KGI Student Government

Mission

Developing professional leaders is at the core of KGI’s vision. KGI Student Government strives to ensure our students find value in being integral members of their communities. Participation in student government has become a vehicle for students to develop, advocate for equality, exercise their leadership skills, and experience firsthand how meaningful civic involvement can be in one’s life. Our members strive to philanthropically participate in the local and international communities. KGI prides itself in knowing today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.

Student Government Bylaws

Student Government Org Chart

Student Clubs & Organizations

Contact Student Government via email: studentgovernment@kgi.edu.

2026-27 Student Government Board

Ijeoma Chikezie

President

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Ijeoma Chikezie

President

Degree Program: PharmD '29
Hometown: Ontario, California

At KGI: I am a P2 student in the School of Pharmacy and a recent graduate of the Riggs Master of Applied Life Sciences program at KGI with a concentration on translational research. I am excited to be returning to KGI and Student Government as your President. While at KGI, my focus continues to be on advancing scientific communication, research, and leadership. I plan to collaborate with KGI’s vast alumni network and President’s Cabinet to ensure that our future leaders in the healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries are our fellow Beaker Bees!

Post KGI: As a trained biomedical scientist and now student pharmacist, I plan to advance my training in pharmaceutical sciences research after KGI. One goal of mine is to lead my own precision medicine therapeutics team, partnering with experts in pharmaceutical companies and academia. Ultimately, I hope to continue staying in the realm of scientific communication, research, and leadership advocacy.

Keon Jafari

Vice-President (VP)

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Keon Jafari

Vice-President (VP)

Degree Program: MSPHT '27
Hometown: Newport Beach, California

At KGI: I am a second-year MS in Applied Life Sciences student with a concentration in translational research. Beyond academics, KGI has given me a community where I can lead with purpose, build meaningful connections, and help students feel they belong. As Vice President, I am passionate about making every student feel heard, supported, and empowered to shape their campus experience. As President of the KGI Run Club and KGI Garden Club, I bring students together through wellness, nature, and shared adventures. I love connecting students with people who can support their goals and futures, including our experienced faculty and professionals beyond campus. I want my time at KGI to reflect genuine service, positive energy, and a lasting commitment to strengthening our Bee Hive!

Post KGI: I aim to become an accepted medical student within the next year or so, along my journey to become a board-certified Cardiologist. But more so, I strive to gain a holistic outlook on approaching different scenarios with knowledge I have accumulated during my time at KGI, bridging all realms of science and medicine together to benefit the people we promise to treat.

Jonathan Acosta

Treasurer

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Jonathan Acosta

Treasurer

Degree Program: MBS '27
Hometown: Walnut, California

At KGI: I’m a 2nd year Master’s of Business and Science student, with a B.S. in Biotechnology from Cal Poly Pomona. Last year as MBS representative, I enjoyed fostering a strong sense of community within our program while helping my peers achieve their professional development goals. As treasurer this year, I hope to play a supportive role for all members of our student government, helping make their goals a reality.

Post KGI: After graduation, I hope to enter a career in the pharmaceutical industry helping drive business strategy or finance. I believe that good science is plentiful, and I want to enable companies to develop strong pipelines and get medications to patients as soon as possible.

Faith Kim

Secretary

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Faith Kim

Secretary

Degree Program: MS '28
Hometown: Buena Park, CA

At KGI: I’m a first-year MS in Applied Life Sciences student. Before coming to Keck Graduate Institute, I completed my MPH at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. With this being my second master’s, I’m excited to start fresh and will do my best to support our cabinet members and student body.

Post KGI: My professional goal is to work in industry as an R&D Scientist, helping advance therapies for patients with unmet needs. Guided by a love for continuous learning, I aim to bring positivity, curiosity, and collaboration to every space I inhabit!

Melanie Sukkar

Marketing Chair

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Melanie Sukkar

Marketing Chair

Degree Program: OTD '29
Hometown: Los Angeles, California

At KGI: I am a first-year Occupational Therapy Doctorate student at KGI. I’m looking forward to getting more involved on campus and making the most of my time at KGI. I’m also excited to spend the next three years with my cohort as we learn, grow, and become OTs together. As Marketing Chair, I hope to help students stay informed, highlight important moments on campus, and create content that brings the KGI community together.

Post KGI: After graduating from KGI and becoming a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR), I hope to work in a pediatric setting or in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I would love to work with children and families in a setting where I can help support their growth and independence. As I go further into the program, I am also open to exploring other OT specialties and hope to continue learning and growing within the profession.

Ezra Kosviner

Professional Development Chair (PDC)

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Ezra Kosviner

Professional Development Chair (PDC)

Degree Program: MBS '27
Hometown: San Diego, California

At KGI: I am a 2nd Year business student in the Master’s of Business and Science program in the Rigg’s School of Applied Life Sciences. I have a BS in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UCSB. I am excited to serve the student body as your PDC. We came to KGI with the same goal in mind: to develop professionally and advance our careers. As your PDC, I look forward to providing you with more opportunities to grow and develop your skills.

Post KGI: Big pharma business/consulting.

Normandy Ng

Social Chair

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Normandy Ng

Social Chair

Degree Program: MBS '27
Hometown: San Carlos, California

At KGI: I am a 2nd year in the Master’s of Business and Science at KGI with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry from UC Riverside. I’m excited to continue building community at KGI this year and creating meaningful experiences for my fellow students. As your Social Chair, I look forward to planning events, supporting student initiatives, and making our time at KGI even more memorable. I’m also thrilled to connect with new students and see what we can accomplish together.

Post KGI: After KGI, I plan on pursuing a career in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on supply chain operations. Ultimately, I hope to leverage my scientific background and my business education to help companies successfully deliver life-saving products to patients while growing into a leadership role in the industry.

Ethan Riojas

Health & Wellness Chair

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Ethan Riojas

Health & Wellness Chair

Degree Program: MBS '27
Hometown: Claremont, CA

At KGI: I am a first-year student in the Master’s of Business and Science program at KGI, having earned my previous degree in Biology from the University of La Verne. I am beyond thrilled to join the team as your new Chairman for Health and Wellness. In this role, I want to continue to foster a community of strength, connectedness, and positivity; traits that have and continue to make all the difference in living a more happier and healthier life.

Post KGI: With an MBS degree under my belt, my focus will shift towards my passion of using my scientific insight and analysis to support thoughtful decision-making and drive innovative solutions for various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. My ultimate goal is to found and operate an ethical and affordable company whose sole focus is to discover solutions and aid those who suffer from life-debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.

Ashley Hinojos

Cross Cultural Global Diversity Chair

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Ashley Hinojos

Cross Cultural Global Diversity Chair

Degree Program: OTD '29
Hometown: Eastvale, CA

At KGI: I am a first-year Occupational Therapy Doctorate student at KGI, and I really want to make the most of my three years here. I hope to build strong connections with my cohort, get involved on campus, and create lasting friendships and professional networks both within and outside of my program. As the Cross Cultural Global Diversity Chair, I would love to host and co-host events that celebrate the different cultures and backgrounds represented at KGI. I want students to feel welcomed, included, and comfortable being themselves on campus.

Post KGI: After graduating, I would love to work in either a pediatric or geriatric setting, and I am also interested in exploring the possibility of working in a sports setting. I am looking forward to my fieldwork rotations at KGI because I think they will give me the opportunity to explore different areas of occupational therapy and help me figure out which setting is the best fit for me. Later in my career, I would also love to get involved in academia and teach future occupational therapy students. Teaching has always been something I am passionate about, and I would love the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge with others.

Eric Son

Bioprocessing Representative

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Eric Son

Bioprocessing Representative

Degree Program: MEng
Hometown: Buena Park, CA

Currently at KGI: I am a second year MEng student, with a background in general biology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona (CPP). Alongside my Bioprocessing Rep. duties, I am also serving as ABCAB 2nd-year representative and working as a Research Assistant for a PhD student working on gene therapy manufacturing. I am excited this year to do a deep dive and learn more about biologics manufacturing in the industry through MEng’s 2nd year capstone project, Team Design Project. I am hoping to spread my enthusiasm for MEng to my fellow cohort and particularly first years, and prepare myself for a career in the Biopharmaceutical industry. Side note: Hoping to make good progress in running an eventual marathon this year.

Post KGI Plans: After graduating, I am aiming for a senior research associate position in cell culture process development. I was very fortunate to have a great team and overall work experience during my gap-year Co-Op, and can see starting and growing my career in this particular field. After a couple years working in industry, I plan on attempting to pursue an industry-sponsored PhD to gain further insight into biologics manufacturing. As such, I hope to work/stay in biotech hubs either in southern California (San Diego) or Massachusetts for networking opportunities, career development, and ideal lifestyle. Work-wise, I am very much inclined towards technological development projects in the biotechnology industry, specifically new manufacturing technologies & equipment and novel cell culture processes. Throughout my career, I hope to contribute to developments in drug/biologic manufacturing that allows for efficacious treatments, patient affordable costs, and quality manufacturing.

Ian Reardon Ramos

Research & Science Representative

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Ian Reardon Ramos

Research & Science Representative

Degree Program: MS 27
Hometown: Claremont, CA

At KGI: This is my second year of the MS program. I’ll be doing some pretty involved research this year with the Hernandez Lab. I’ve never done research this self-directed so I am a bit nervous. But more than nerves, I have an eagerness that this will be something cool. Additionally, I’m looking forward to being a useful representative for my peers. I hope to be someone who matches ambition with action and that my failures are graceful. I live close to campus so if you need me, I hope I’m not hard to find.

Post KGI: I’m pre-med, so my goal after KGI is to become a medical student and then doctor. I’m not sure what I’ll seek for specializing; hopefully, nothing too icky or stressful. Regardless of the particulars, I hope to bring compassion, diligence, and enthusiasm to my work daily. I have also caught a bit of a science bug, so I intend to direct my career toward one which balances research with clinic interactions. At the moment, the field of Immunology thoroughly engages me. I can see myself pursuing this subject until and well-after I am an expert.

Allison Sou

Business and Science Representative

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Allison Sou

Business and Science Representative

Degree Program: MBS '27
Hometown: San Gabriel, California

At KGI: I am a first-year Master of Business and Science student at KGI with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego. I am excited to join Student Government as the Business and Science Representative and hope to connect with people from all programs. As a representative, I aspire to cultivate a welcoming community and advocate for my peers in the business programs.

Post KGI: After graduating with an MBS degree, I plan to utilize the skills I learned at KGI and apply them to the biosciences industry. Primarily, I am focused on developing business strategy and communications in order to advance scientific research and help patients in the future.

Jordyn Rong

OTD Year 1 Representative

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Jordyn Rong

OTD Year 1 Representative

Degree Program: OTD '29
Hometown: Corozal, Belize

At KGI: I am a first-year occupational therapy doctorate student who earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Jacksonville University. I am so excited to start this new chapter in my occupational therapy career, and I am looking forward to making meaningful connections with my classmates, learning from my professors and colleagues, and becoming involved in the KGI community. I am eager to learn more about different aspects of occupational therapy, specifically neurological rehabilitation, orthopedics, and geriatrics. Through student government, I hope to represent my cohort, listen to my classmates' concerns and experiences, and help create activities that bring students together from different programs.

Post KGI: After graduation, I would like to start working as an occupational therapist while continuing to explore my interests in neurological rehabilitation, particularly dealing with those recovering from brain and stroke injuries, as well as orthopedic and geriatric care. I'm also interested in working as a travel occupational therapist, which would allow me to work in a variety of settings, with diverse clients, and in communities across the country. Finally, I wish to give personalized and culturally appropriate treatment to clients, allowing them to regain independence and return to meaningful occupations.

Brenna Mellish

OTD Year 2 Representative

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Brenna Mellish

OTD Year 2 Representative

Degree Program: OTD '28
Hometown: Roseville, California

At KGI: I am a second year OT student and am looking forward to a new year focusing on pediatrics. I look forward to continuing to connect with my classmates and starting our first Level II fieldwork rotation at the end of this school year. Within student government, I look forward to connecting with peers outside of my program and collaborating on interprofessional opportunities.

Post KGI: After graduation, I will be relocating to Illinois while also studying to take the NBCOT (licensing exam). I will also be looking to obtain a job at an inpatient rehabilitation facility focusing on neurological and orthopedic conditions or pursuing a travel OT position.

Araya Yupraphat

Post-baccalaureate Representative

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Araya Yupraphat

Post-baccalaureate Representative

Degree Program: PPA '27
Hometown: Tehachapi, CA

At KGI: I’m in the PPA program with a bachelor’s in biology from Cal Poly Pomona. I’m excited to be your Postbaccalaureate Representative because I want to help build a welcoming community that connects students across every program at KGI. As your representative, I’ll advocate for postbaccalaureate students, listen to your needs and concerns, and make sure your voices are heard in Student Government.

Post KGI: After completing the PPA program, I plan to apply to PA school with the hope of specializing in OBGYN. I strive to bring a holistic perspective to every challenge, drawing on what I’ve learned at KGI to bridge science and medicine for the people we serve.

Edgar Campos-Negrete

PharmD Year 1 Representative

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Edgar Campos-Negrete

PharmD Year 1 Representative

Degree Program: PharmD '30
Hometown: Corona, CA

At KGI: This is my first year in the PharmD program. I’m looking forward to conducting research with faculty, taking on other roles in student organizations, and serving as a source of support for my cohort as we begin this new exciting chapter in our lives. I want to create a sense of community among my peers so we can help each other succeed. I hope to create some initiatives that will benefit my peers and future incoming classes.

Post KGI: I came to KGI with a career in the pharmaceutical industry in mind. I am specifically interested in either pharmacovigilance or clinical development. Since starting this program, I have been introduced to the field of compounding, so now I’m considering that as well. Wherever my career takes me, I hope most of all to be a role model to my colleagues, always have patient safety in mind, and contribute to positive change and advancement in my respective specialty.

Luisa Kamphuis

PharmD Year 2 Representative

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Luisa Kamphuis

PharmD Year 2 Representative

Degree Program: PharmD
Hometown: Manitoba, Canada

At KGI: I am a second year student in KGI’s PharmD program. I’m excited to represent my class this year as the P2 rep, and excited to make this experience the best it can be for all of us. We also have a few big things coming up, such as choosing our certificates, so that is very exciting as well!

Post KGI: I have not yet decided on what area of pharmacy I would like to join, as I would like to try out a few different specialties, and get some more insight into the day to day before finalizing my decision.

Marian Sedrak

PharmD Year 3 Representative

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Marian Sedrak

PharmD Year 3 Representative

Degree Program: PharmD '28
Hometown: Egypt, Cairo

At KGI: This year at KGI, I am excited to expand my clinical knowledge and gain more hands-on experience through my coursework and rotations. I am especially looking forward to exploring my interest in cardiology and continuing to build my confidence in providing patient-centered care.

Post KGI: After graduating from KGI, I plan to pursue a PGY1 pharmacy residency with a strong focus on cardiology. My long-term goal is to specialize in cardiovascular pharmacy and work alongside an interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based care and improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular conditions.

Vi Nguyen

PharmD Year 4 Representative

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Vi Nguyen

PharmD Year 4 Representative

Degree Program: PharmD '27
Hometown: Pomona, California

At KGI: I’m excited to make the most of our final year at KGI! With our year-round clinical rotations keeping P4s mostly off campus, I’m looking forward to finding ways for our class to stay connected, support one another, and make the most of the time we do have together. I’m excited to create more memories with my classmates, celebrate our accomplishments, and enjoy this final chapter of our PharmD journey!

Post KGI: I plan to pursue a PGY1 residency to further develop my clinical skills and gain more experience in patient care. Ultimately, I hope to work in a hospital setting as a pharmacist and continue growing as a well-rounded clinician.