Graduate Affinity Groups Join Now for Fall 2025 * Click HERE
The Office of Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs invites all graduate students across disciplines to sign up to join a discussion-based affinity group designed and facilitated by a graduate student peer for the Fall 2025 semester.
Affinity groups provide space for graduate students to (1) Build community with peers who share experiences, backgrounds, & social identities; and (2) Connect with peers for personal and professional support.
Graduate Affinity Groups for the following grad student communities will run until April 2026:
- African students (Facilitators: Zainab Mustapha, Ph.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Mazvita Chikomo, Ph.D. student, Earth & Planetary Sciences)
- BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ students (Facilitator: Amari Urquhart, MS student, Computer Science)
- Chinese students (Facilitator: Yingtong Liu, MS student, Materials Science and Engineering)
- International students (Facilitators: Cassiana Batista da Rocha, Ph.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Queency Agrawal, MBS student, Drug Discovery and Development)
- Neurodivergent students (Facilitator: Dani Friedman, Psy.D. student, Psychology)
- Southeast Asian students (Facilitator: Justin Ng, Ph.D. student, Cell and Developmental Biology)
Learn more about each of the 6 groups, as well as the network of mentors who provide facilitator support, in the menu below.
The meeting times and format (in-person vs. Zoom) will be determined by the group facilitator. Click HERE for full schedule of September Welcome Gatherings!
Questions? Contact Ghada Endick, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs (gendick@echo.rutgers.edu).
~Graduate Affinity Groups emerged from the ideation and advocacy of students on the SGS DEI Graduate Student Advisory Committee.
- Affinity Group Meetings - September 2025 Schedule
Drop in anytime!!
African students (Zainab Mustapha & Mazvita Chikomo):
Wednesday September 10th evening from 5pm - 7pm at the Graduate Student LoungeBIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ students (Amari Urquhart):
Tuesday September 16th evening from 6pm - 7pm at the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT CommunitiesChinese students (Yingtong Liu):
Wednesday September 17th evening from 7pm - 8pm at the Graduate Student LoungeInternational students (Cassiana Batista da Rocha & Queency Agrawal):
Friday September 19th evening from 7pm - 9:30pm at the Graduate Student LoungeNeurodivergent students (Dani Friedman):
Tuesday September 16th evening from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the Graduate Student LoungeSoutheast Asian students (Justin Ng):
Monday September 15th evening from 6pm - 9pm at the Graduate Student LoungeFull Schedule of September Welcome Gatherings
**September 2025 Welcome Gatherings are supported by the Tyler Clementi Center.
- Affinity Group for African Graduate Students
Affinity Group for African Graduate Students
Facilitators: Zainab Mustapha (Ph.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology) and Mazvita Chikomo (Ph.D. student, Earth & Planetary Sciences)
Group Description:
Our group seeks to create a safe space and community for Graduate African students, both international and domestic, and all other students connected to and interested in Africa and the African diaspora along with its diverse cultures. We invite you to share your journey and learn from the experiences of others. Our affinity group provides a space where the unique challenges faced by African graduate students can be openly discussed and addressed.
Facilitator Bios:
Zainab Mustapha is a third-year PhD student in the Rutgers Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. She uses solid-state NMR spectroscopy to study the atomic interactions of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers. She has a bachelor's and master's degree in Chemistry from Nigeria. Coming to grad school in the US is a significant leap in her career, and she's living her best moments at Rutgers. She is passionate about building and sustaining communities and is excited to be a facilitator for the African Graduate affinity group.
Mazvita Chikomo is an international student from Harare, Zimbabwe studying as a PhD student in the Earth and Planetary Science Department. As a hydrogeologist, Mazvita enjoys exploring groundwater surface water interactions. When Mazvita is not working she is in the kitchen trying all types of recipes, on the tele watching the latest TV Shows and Docuseries, or outside taking in the nature.
- Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students
Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students
Facilitator: Amari Urquhart, MS student, Computer Science
Group Description: The BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ affinity groups is for anyone who identifies as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Melanated, person of color, as well as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We also welcome anyone who is an immigrant, refugee, any displaced person from outside of the US and Canada, and may have a different experience navigating queer spaces in the US from their country of origin. This group was born out of necessity to create a safe, nurturing and validating space for those who feel left out of queer spaces that do not acknowledge race, ethnicity and our varied cultural backgrounds. Many pioneers of LGBTQ+ movements around the globe have been BIPOC people, which should be deeply acknowledged and appreciated. We also pay respects to our queer ancestors who have may have been erased from history due to historical traumas. My utmost intention for this group is that we collectively create a space of queer joy, empowerment, and imagination.
Facilitator Bio: Amari Wei Urquhart (he/him) is an MSCS student with a BS in Geoscience from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. His current focus and B2C internship is in product development and machine learning, and he is particularly interested in ethical and efficient AI usage. Born on an Air Force base in Germany to a black mom and Taiwanese-Scottish dad, Amari brings a unique cultural background that lends to his experiences as a member of the BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ community. He is eager to develop a space where people of marginalized identities and all walks of life can interface effectively and safely in a postgraduate-oriented space.
- Affinity Group for Chinese Students
Affinity Group for Chinese Students
Facilitator: Yingtong Liu (MS student, Materials Science and Engineering)
Group Description: This group aims at enhancing the overall experience of Chinese graduate students. This group is not just an academic hub but also a supportive network for various aspects of student life. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges of graduate studies, especially for those far from home, we dedicate ourselves to providing a nurturing environment where academic support, life advice, and cultural exchange flourish. Our activities and initiatives are diverse, ranging from academic workshops and career development sessions to social gatherings and cultural celebrations. We understand that settling into a new environment can be daunting; therefore, we offer guidance and resources to help students navigate housing, understand local customs, and integrate into the university life seamlessly. The Chinese Grad Student Group is more than a community; it's a home away from home. We are committed to ensuring that every member feels supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, during their journey at Rutgers University.
Facilitator Bio:
Yingtong Liu: As a first-year master student in materials science and engineering, I really want to help my fellow Chinese graduate students. I understand and know that there are a lot of challenges for Chinese students who are studying in the United States for the first time. I hope my experience can help the Chinese students who come to the Rutgers for the first time. My aim is to create an environment where every member can share their experience. At the same time, group members can make friends with each other. I believe we can build a friendly and excellent group through our effort.
Express your interest in participating!
- Affinity Group for Rutgers International Graduate Students (RINGS)
Affinity Group for Rutgers International Graduate Students (RINGS)
Facilitators: Cassiana Batista da Rocha (Ph.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology) and Queency Agrawal (MBS student, Drug Discovery and Development)
Group Description: This affinity group is open to international graduate students at Rutgers who are looking for a space to build community by sharing their knowledge and experiences about being an international student. The affinity group will meet monthly, and each session will deal with one topic that directly affects international students, such as navigating advisor-Ph.D. student relationships as an international student, disrupting deficiency-based ideas around the international student identity, or advantages and disadvantages of using CPT or OPT as an international student (additional topics can be suggested by members). While these sessions are not meant to replace official advice from the Rutgers Global Office, they aim to provide a space for international students to engage informally with their peers and listen to each other’s experiences as international students at Rutgers.
Facilitator Bios:
Cassiana Batista da Rocha: Cassiana Batista da Rocha (she/her/hers) is an international Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University. Born in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, she is currently in her fourth year of doctoral studies. Her research focuses on developing novel photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), a promising cancer treatment. PDT combines three key elements: a photosensitizer molecule, light, and oxygen. When light activates the photosensitizer in cancer cells, it triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS cause targeted cancer cells to die, making PDT a precise and less invasive therapeutic option. Cassiana’s dissertation evaluates the properties of fullerene- and metallofullerene-based compounds, exploring their potential applications in cancer research. Her work aims to uncover the photophysical processes behind ROS production and enhance the therapeutic efficiency of PDT.
Queency Agrawal:
- Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR)
Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR)
Facilitator: Dani Friedman, Psy.D. student, Psychology
Group Description: Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR) is a graduate student affinity group designed to create a generative, affirming space for neurodivergent graduate students to build connection, community, and support. Facilitated by Dani Friedman, the group centers the voices and experiences of students who identify as neurodivergent—including but not limited to those with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, and other neurological differences.
Monthly meetings will be held either over Zoom or in person and offers a warm, semi-structured environment that balances reflection, discussion, and shared support. Sessions will include different themes, chosen based on reflection questions and group input, that invites us to explore a dimension of our neurodivergent identities and lived experiences. There is no required level of commitment; students are welcome to attend regularly or drop in as they’re able. The goal is to offer a low-pressure, high-trust space where students can connect authentically and feel seen in a community of peers who get it.
Facilitator Bio: Dani Friedman is a doctoral student in the School Psychology PsyD program at Rutgers University. She is currently completing a neuropsychology externship and has worked in both therapy and assessment settings for individuals navigating challenges related to attention, learning, and emotional well-being. Dani is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and advocating for more accessible, affirming systems of care across the lifespan. She looks forward to connecting with other neuroatypical graduate students at Rutgers. Outside of school, she enjoys biking, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
- Southeast Asian (SEA) Graduate Students Affinity Group
Southeast Asian (SEA) Graduate Students Affinity Group
Facilitator: Justin Ng, Ph.D. student, Cell and Developmental Biology
Group Description: The Southeast Asian Graduate (SEA) Student Affinity Group is a community space for Rutgers graduate students who either identify as Southeast Asian or are simply interested in learning about the region’s diverse cultures. Open to all, the group offers SEA-identifying students a sense of belonging and shared understanding—especially for those navigating the challenges of graduate school far from home. For non-SEA students, it’s an opportunity to explore Southeast Asian heritage, perspectives, and traditions through meaningful conversations and cultural exchange.
Southeast Asia includes Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. We’ll host casual monthly or bi-monthly gatherings that may include cultural celebrations, networking events, or just a shared meal—whatever brings us together. There’s no ongoing commitment; we understand grad students are busy, and this group is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and enriching whenever you can join.
Facilitator Bio: Tze Chang (Justin) Ng (he/him) is a second-year Ph.D. Candidate in Cell and Developmental Biology at Rutgers University, where he studies molecular pathways that influence aging using fruit flies as a model organism. Originally from Malaysia, he founded this group to create a welcoming space for Southeast Asian (SEA) graduate students to connect, share meals, and foster a sense of community far from home. Outside the lab, Justin loves traveling, exploring new cuisines, jamming on his guitar, and practicing Muay Thai with Rutgers University Martial Arts (RUMA). Whether you identify as Southeast Asian or are simply curious to learn more, you're warmly invited to join the circle!
Facilitator Support: Coordinators and Staff Mentors
Graduate Affinity Group student facilitators are supported by a network of faculty, staff, and peer mentors who provide guidance on equity-focused facilitation, content development, and community-building.
Program Coordinators
Coordinators manage overall implementation, outreach, and evaluation of the affinity groups. They also coordinate initial participant recruitment. Throughout the year, they organize monthly check-ins with facilitators and periodic check-ins with faculty/staff mentors.
Coordinator: Ghada Endick (she/her), Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, gendick@echo.rutgers.edu
Graduate Student Assistant: Zoey Eddy (she/her/hers), Ph.D. student, Psychology, ze26@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Staff Mentors
Staff mentors hold experiential, professional, and/or academic knowledge in the affinity group topic area with which they’ve been matched. These mentors support facilitators in planning and implementing their groups, from developing content and facilitation strategies to troubleshooting challenges. Facilitators and their designated faculty/staff mentor should meet twice per semester at a mutually agreed upon time.
Keywuan Caulk (he/him), Director, The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities (Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students)
Ji Lee, Director, Asian American Cultural Center (Affinity Group for Southeast Asian Graduate Students)
Dr. Mohini Mukherjee (she/her/hers), Executive Director of International Student Services, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for International Graduate Students)
Jakora Thompson (she/hers/sis), Director, Paul Robeson Cultural Center (Affinity Group for African Graduate Students)
Dr. Ayanna Towers (she/her/hers), Counseling Psychologist, Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Assistance, and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) (Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers)
Yang You (she/her/hers), International Student Advisor, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for Chinese Graduate Students)
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Additional Affinity Group Resources
GSA-Affiliated Groups
Visit the Graduate Student Association GSO Directory for the following groups organized around social identity and life experience:
- Christians on Campus
- Council of Black Graduates
- Rutgers GRADient
- Rutgers Graduate Christian Fellowship
- Rutgers Graduate Students for RAR NORD Chapter
- Rutgers Korean Graduate Student Association
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native American in Science (RU Chapter)
- Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers
- Women’s Leadership Coalition
- Rutgers Hillel
Cultural Centers
The Cultural Center Collaborative, within The Division of Student Affairs, is committed to supporting the needs of Rutgers’ campus communities by creating a welcoming and holistic learning environment for all community members, inclusive of all identities and allies.
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Center for Latino Arts and Culture, the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, and the Asian American Cultural Center come together to form the Cultural Center Collaborative
This webpage was last updated August 14, 2025.
