Academics

Academics Committee

This committee implements policies to improve student-faculty relations and academic procedures. The committee collaborates with the Directors of Undergraduate Studies to discuss campus-wide issues.

Emma Dezenzo

Vice-Chair | Environmental Science and Policy Representative

Emma Dezenzo is a junior majoring in Environmental Science & Policy with a concentration in Politics & Policy. Now in her second year serving on DSAC, she is excited to lead the academics committee as Vice Chair and support students’ academic experiences within BSOS. Emma is passionate about environmental advocacy and sustainability. Outside of school, she works as a kayak guide and environmental educator in her hometown. This past summer, she interned with the New York League of Conservation Voters, where she gained experience in policy research and political engagement around environmental issues. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an environmental attorney. On campus, Emma is also a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and is a BSOS Ambassador.

Contact: edezenzo@terpmail.umd.edu

Colin McNamara

Sociology Representative

Colin McNamara is a junior majoring in Sociology. This is his first year serving on DSAC, and he is eagerly looking forward to working with the Academics Committee to improve student-faculty relationships and create a more robust and cohesive BSOS community. Colin is interested in doing research in political sociology and is passionate about answering the pressing questions raised by today’s rapidly changing political landscape from a sociological perspective. Colin’s other interests include philosophy, history, and music, and he hosts a show at WMUC, UMD’s student-run radio station.

Contact: cmcnama3@terpmail.umd.edu

Torie Tran

Anthropology/At-Large Representative

Torie Tran is a senior majoring in Psychology. This is her first year serving on DSAC, and she is excited to provide accessible academic opportunities for BSOS students. Outside of DSAC, Torie works as a research assistant in the Lavender Lab, where she focuses on how structural oppression and systemic inequities impact the health of marginalized communities. Additionally, Torie is pursuing her own research as part of the Thurgood Marshall Research fellows program, is a member of the Honors Psychology Program, and serves as a member of the Hate Bias Student Advisory Board. After college, Torie plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to advance social justice through research, advocacy, and education. Through her future work, she aims to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems while promoting equity and access in mental health care.

Contact: tttran16@terpmail.umd.edu

Joyce Zhang

Living Learning Representative

Joyce Zhang is a sophomore majoring in Government and Politics with a minor in General Business. This is her first year on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council as the Living and Learning Representative and she hopes to use her position on the academics committee to inform and connect BSOS students to opportunities beyond the classroom. Joyce is passionate about government and law and hopes to attend law school upon graduation. Outside of DSAC, Joyce is a member and ambassador for the College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program, a U.S. Intelligence and Policymaking Global fellow in the UMD Fellows Program, and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She has also interned at various federal agencies and works as a skate guard at the nearby ice rink. Contact: jzhang73@terpmail.umd.edu

Contact: jzhang73@terpmail.umd.edu