for long-term success and competitiveness in residency and academic careers.
Increase Awareness and Access to Student Resources Amid Budget Constraints
In a time of shifting priorities and reduced funding across institutions, it’s more important than ever for students to be aware of the full range of resources already available to them. I want to take an active role in learning what supports—academic, financial, wellness, and professional—exist across our campus and clinical sites, and work to centralize and clearly communicate this information. Ensuring students can easily access what’s already in place is a cost-effective but high-impact way to support our community during uncertain times.
Improve Transparency and Communication Between Students and Leadership
I’d like to create streamlined channels (e.g., quarterly updates, open forums, anonymous feedback forms) to ensure that students are kept in the loop and feel empowered to raise concerns. Transparent dialogue builds trust—and trust strengthens our campus community.

Gretchen Weaver

Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Tell us about yourself and why you would like to serve as the Student Trustee for UMass Chan?

My name is Gretchen Weaver, and I am a third year PhD candidate in the Population and Health Sciences program within the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. My research centers on digital health, aging, and access to care within COVID-19 outpatient care. Similar to the motivations of my work, I hope to enhance the lives of the graduate student community by representing and advocating for their vested interests to the Board of Trustees. To me, service is exemplified by immersion of oneself in the experiences of others. Throughout my academic career, I have sought out opportunities to do this in which I learned to identify, plan, and complete initiatives and deliverables that benefit students. I hope to continue this work as Student Trustee and be a steady presence in voicing the experiences of graduate students to the administration and working with a collaborative spirit in problem solving.

Please identify your top three goals if you were to serve in this position in the coming year.

One goal I wish to accomplish is to build a strong sense of community across the three graduate schools. I believe we are a unique campus that welcomes students from various areas that wish to improve the health of others. We may not often be able to spend time to get to know one another and I would like to increase such opportunities that I believe will bolster the multidisciplinary strength and camaraderie of our campus.

Another goal I have is to promote career readiness and resiliency of students entering the workforce. I hope to execute this goal by organizing events and activities that speak to the priorities and needs of the student body.

Lastly, another goal I have is advancing sustainability and public safety measures that are inclusive to the needs of all students. I believe focus in this area will enhance students' wellbeing and the wider UMass Chan community.