Biden School Student Association
meet the officers
The Biden School Student Association is the official student organization of the school. The group facilitates communication between the students and faculty and staff of the school, and advocates for the interests of Biden School students.
Idowu Kunlere
Idowu Kunlere is an Energy and Environmental Policy doctoral student at the Biden School. He holds a BSc (Microbiology) from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and an MSc (Environmental Microbiology) from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, where he worked on harnessing microorganisms to biodegrade plastic wastes in natural and laboratory environments. Kunlere earned a postgraduate diploma in environmental management from the Technical University Dresden in Germany and an MPA from the National University of Singapore, Singapore. Before his doctoral studies, Kunlere worked with Nigeria’s top federal environmental regulator, protecting sensitive natural ecosystems and helping manufacturing companies towards sustainable practices that cut carbon emissions and improve environmental operational efficiency. He also worked on implementing and enhancing various federal environmental regulations and multilateral environmental agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Zachary Tapper
Zachary is a second-year Energy and Environmental Policy major, with double minors in History and Public Policy, with the understanding that the past affects the present. Along with being the Treasurer of the BSSA, he is also the treasurer of the Hydroponic Club, a member of the Men’s Crew Team, and a Climate Scholar. Zachary is not only committed to serving as Treasurer, but also helping to ensure that both the BSSA and faculty hear both undergraduate and postgraduate students’ voices.
Casey Schaeffer
Casey Schaeffer is a third-year Leadership major with a concentration in Business and a minor in Event Management. Now in her third year as Lead Representative, Casey is deeply committed to enhancing the major and fostering strong relationships within it. She serves as a valuable resource for students in the major and minor, as well as for those interested in joining. In addition to her role in BSSA, Casey is actively involved as a QUEST Peer Mentor, a student coordinator for TEDxUniversityofDelaware, and a UDaB Site-Leader. She is also a member of the Blue Hen Leadership Program, Women’s Network, and Community Engagement Scholars, among other organizations.
Henry Goodson
Henry Goodson is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Through both his academic and professional career, Henry has pursued research in human rights, genocide studies, and extremism studies. As program representative for the MPP, Henry is committed to ensuring that the Biden School’s students have a clear line of communication between themselves, faculty, professional staff, and school administrators.
Destiny Carmona
Destiny Carmona is a 4+1 Masters in Public Administration student in her plus 1 year (graduate). Through her academics and professional internships she has pursued education policy, ranging from CTE (career and technical education) to Launch Into Your Future Month (formally known as college application month). As program representative for the MPA, Destiny is committed to advocating for MPA students and keeping communication open between faculty and students.
Zoē Ketola
Zoē Ketola is an Energy and Environmental Policy (ENEP) doctoral student at the Biden School. Her research centers on energy justice and collaborative approaches to support community priorities through energy and sustainable transitions. Her work has covered a broad range of topics, including energy security, industrial heritage, and equity in urban planning. She previously served as the ENEP representative for the Student Association. Zoē enjoys working with students to plan events and pursue goals that resonate with them, and is committed to the transparency and accessibility of the BSSA.
Meghan Rydell
Meghan Rydell is a double major in public policy and international relations at the University of Delaware. In addition to her majors, she is pursuing a certificate in Spanish with the hope of breaking down language barriers in politics. Meghan is working towards studying abroad after recently returning from Spain where she completed her Spanish certificate requirements. She is currently serving as a Resident Assistant in South Academy Residents Hall and an intern at the Biden Institute here at the University. On campus, she is the Membership and Networking Chair of the International City/County Management Association, the Secretary of Make it Count!, and a volunteer through the UD Alternative Breaks Program. Meghan is passionate about fostering connections in her community, which is why she volunteers with organizations such as Reading Partners New York and is a Community Engagement Scholar. As Secretary of the Biden School, she hopes to bring her creativity, love of community, and innovation to all her responsibilities, including the BSSA bi-weekly email!
Matthew Willmes
Matthew Willmes is a second-year Energy and Environmental Policy major committed to bridging the divide between students and faculty at the Biden School of Public Policy. He participated in the QUEST college transition program and is a Climate Scholar. As ENEP representative, Matthew hopes to bring together a community of undergraduates who actively engage with each other, attend Biden School events, and share the same enthusiasm about creating change as their peers.
Keihan Hassanzadehkermanshahi
Keihan is a third-year Ph.D. student in Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Delaware. Through both his academic and professional career, Keihan has pursued research at the intersection of regional planning and environmental policy, focusing on the effectiveness of growth management plans in mitigating urban sprawl and addressing its consequences, such as urban heat island effects and energy consumption.
As a dedicated student representative, Keihan strives to connect the voice of students to faculty members, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances student progression and success in their academic endeavors.
Katherine von Duyke
Katherine von Duyke is a fourth-year Public Policy major with a minor in Politics and Social Justice and an enthusiastic member in the beekeeping club. Passionate about advocating for equitable policies, she has engaged in various research projects focused on community empowerment and policy reform, as well as local government campaigns. Katherine serves as an Undergraduate Public Policy Representative, where she collaborates with faculty and fellow students to promote informed discussions on pressing societal issues. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is actively involved in local volunteer organizations, striving to make a tangible impact in her community. With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and social change, Katherine aims to bridge the gap between policy and the communities it affects.
For Employees
Connect
184 Graham Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 bidenschool@udel.edu Phone (302) 831-1687