Independent Entities

Independent Entities are appointed positions necessary for the functioning of GPSG as an organization. They are overseen jointly by the President and Speaker. All Independent Entities are appointed by the President and voted on for confirmation by the Senate. A confirmation approval requires one half plus one of all Senate members. There are a total of six (6) Independent Entities.

Chief of Staff

Kate Boyd

Bio: Kate Boyd is a first-year student in the Master’s of Theological Studies program at the Divinity School. She is originally from Dallas, Texas, and is excited to be studying a subject she loves in a new place. Kate graduated from Baylor University with her B.A. in English and Religion this past May.

Her academic interests include systematic and historical theology and how the two influence the individual’s religious experience today. In her free time, Kate is usually reading or spending time with her friends. Feel free to email her at gpsg.chiefofstaff@duke.edu.

Responsibilities: The Chief of Staff is the central administrative officer responsible for maintaining records and internal workings of the Government.

Contact the Chief of Staff: For questions, thoughts, or concerns regarding general GPSG operations

Treasurer

Anah Nizar

Bio: Anah is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the School of Medicine from Syracuse University, New York. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology in 3 years from Arcadia University in 2024 and matriculated right into Duke’s DPT program. After graduation, she is passionate about pursuing a sports physical therapy residency and specializing in high-level sports PT. “She is passionate about using student funds to support initiatives that enrich the graduate student experience and promote connection, growth, and well-being.” In her free time she enjoys, traveling, volunteering, working out, and exploring new coffee shops.

Responsibilities: The Treasurer is responsible for managing the budget of the Government and shall coordinate the disbursement of funds. The Treasurer develops policies and procedures to disperse all funds transparently, effectively, and efficiently.

Contact the Treasurer: For questions, thoughts, or concerns regarding the GPSG budget.

Chief Justice

Dylan Palmer

Bio: Dylan Palmer, Duke Law ‘26, is from Meridian, Idaho. Dylan graduated from Hillsdale College in 2023, where he studied psychology. At the law school, Dylan is involved in the Duke Law Journal, Moot Court Board, Federalist Society, Christian Legal Society, and OutLaw. He is also a Guardian ad Litem in Durham County. After he graduates, Dylan will clerk for one year with a federal district court judge, and then for one year with a federal circuit court judge. In his free time, Dylan enjoys running, movies, podcasts, and spending time with friends.

Responsibilities: The Chief Justice shall possess jurisdiction for conflict resolution concerning executive, independent entities, and legislative branches. The Chief Justice is responsible for any disciplinary recommendations for issues that arise within GPSG.

Contact the Chief Justice: For questions, thoughts, or concerns regarding GPSG rules, bylaws, and ethics.

Director of Student Organizations

Anvita Kulshrestha (she/her/hers)

Bio: Anvita is a fourth-year Genetics and Genomics PhD student in the lab of Dr. Allison Ashley-Koch. She is interested in understanding complex disease genetics through computational approaches. Specifically, she is looking to identify outcome modifying genes (and variants) in Sickle Cell Disease. In addition to her research work, she is involved with multiple on-campus organizations like Women in Science & Engineering, India Forum at Duke, among others. In her free time, Anvita enjoys making mandala art, doing calligraphy, and meeting new people!

Responsibilities: The Director of Student Organizations oversees the ecosystem of student groups across the University and promotes the development of a diverse set of student groups, and shall be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of student organization funding opportunities and disbursement.

Contact the Director of Student Organizations: For questions concerning student organization registration, maintenance, and funding.

Director of Communications

Cierra Berry

Bio: Cierra is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the School of Medicine from Knoxville, Tennessee. Last year, she had the opportunity to serve as the SOM DPT Representative in the GPSG Senate and on the DEI Committee. She graduated from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA) in 2022 and took a gap year prior to matriculation. Outside of the classroom, Cierra is passionate about providing mentorship to individuals of the African Diaspora with an interest in pursuing physical therapy and improving the visibility of diverse faces in the profession. In addition, Cierra has enjoyed exploring outdoor spaces, restaurants, volunteering throughout the Triangle, and networking with students attending other graduate/professional programs.

Contact the Director of Communications: For general inquiries concerning GPSG communications and social media.

Director of Events Planning

Victoria Lanier

Bio: Coming Soon

Responsibilities: The Director of Events Programming plans and executes Campus-wide events programming, in conjunction with partner organizations. The portfolio of the Director shall be enacted by the Events Committee. The Director of Events shall be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of GPSG events including Fall Camp Out, Winter Formal, and Spring GPSG Student Appreciation Event.

Contact the Director of Events Programming: For general inquiries concerning GPSG-hosted events.