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. 

About ISAC Current Members Past Members
Photo of Guller Yazgi Akata.

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.” 

A photo of a student in from of stairs, standing wiht his arms crossed, wearing a cream-colored shirt with three buttons.

Kishore Kumar Avulakonda

Data Science and Applications, M.P.S.

India

Kishore is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Data Science and Applications. With a strong background in machine learning and data analytics, he is passionate about using data to drive meaningful impact. As an international student, he looks forward to representing diverse perspectives and supporting fellow students through ISAC initiatives.

A photo of Sarbajit "Sam" sitting in chair. We is wearing a print t-short, light clue jacket and glasses.

Sarbajit 'Sam' 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.

A headshot photo of Chiamaka wearing a multi-colored top and glasses. The picture is taken against a light-colored background.

Chiamaka Chukwujama

Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.

Nigeria

Photo of Aryansh swearing a medium gray suit and light gray shirt in font of a blue wall white interlocking UB images and the UB School of Management lock-up..

Aryansh Fooria

Finance, M.S.

India

A black and white photo of a student in a grey blazer posing for a picture.

Prerna Reddy Ganga

Data Science and App., M.P.S.

India

Prerna arrived in Buffalo with two suitcases, a passion for data, and an open heart for new beginnings. With research in AI and cybersecurity and a couple of published papers, she thrives on solving real-world problems. But it’s people, not just patterns, that inspire her most. She believes every international student deserves to feel at home, seen, and celebrated. Through ISAC, Prerna hopes to create moments of belonging, joy, and connection for students starting their own beautiful journey at UB.

A photo of Tanvi wearing a black outfit standing in front of a blue architectural art piece.

Tanvi Gaonkar

Biomedical Sciences, B.S.

India

Tanvi is currently a junior and has been a part of ISAC for a year. She has shown her campus involvement by holding various positions. She is a WiSE ambassador (Women in Science and Engineering) and an academic coach at the Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS).  She is also a Resident Assistant (RA) in Campus Living and an International Student Service (ISS) Academic Success Student Advocate. She is also the director of engagement at the UB chapter of Food Recovery Network (FRN). In addition, she is also a student researcher and an active volunteer.

Headshot of Pantea Javidi.

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. 

Joyce Jekayinoluwa

Global Gender Studies, Ph.D.

Nigeria

Syeda Labiba

Exploratory, B.A.

Bangladesh

Black and whith headshot photo fo Kuhle.

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.

Divyansh Mishra

Computer Science, B.S.

India

This is a photo of Rishav wearing a blue hooded swearshirt, headphonea, and black-rimmed glasses. He is smiling and give a thumps up with his left hand.

Rishav Mukhopadhyay

Computer Science, B.S.

India

Rishav is the current PR Chair of UB Divtech, a SEAS club affiliated with the Department of Computer Science. He also serves as an ISS Academic Success Student Advocate, SEAS Peer Mentor, and Student Engagement Ambassador. He hails from a musically inclined family and is an ardent lover of Indian classical music.

Anthonia Ojeh

Curriculum Instruction and the Science of Learning, Ph.D.

Nigeria

This a portrait photo of Karly. She is wearing a yellow top and is sitting infront of a blue background.

Karly Rakhim

Educational Leadership and Policy, Ph.D.

Kazakhstan

Karly is a Ph.D. student in Higher Education, originally from Kazakhstan, with a deep interest in how AI is shaping the student experience and well-being. As a mother and international graduate student, she cares deeply about advocating for the diverse needs of our global community, especially fellow student-parents. Her journey has taken her from corporate leadership to MBA teaching and now to educational research, all driven by a passion for empowering underrepresented voices. As an ISAC member, she is excited to listen, collaborate, and help create meaningful solutions that support and uplift international students. Outside of academics, you will find her traveling, swimming, walking, or happily lost in a good book.

Yuya Yamamoto at Niagara Falls.

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.