School of Liberal Arts Dean’s Student Advisory Board

Hi! My name is Ngoc Diep (Alice), a Vietnamese international student and a Newcomb Scholar at Tulane University with dual degrees in Linguistics (BS) and Classical Studies and Cinema Studies (BA). I love filmmaking, learning and researching about languages, studying and reading about philosophy, history, theology, and classics. My interest fell on applied linguistics, Indo-European languages, and historical linguistics; besides, I am in intense love with East Asian cinema and film production. I speak Vietnamese, Mandarin, French, Spanish, and Portuguese (a little) and am studying Ancient Greek and Latin. My lifelong goal is to speak fluently in 40 languages at the end of my life, and I am working on it. I am being drawn by researching and implementing an innovative pedagogy allowing students to master many languages (from the root!) at the same time, and I would not stop studying until I fully approach that.

Newcomb Scholar program, Newcomb Archives Assistant (Student Worker), Tutoring Center Receptionist (Student Worker), Media Intern of Title IX Office Tulane, Tulane Global Observer Magazine (co-editor-in-chief and designer-in-chief), Tulane GlobaLink (editor-in-chief), Tulane Undergraduate Research Journal (editor)

What I love most about becoming a Tulane student is how flexible the academic programs are‚ it feels like the perfect place for someone like me who has so many interests. I’m passionate about linguistics, cinema, philosophy, history, theology, and classical languages, and it’s always been so hard to choose just one. At Tulane, I don’t have to! I can double major, pick up a few minors, study abroad, and even design my own major. It’s exciting to know I’ll have the freedom to explore everything I love while shaping my education in a way that is completely my own.

Hi! My name is Alexis Kail and I am a junior at Tulane University from San Antonio, Texas. I am pursuing a double-major in Anthropology and Classical Studies. My academic interests focus on the archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly how mythology and religion shaped cultural practices, and how material culture reflected their interactions with their surrounding world. I plan to pursue graduate study and ultimately a career as a professor and researcher, where I can continue to explore the intersections of archaeology, history, and culture while also mentoring the next generation of students. Outside of academics, I enjoy writing poetry, traveling to new places, running, going for long drives, and spending time outdoors.

Activities include Tulane Anthropology Club Treasurer, Phi Mu, Tulane Classical Studies Club, First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor, Tulane archaeology laboratories (former volunteer), Goldman Center Notetaker, PJs barista.

The School of Liberal Arts has been at the center of my academic journey at Tulane. As a double-major in Anthropology and Classical Studies, I’ve been able to explore a wide range of topics within anthropology, archaeology, and ancient history. This breadth has allowed me to study everything from the material culture of Greece and Rome to broader questions about human societies, culture, and identity. Both of my majors are relatively small departments, and that has given me the chance to form close relationships with professors and peers, creating a strong sense of support and community that has defined my time at Tulane. I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I want to help strengthen that experience for other students. For me, the liberal arts have not just been about learning in the classroom, but about discovering new ways of thinking, building connections across disciplines, and seeing how the past and present continually inform one another. I believe that serving on the Board is an opportunity to advocate for resources, programming, and dialogue that allow students to feel supported in their academic paths while also inspired to push beyond them. I am also excited to learn from peers with different backgrounds and interests and to collaborate on ways to make the School of Liberal Arts even stronger for current and future students.

I chose to major in the liberal arts because I love learning about people, cultures, and stories, and I wanted an education that encouraged curiosity and creativity instead of limiting me to a single path. The liberal arts have given me the freedom to explore many interests while also shaping the way I think about identity, connection, and community. For me, the liberal arts are about more than academics; they’ve helped me grow as a person, taught me to see the world through multiple perspectives, and allowed me to pursue what inspires me both inside and outside the classroom.

My favorite thing about being a student at Tulane is the sense of community and opportunity that comes with being here. Both of my majors, Anthropology and Classical Studies, are relatively small, which has allowed me to build close relationships with professors and classmates who really support and challenge me. At the same time, Tulane has given me opportunities I never imagined, from research and leadership roles to exploring the city of New Orleans, which has become such an important part of my experience. I love that Tulane is a place where I can be serious about my studies while also being surrounded by a vibrant community and culture that constantly inspires me.

I am second-year Stamps Scholar at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, pursuing a Bachelors of Arts as a History and Political Science double-major with a minor in Homeland Security. I am interested in global security policy, foreign service, and international development.

Stamps Scholars, Tulane Tri Delta, Tulane Performing Arts (Documentary Theatre)

I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I enjoy working with Dean Edwards and my peers to help Tulane Liberal Arts adapt to our changing realities, both locally, at the university, and globally. I think the curriculum and programming that we work on is dynamic, and I value the ability to bring my perspective, and that of my friends and peers, to a forum where our input is valued. One of my favorite parts about being on Student Advisory Board is learning about projects that other members of the board are involved in, and hearing about new classes and programs within the Liberal Arts school during our monthly meetings.

I chose to major in the liberal arts because I value the opportunity to attempt to make meaning of our world by looking to the past and thinking about the future with empathy, imagination, and nuance. I I think the liberal arts place emphasis on understanding ourselves and those around us on a deeper level, and I enjoy practicing this by having my perspectives challenged in class discussion, while researching a paper, or listening to a guest lecturer. I have goals for my future that include building a meaningful career which makes a positive impact on those around me, and I think that my liberal arts classes provide me with practical intellectual skills like critical thinking, reading, and writing, while also strengthening my foundation of moral and civic responsibility.

My favorite thing about Tulane is the community of passionate, driven, and creative people that I get to learn with and from every day! From my professors to my peers, I have made so many connections that I will value for the rest of my undergraduate career and beyond.

My name is Madison Lathrop and I am a junior at Tulane University pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and German on the Premed track. I also serve as the Army ROTC Color Guard Director of Drill and Ceremonies, and am very dedicated to my responsibilities as a cadet. I love everything about international culture/language and just returned from a summer study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden!

I am in Phi Delta Epsilon Professional Medical Fraternity, the Vice president of Chi Alpha, and a member of several other Christian Student Organizations. I spend my summers interning/volunteering at the Medical College of Virginia where I have worked in the oldest burn unit in the United States, conducted research with a pediatric/NICU neuromuscular clinic, and been mentored by the head Orthopedic surgeon of the VCU men’s Basketball team.

I chose to join the Student Advisory Board after taking a course in theater history. This class was dramatically different than any of my usual STEM classes, and wildly out of my comfort zone. However, theater history quickly became the course that I enjoyed most that semester. Every morning, I would walk into Dr. Holtcamp’s class to a larger than life greeting. His lectures were unlike any I had before, and were always full of life! I would find myself engaging in discussion more and more throughout the semester, and gained a true appreciation of the balance between STEM and the Liberal Arts. Dr. Holtcamp recommended I apply to the Student Advisory Board at the conclusion of our semester. This was a huge surprise to me, as I was not able to able to picture myself as a member of the liberal arts board. Now, my main goal is to bridge the gap between STEM and liberal Arts to provide a more well-rounded and unique education for all students.

I have found that embracing the liberal arts aspects of my education is extremely beneficial in my pursuit of a career in medicine. Without the liberal arts, I would not be as effective in the many nuanced social interactions and daily challenges that come with being a STEM major. I believe that these values are not as recognized in the medical field, and should be practiced and celebrated in order to lead a more purposeful career. This is why it was important to me to get a degree in liberal arts as well as the sciences.

Becoming a student at Tulane was the best decision I ever made. The second I stepped onto campus, I fell in love with the city. I could feel the culture that lived in the heart of New Orleans as it spread into the Tulane student experience. Being a part of the city is my favorite thing about being a student at Tulane, and I hope everyone gets to experience this vibrancy on and off campus.

My name is Emmeline Meyer (she/her), and I’m a junior from New Orleans majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Theater. Like my peers on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, I’m passionate about the power of the liberal arts and how it shapes not only our academic paths but also the ways we engage with the world. I was drawn to the liberal arts because of its flexibility, it encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual exploration while preparing us to tackle challenges with creativity and adaptability.

At Tulane, I’ve been fortunate to combine my academic interests with leadership and service. I currently intern at the Nous Foundation and serve on Tulane’s Panhellenic Executive Council. Also, I am a Green Wave Ambassador (tour guide), served on the Board of Directors for freshman orientation after working as a Wave Leader, Phi Mu, WTUL Radio, and a First-Year Peer Mentor. Beyond Tulane, I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for a little over three years, which has taught me the value of hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

Leadership and advocacy have always been central to who I am. From serving on the student council throughout high school to representing peers in organizations at Tulane, I have found meaning in amplifying student voices and building community. The Student Advisory Board excites me because it provides a direct opportunity to collaborate with Dean Edwards and fellow students to strengthen the liberal arts experience.

For me, the liberal arts is not just an academic path but a way of seeing the world. It has sharpened my ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, and find connections between disciplines. Most importantly, it has deepened my love of learning itself. Choosing Tulane was also deeply personal, I was born and raised in New Orleans, and staying here has allowed me to remain rooted in the city I love while pursuing academics. The pride, camaraderie, and passion of Tulane students and alumni make this community truly unique, and I am grateful to play a role in shaping it for the better.

My name is Zoraya Rodriguez Mowzoun, and I’m majoring in Sociology and Gender & Sexuality Studies, with minors in Social Work and the Gender-Based Violence Certificate. Born and raised in Puerto Rico by a Puerto Rican father and an Iranian mother, I bring an intersectional approach to justice. My work centers on reproductive justice, anti-violence advocacy, and equitable access to care. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in gender-based violence law, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities across legal and policy spaces.

I have been a member of Tulane’s Sexual Aggression Peer Hotline and Education (SAPHE), a departmental organization under Campus Health. I currently serve as the President of SAPHE and previously as the Community Impact and Learning Paid SAPHE. I’ve also been a Newcomb Institute Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights Intern for Repro TLC. I’m a Phi Alpha Delta Member, Tulane’s pre-law preprofessional fraternity, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Tulane’s honor society. Back at home, I serve as the regional representative for Chalk Back, a worldwide organization focused on ending gender-based street harassment.

As a double major in Sociology and Gender & Sexuality Studies, I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board to represent students pursuing interdisciplinary and often underrepresented fields of study. Gender & Sexuality Studies, in particular, is a niche major that brings critical perspectives to broader academic and campus conversations, and I’m eager to help ensure that voices from smaller departments are heard. As a multiethnic student raised in Puerto Rico by a Puerto Rican father and Iranian mother, I also bring a lived experience that reflects the diversity of our student body. I’m deeply involved on campus through leadership in SAPHE, my internships, and advocacy work, and I see this board as an opportunity to advocate for inclusive academic policies and support structures that reflect the richness of our community.

I chose to major in the liberal arts because I’m passionate about understanding how systems of power shape people’s lives and how we can challenge them. Through Sociology and Gender & Sexuality Studies, I’ve gained the tools to think critically, write thoughtfully, and advocate effectively for equity and justice. The liberal arts encourage interdisciplinary thinking, allowing me to connect the dots among theory, lived experience, and social change. For me, it’s not just an academic path; it’s a foundation for meaningful action and a career in gender-based violence law and advocacy.

My favorite thing about being a student at Tulane is the strong sense of community; no matter where you walk on campus, you’re bound to see at least one familiar face. That feeling of connection extends beyond just students; it includes professors, advisors, and staff who genuinely care. I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunities Tulane has provided me, from internships to research to leadership roles. And, of course, I love being in New Orleans, a city full of culture, resilience, and inspiration.

Cat is a junior Political Economy major on the pre-law track. She is spending her fall semester abroad in Cambridge, England for the fall semester and looks forward to joining the advisory board in the spring!

Extracurriculars include, Newcomb Institute Sexual Health & Reproductive Rights intern (Ms. Magazine), Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Delta Delta Delta

When I first arrived at Tulane as a transfer student, I began making connections between the types of academic offerings at Tulane and my prior university. I found that I had a lot of ideas about programs that could be implemented at Tulane, and wanted a forum to share these opinions and hear from other liberal arts students about their experiences.

I was really drawn to Tulane specifically for its Political Economy program which was a huge factor in my decision to transfer here. The faculty are so knowledgeable and helpful and I’ve also been able to take so many other interesting humanities classes across disciplines.

My professors have been so supportive of all of my academic goals and endeavors. I was able to transfer seamlessly into the Political Economy program and even add a minor in Classical Studies halfway through my sophomore year. I also love the city of New Orleans and its vibrant culture!

My name is Max Rudman, and I’m a junior from Overland Park, Kansas. I’m on the Pre-Law track, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Political Science. On campus, I am involved as a Delegate in the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly, a brother in the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, and now as a member of the SLA Student Advisory Board! Outside of Tulane, I have spent my past few summers working at my childhood summer camp; this summer, I spent weeks backpacking in the Colorado mountains, cultivating leadership and a love for the outdoors among 15-year-olds. My greatest passions include music (especially playing guitar and ukulele), history, and politics.

Tulane Undergraduate Assembly (Delegate); member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity

I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I believe very strongly in what an education in Liberal Arts can provide. The opportunity to learn about people, cultures, institutions, and even learning itself, is a tool for personal growth that is useful to any student pursuing any career. To be a member of a board of extremely qualified and enthusiastic minds, with a unified goal of giving back to our program, is a privilege that I am extremely excited for!

I chose to major in the liberal arts because my classes have made me excited about learning. When I first started at Tulane as an Undeclared freshman, it was such a refreshing experience to have classes with honest, thought-provoking conversations. After taking Social Problems with Professor Duckworth, I knew that I was going to major in Sociology. The same things that I loved about that class, like the opportunity to learn and grow rather than memorize and recite, are present in every major and opportunity in the SLA. It’s a program that has produced generations of well-rounded, intellectual students across many disciplines, and I’m grateful to be a part of that legacy.

My favorite thing about Tulane is that all of the wonderful aspects of the university, such as the programs and student body, are situated in one of the most storied cities in the world. The way that Tulane intentionally immerses its students in New Orleans, particularly through the Service Learning program, has allowed me to connect with the city and the culture in a way that I didn’t expect to be able to as a non-local. Little things, like going straight from class to a restaurant on the French Quarter or spending my weekend at a parade, make being a Tulanian an unforgettable experience.

My name is Louie Schachtman, and I am a junior from Minneapolis, Minnesota, double majoring in International Relations and Middle East & North African Studies on the pre-law track. I am passionate about diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, and international law, with a particular interest in how governments, international organizations, and private institutions navigate complex global challenges. My long-term goal is to build a career at the intersection of international relations, government affairs, and the global sports industry. Growing up, basketball was a defining part of my life, and I have been fortunate to experience the opportunities the game can provide beyond the court. Those experiences sparked my interest in how sports can strengthen international partnerships, foster diplomacy, and connect people across cultures. They also inspired my broader interest in foreign policy and international cooperation, shaping the career path I hope to pursue. Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling, going to concerts, discovering new R&B artists, thrifting, working out, and watching old movies.

Activities include Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Tulane intramural basketball.

I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I believe students should have an active role in shaping the School of Liberal Arts. Throughout my time at Tulane, I have realized that some of the most valuable opportunities often come from conversations and connections rather than the classroom alone. I want to help strengthen those connections and ensure students are aware of the opportunities available to them. As someone pursuing a very specific major, I have learned through my coursework and conversations with classmates that some of the most meaningful insights come from engaging with people whose interests and perspectives differ from my own. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, collaborating, and approaching challenges with an open mind. I hope to bring that mindset to the Advisory Board by listening to students across disciplines, sharing thoughtful feedback, and helping the team better understand what students need to succeed. I also see the Board as an opportunity to learn. One of the things I value most about the School of Liberal Arts is the chance to engage with people whose career goals are completely different from my own. I am excited to collaborate with students from across the school, contribute new ideas, and help create an environment where every student feels supported, connected, and excited about the opportunities available through a liberal arts education.

I chose to major in the liberal arts because I wanted an education that encouraged curiosity rather than simply teaching me what to think. One of my favorite aspects of the School of Liberal Arts is how dynamic it is. Every class brings together students with different backgrounds, perspectives, and interests, but everyone is there because they are genuinely engaged with the material. The conversations extend beyond lectures, and I’ve found that some of the most valuable learning comes from hearing how my classmates approach the same topic from completely different viewpoints. More than preparing me for a career, a liberal arts education has made me a more curious, analytical, and open-minded person. It has reinforced that the best learning happens when people are willing to challenge ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and learn from one another. That is what makes the School of Liberal Arts such a rewarding place to learn, and why I chose to be a part of it.

My favorite thing about being a Tulane student is not campus (which I love); it is the city of New Orleans. As much as I love Tulane, this city has become such a huge part of my college experience. I love that every car ride, every meal I eat, every person I meet, every song I hear, and every building I pass has a story behind it. New Orleans has so much character, history, and culture that you can’t help but fall in love with it. More than anything, it’s the people. They are incredibly proud of their city, and that pride is contagious. It makes New Orleans feel like one big family. I’m so grateful that Tulane has allowed me to get off campus, immerse myself in the city, and experience everything that makes it so special.

I am currently a sophomore at Tulane University, pursuing a double major in History and Political Science with a minor in Spanish, and am on the pre-law track. My academic and extracurricular endeavors are deeply rooted in the fields of law, education, and public service. These interests stem from a combination of my own lived experiences growing up in a culturally diverse environment, as well as a philosophy anchored in equity and justice. This philosophy has informed my educational and professional aspirations while also cultivating my passion for public policy, civil rights, and legal advocacy. I want to channel this passion into meaningful work that advances justice and serves the public good.

Delegate in the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly (Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee), Civic Engagement Fellow, College Scholar

I strongly believe in the importance of advocacy and amplifying the voices of others. The Student Advisory Board represents a unique opportunity to collaborate with Dean Edwards and other like-minded liberal arts students to ensure that our experience is as enjoyable and insightful as can be. This school of liberal arts has already opened so many new doors for me, and I feel a strong obligation to give back in any way I can.

In my experience, many students worry about whether their learning will translate to a career, especially a lucrative one, and therefore turn away from a liberal arts degree. While I strongly disagree with that line of thinking, my decision to pursue a liberal arts degree, specifically as a political science major, encompasses more than just the type of career I plan to pursue in the future. A liberal arts education, to me, is what prepares individuals to be active, informed, and critically thinking members of society. In my major, I’m constantly learning about the systems and decisions that shape our government, how countries interact and collaborate on the international stage, and the important historical landmarks that have brought us to the present day. That alone, not tied to any specific career or profession, is of immense value to me. Being able to understand how the world works, especially from a political lens, is its own benefit, and it equips me with the necessary skills to contribute and give back. On top of that, being able to fully articulate ideas, engage in complex conversations, ask questions, and problem-solve are all at the core of this discipline and relevant to every professional setting. This is why I see a degree from the school of liberal arts as both an avenue to professional aspirations, but more importantly, an opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding of this complex world we live in.

My favorite thing about being a Tulane student is undoubtedly the location. Having spent no time at all in New Orleans growing up, I was only mildly aware of the cultural and historical powerhouse this city is. Now that I have the privilege of studying here, I’ve been able to see firsthand why it’s such an enjoyable place. Whether it’s the food, the music, the festivals, or the art, the cultural contributions this city has made to the rest of the world are countless. There’s also a strong tradition of perseverance, social justice, and freedom struggle. The combination of these factors makes New Orleans one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever spent time in, and I look forward to learning even more as I continue to study here.

My name is Sailor Whatley (she/her), and I am a Creative Premedical Scholar candidate studying sociology on the premedical track from Denton, TX. I am particularly passionate about women’s health and using the humanities to advance equitable and accessible healthcare, especially in the South. I hope to establish a career in urology or urogynecology. I am a reproductive rights intern with the Newcomb Institute, and I work in pediatric urology at the Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Additionally, I serve as a peer mentor for the First-Year Honors Scholars program and participate in Tulane’s Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity. I have loved exploring Tulane’s interdisciplinary opportunities and am excited to contribute my unique perspective to the School of Liberal Arts Dean’s Advisory Board.

I am a Newcomb ReproRights Intern, member of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, First-Year Honors Scholar Peer Mentor, and Manning Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Urology Rotation.

I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I feel I have a lot to learn from other students who study the arts, and I have always been very immersed in both the arts and humanities. I’m excited to collaborate across disciplines, share my perspective as a premedical sociology student, and work toward strengthening connections across the School of Liberal Arts and Tulane in general.

I chose to major in the liberal arts because I believe studying the humanities and understanding human historical and social trends is essential to making compassionate doctors and ensuring equal access to healthcare. By learning about policy, history, and culture, I can provide better patient care while simultaneously engaging in social policy and advocacy.

My favorite thing about being a student at Tulane is having access to New Orleans and living in such a vibrant place. I love events like Crawfest, Bookfest, and King Cake Fest, as well as all of the fun traditions Tulane has to offer. It’s also a very interdisciplinary environment that encourages students to explore all perspectives and passions rather than being one-track minded. At Tulane, everyone has their own unique path, and I don’t know anyone pursuing the exact same thing in the same way. The staff and the friends I’ve met, from all around the world, have been incredible, and I’ve learned so much from them.