Student Spotlights: Eda Bozkurt, Raphael Onuku, and Emma Berger

Headshots of Eda Bozkurt, Raphael Onuku, and Emma Berger

Nov. 22, 2024

Learn more about the experiences of three Ginsberg Center students: Eda Bozkurt, Raphael Onuku, and Emma Berger. Through their work with the Center, these students have been able to transform their interests and passions into action in our local communities. Get involved with the Ginsberg Center.


Eda Bozkurt

Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant

Q: Is there anything you have gained by being a Graduate Consultant that you plan to apply to your future work or that you have applied to your current work/studies?

A: I've gained invaluable skills in community engagement and equity-centered educational practices that profoundly connect with my doctoral research on the complexities of state-led urban renewal projects in Turkey. This experience has honed my ability to facilitate meaningful conversations and listen deeply to diverse perspectives—skills that are critical in analyzing the social and political ramifications of urban transformations, especially in understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities affected by these projects.

These insights not only enrich my research but also inform my vision for my future role in academia. I aspire to create collaborative environments where students can critically engage with socio-political issues, learn from community-based insights, and approach complex topics with a reflective, inclusive mindset. By integrating these skills into my teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, I aim to foster spaces that promote mutual learning, respect, and a commitment to social responsibility, making a meaningful impact both in and beyond the classroom.

Raphael Onuku

Student Advisory Board

Q: What unique perspectives about yourself do you bring to the Student Advisory Board, and how do you see these perspectives benefitting the Board?

A: I believe that my background as an international student and a dedicated researcher in medicinal chemistry brings a unique perspective to the Student Advisory Board. Coming from Nigeria and navigating diverse academic and cultural landscapes across three continents, I understand the challenges and strengths that come with diverse backgrounds and experiences. My work in the scientific community and involvement in student governance has taught me the value of inclusivity, resilience, and the power of collaboration, which I bring to every board discussion.

These perspectives help me advocate for a more inclusive environment within the Ginsberg Center, ensuring our programs and policies reflect the needs of students from all walks of life. I strive to help shape initiatives that foster an equitable community at the University of Michigan, particularly for international students and underrepresented groups. My experiences have shown me that inclusivity and diversity are crucial for creating impactful community engagements, and I hope to continue contributing these values to the Board.

Emma Berger

Community Technical Assistance Collaborative (CTAC)

Q: What motivated you to join CTAC and what do you enjoy most about participating in the program?

A: I was drawn to CTAC because of the wonderful symbiotic relationship that it fosters between nonprofits, schools, and governmental organizations who may not always have the resources or time to perform complex analysis and data evaluation, and students who need to learn these skills.

CTAC provides meaningful findings and support for community initiatives that are exceedingly important to local social and community change, and I am honored to be part of that work.

I am part of the YpsiNICE team, and my favorite part is learning more about the important work that YpsiNICE does for the community. I also appreciate the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the presence of racially coded language in city ordinances, as well as the prevalence of select criminalization in city ordinances. I think this knowledge is extremely central to the work of an urban planner, otherwise, systemically racist ordinances will continue to be reinforced. The guidance from student coordinators is paramount to my professional and technical development, and I have already learned so much! I cannot say enough good things about CTAC.