The ASH Doctoral Student Forum supports doctoral students in the Department of Applied Statistics, Social Sciences and the Humanities, professionally, academically, and socially. In doing so, we provide support for teaching and TAing, professional development workshops to meet the needs of students, and social events that foster a sense of community amongst doctoral students.
Each academic year the ASH Doc Forum plans social events to welcome students in the Fall and to end on a high note in the Spring. Additionally, we have hosted professional development events to support both the teaching and learning of doctoral students. Some of these events have included an Inclusive Teaching Workshop, Faculty-Student Writing Workshop, and a Faculty panel on navigating the job market.
Leadership Team
Diane Hill, President
Diane Hill (she/her) is a second year PhD Student in Sociology of Education. Diane’s research is interested in the experiences of Indigenous students in higher education and Indigenous sovereignty and presence on campuses. Diane is a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Diane is excited to serve as the president of the ASH doc forum and chair the social committee.
Sofía Antonia Gómez-Doyle, Vice President
Sofía Antonia Gómez-Doyle is a second year doctoral student in the International Education program at NYU Steinhardt. Her research explores the intersection between migration and access to education, with a particular focus on youth civic engagement and transformative justice. She’s excited to support the ASH Doc Forum this year as the Vice-President. Outside of NYU, you can find her listening to Silvana Estrada, reading biographies, or attending theater and dance around the city.
Melissa Ortiz, Professional Development Committee
Melissa Ortiz is a third-year Ph.D. student and is interested in exploring the contemporary educational experiences of Latinx students attending schools in the suburbs undergoing rapid demographic change. She’s excited to support the ASH Doc Forum for the second year in her capacity on the professional development committee. In her free time, Melissa likes to study ballet, ride her bike around the city, and read fiction.
Marc Tohme, Teaching Committee
Marc (he/him) is a third year in Sociology of Education at NYU in Fall 2023. Through this degree, he aims to study masculinity in Lebanon during times of war and crisis. He is glad to be on the executive board of the ASH Doc Forum, specifically as the teaching committee chair for the year.
Bella Afra Boateng, Member at Large
Bella is a 4th-year doctoral candidate in the Sociology of Education program at NYU Steinhardt. Her research explores how Black-owned after-school makerspaces in NYC empower young learners to challenge systemic exclusion in technology. She is excited to stay on the ASH Doc Forum as a member at large, supporting all the wonderful initiatives. In her free time, she likes to read at the park, watch a good show, or ride a bike around the neighborhood.