Legislative Branch Members

Ashley Cosgrave
Senate Chair

Hi Zips! My name is Ashley Cosgrave and I will be serving as Senate Chair. I am a 3rd year Biomedical Science major with a Spanish minor. This will be my second year in USG after joining as a Senator At-Large. My passion projects last year included improving the dining experience for all students on campus, expanding diversity and inclusivity efforts within the university, and on campus sustainability efforts. I hope to continue pursuing projects in these fields this year in addition to aiding senators with their personal projects. Outside of USG, I’m a Williams Honors College student and I had the pleasure of being an Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute mentor. I enjoy staying updated with the news, taking care of my plants, and reading outside on campus. My duty is to be the voice of undergraduate students, so please reach out to me and speak your mind! 

Grace Dewitt
Vice Senate Chair
Open Position
Senate Assistant

If you are interested in this position, please see the "Get Involved" page or contact DLT. 

Isaac Machar
Senator At-Large
Hi Zips! My name is Isaac Machar and I am a third-year student pursuing degrees in Psychology and Biology and an Addiction Services certificate. I joined USG in Fall 2021 as a Senator At-Large and am excited to continue in that position this academic year. I have been a proud member and committee chair of the Senate's Academic Policy and Student Success committee. Outside of USG, I am a Desk Manager for the Department of Residence Life and Housing, a member of organizations such as NRHH, AK-Rowdies, Psi Chi, and UA Ambassadors. Overall, I am incredibly passionate about the student experience. Coming to college is a huge adjustment; however, with the proper support systems and channels of advocacy in place, it does not have to be so daunting. The opportunity to assist students with this transition motivates and inspires me to continue my involvement in this great organization and governing body. Go USG! Go Zips! 
 
 
Max Pastoria
Senator At-Large
Hello, Zips! I am Max Pastoria, a second-year Honors Finance and Economics student here at The University of Akron. I serve as Senator At-Large within the Legislative Branch of The Undergraduate Student Government and on the University Council on the Student Engagement and Success and Information Technology Committees. Outside of USG, I am involved at Campus Focus, I serve as Treasurer of The Honors Civics Club, I am VP of Finance for Beta Gamma Sigma, and I am on level three of the College of Business Institute for Leadership Advancement. 
 
 
Gwen Bushen
Senator At-Large
Hi! My name is Gwen Bushen and I am a sophomore double majoring in English and Philosophy. I am currently a Resident Assistant in Exchange. Last semester, I served as a First-Year Senator for USG and am excited to be serving as a Senator At-Large.  I am Vice President of Event Planning for Alpha Gamma Delta and I also am a part of the Pink Gloves Boxing Program. I am excited to dedicate myself to working for the wishes of the student body to create a better experience for everyone.
 
 
Khatonia D. Ford
Senator At-Large
Khatonia is a third-year college student majoring in criminal justice and earning three certificates. 
 
 
Renee Clippinger
Senator At-Large

Hey Zips! My name is Renee Clippinger, and I am a third-year student majoring in Psychology with minors in Business and Dance. I am super excited to hold the position of a Senator at Large in USG this year! You may have seen me this past summer as an Orientation Leader. On campus, I am involved as President of Psi Chi Honorary Society, Vice President of Terpsichore Dance Club, a UA Ambassador, a member of the Williams Honors College, and a member of Women in Psychology. I work as a First Year Forefront Mentor, and for Dr. Waehler as a Learning Assistant for Dynamics of Personality. I also assist a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology graduate program here at UA with her research surrounding resilience in female South Asian survivors of intimate partner violence. Outside of school, I enjoy making jewelry, collecting records, and hanging out with my fish, Goopy. I am passionate about elevating the student experience and advocating for the success of all students on campus.   

Alan Jayapandian
Senator At-Large
Natalie Gardner
Senator for the College of Business
My name is Natalie Gardner, and I am a second-year student here at the University of Akron. I am majoring in Accounting with a minor in Entrepreneurship. I am involved in multiple on-campus organizations such as the Williams Honors College, Sigma Lambda, Women in Business, Honors Advisory Council, College of Business Deans Team, College of Business Success Seminar Leader, and Vice President Delta Sigma Pi. Outside of school work, I like to swim, read, and spend time with my friends. I joined Undergraduate Student Government as the Senator for the College of Business in the Fall of 2022 because I wanted to be able to assist in any change that needs to occur on campus while also giving all students in the College of Business and every other major a chance to voice their opinions and concerns to a safe place. Go Zips! 
Wyatt Cole
Senator for the College of Health and Human Sciences
I am a first-year majoring in the Emergency Medical Services Technology Fire/Medic option associate degree. Outside USG, I weight lift and exercise frequently as part of the Triathlon and Climbing Club. I am also a William Honors College Scholar, participating as an Event Coordinator for Elevate (a volunteering organization), member of Eureka (an engineering organization), and Emerging Leaders (a leadership initiative). Apart from fitness and honors, I am a member of Hall Government, the International Association of Emergency Managers, and the Akron Chess Club. I volunteer at ACCESS-Shelters, helping prepare and serve food to women and children. While also serving at ACCESS-Shelters, I enjoy volunteering at Summa Health Systems as a hospital program volunteer. I work as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for a local fire department. After I become a Fire/Medic, I will continue to become a Trauma Surgeon. Acute care medicine and emergency management are my two passions. USG allows me to represent the College of Health and Human Sciences voice on campus and lead innovative projects to maintain and improve CHHS.
 
 
 
Phillip Martin
Senator for the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
My name is Phillip Martin Jr. and I am a third year student at The University of Akron. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Services and a certificate in Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Along with USG, my involvements on campus include; ARI-AHEC Scholars Program, Resident Assistant in the Honors Complex, Of the Month (OTM) Voting Committee Member for the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa, Mentor for the Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute, Psi Chi, UA Ambassadors, and the Williams Honors College Student Advisory Council. I joined the Undergraduate Student Government as the Senator for the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences because I aspire to advocate the needs of all students within the college. Having the opportunity to network and use this platform to represent the oldest and largest degree-granting college at The University of Akron is something that I am very appreciative to have. Please feel free to reach out for anything you may need. Go Zips! 
 
 
Cecilia Mainzer
Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science
My name is Cecilia Mainzer and I am a fifth-year Chemical Engineering student. I joined USG in Fall 2019 as Associate Justice and continued to grow in the organization, becoming Executive Justice, then Chief Justice, and now, Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Outside of USG, I am President of Engineering Student Council (ESC), Social Media Coordinator of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Corresponding Secretary of Tau Beta Pi (TBP), and a UA Ambassador. During the semester, catch me studying in Whitby, listening to Six (the musical) soundtrack in the Goodyear Polymer building, or hammocking on Coleman Commons. Overall, I am passionate about advocating for students, extending the campus experience, and fostering a strong community. I cannot wait to connect with students and make new friends - this is going to be a great year, Zips! 
 
Carter Ridgeway
Senator for Off-Campus Living
Kylie Cameron
Senator At-Large

Hi Zips! I’m Kylie Cameron, a first year honors Computer Information Systems major on the Programming track. Outside of being a Senator At-Large for USG, I am a part of the Emerging Leaders Program, serveAkron, Engineers for a Sustainable World, and hope to get even more involved as my freshman year goes on! I can also be found running the social media for Zips Esports and the Student Union! 

Alison Winters
First-Year Senator
Mia Latimer
First-Year Senator