International Student Advisory Council
The International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) brings together a diverse representation of international students at the University at Buffalo to communicate the needs and challenges of international students.
Guller Yazgi Akata
Computer Science, B.S.
Turkey
Yazgi is from Istanbul and is currently studying Computer Science (B.S.)with a Minor in PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) at UB with the Yildizlar Education Fund (YEF) Scholarship. She is involved on campus as PR Chair of UB Association for Computing Machinery Club, and Underclassmen Rep. of UB Society of Women Engineers Club. She is a big fan of Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Taylor Swift, and discussing the origins of Baklava.. Yazgi is a believer of “being the change you wish to see in the world.”
Sanskriti Bansal
Economics, B.S.
India
Sanskriti is involved with the Blackstone Launchpad, Student Association, Leadership House, UB Marketing Association, The Women’s Network, and the Outdoor Adventure Club. She has also joined the Data Decision and Risk Lab as an undergrad researcher. Sanskriti is currently a Resident Assistant, and an International Student Ambassador for International Admissions.
Pantea Javidi
Neuroscience, B.S.
Iran
Pantea (She/Her) is an international undergraduate student at UB majoring in Neuroscience. She is from Tehran, Iran. At UB, she has been a welcome weekend leader, a student engagement ambassador, an academic tutor and an International Student Advisory Council founding member. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions.
Anas Khan
ISAC President
Biotechnology, B.S.
Pakistan
Anas Khan (He/Him) is an International student from Pakistan studying Biotechnology at University at Buffalo. Anas came to the US for college, the passion for research in Behavioral Neuroscience being the main driving force. Anas is also a Resident Advisor who can answer questions regarding on campus housing, transportation, or experiential learning at UB.
Kuhle Mbawu
Theater and Dance, Ph.D.
South Africa
Kuhle Mbawu is an international South African student working on her Theatre and Performance, Ph.D. Her pronouns are (She/Her/Hers). She is a member of the Graduate Students of Color (GSOC) and the Executive member of the Nigerian Students Association. In her spare time, she takes walks to observe nature, sing, and listen to music.
Sarbajit Basu
Electrical Engineering, Ph.D.
India
Sarbajit ‘Sam’ Basu is a PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering, investigating data-driven control applications for DC Micro-grids. A former instructor and avid student advocate, Sam brings a wealth of experience in mentoring and collaborating with peers. Beyond his academic pursuits, Sam is passionate about advocating for the rights and duties of international students, graduate student concerns, queer rights, and the importance of celebrating his Asian Indian Hindu religio-ethnic identity while blending in with the fabric of the USA. Sarbajit enjoys engaging in thought-provoking discussions and finding humor in everyday life. You can contact him via email or join him for his daily brew at Starbucks.
Yuya Yamamoto
Language Education, Ph.D.
Japan
Yuya Yamamoto (he/him/his) is a PhD student in Language Education and Multilingualism. He is an international student from Japan and studied in the UK for his MA. Also, he was an English language teacher for five years in Japan. In his free time, he likes watching sports (especially baseball and soccer) and going to local cafés.
Devarchana Dev Choudhury
Data Science and Applications, M.P.S.
India
Devarchana is an international student from India pursuing a Master's in Data Science and Applications at the University at Buffalo. She previously served as a member of the "Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)" committee for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Devarchana is passionate about helping international students navigate their academic journey and cultural transition.
Neha
Data Science and Applications, M.P.S.
India
Neha is an international master’s student majoring in MPSDS (Data Science& Applications). Originally from India, she brings over 11 years of IT experience in Business and Data Analysis. At UB, she has been a student ambassador for the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) SEAS Group. Neha firmly believes in continuous learning and embraces the philosophy of "never quitting."
Tanvi Gaonkar
Biomedical Sciences, B.S..
India
Tanvi is an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on research. She is an Academic Coach at TASS, an ambassador for WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering), as well as an ISS Academic Success Student Advocate. In her free time, she loves reading, listening to music and podcasts, hanging out with friends, and swimming.
