Meet the Committee
Hi! My name is Mykhailo Tolstikhin, and I am a 3rd-year engineering undergraduate student at Churchill College. My hometown is Mariupol, located on the beautiful shores of the Sea of Azov.
Being the President of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society (CUUS) arises from a strong desire to unite and empower our community. Over the past year, I’ve loved being involved in society life: representing us and helping to organise the 4th USU Summit, running the Ukrainian Meme Quiz, or helping out with our regular events.
My focus will be simple: making sure CUUS remains a welcoming space for every Ukrainian student here and other nationalities, while sharing our culture and perspective with the wider university through events, panels, and joint projects with other societies.
Outside of my studies and CUUS, I row for the Churchill College Boat Club, play for the Churchill College Rugby Club, and train in Muay Thai, boxing, and swimming. I am also currently taking the CLIC Chinese course (Lower Intermediate).
My name is Yevheniia, and I am a third-year undergraduate Mathematics student at Trinity College and the newly elected Vice President of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society. Originally from Lviv, I greatly value staying connected to Ukrainian traditions and contributing to the sharing of Ukrainian culture within the Cambridge community.
This is my third year on the CUUS Committee, and throughout this time I have had the opportunity to help organise a wide range of events. Some of my favourites have included varenyky-making, a pysanky workshop, and the Ukrainian Formal. I particularly enjoy organising events that create a warm and familiar atmosphere for Ukrainians living far from home, while also giving international students the opportunity to discover and engage with Ukrainian culture and traditions.
Outside my studies and CUUS, I enjoy crocheting and singing in the Ukrainian choir “Malva”. I have also recently taken up volleyball.
My name is Andrew, and I am a second-year undergraduate Economics student at Peterhouse. Originally from Chernivtsi, where I completed my secondary education, I have always valued the strong sense of community and connection to the place that shaped my upbringing.
My main motivation for being part of CUUS is to strengthen ties among Ukrainian students at the University of Cambridge and beyond. I believe that a strong community helps preserve culture and traditions, share experiences, and create meaningful connections between people.
Academically, I am particularly interested in development economics and the history of economic thought. These interests have also fuelled my enthusiasm for travelling and learning about different societies and cultures around the world. Outside my studies, I particularly enjoy camping and spending time in nature.
My name is Illia, and I am a third-year MEng Engineering student at Trinity Hall. Originally from Donetsk and Bakhmut, Ukraine, I serve as Events Officer for the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, where I focus on organising events and socials that bring together not only the Ukrainian community but also people from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.
In addition to my work with CUUS, I have previously organised tours for delegations from various Ukrainian towns visiting Cambridge. Much of my time outside my studies is dedicated to Cambridge Riviera Racing Engineering, where I help prepare the boat for the annual Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
Outside Cambridge, I have an amateur background in judo, which I began in Ukraine, and I continue to pursue my interest in combat sports through training in MMA and boxing.
My name is Anastasiia, and I am a first-year undergraduate student studying History and Politics at Gonville and Caius College. I serve as the Public Relations Officer of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, where I am responsible for promoting the Society's activities, strengthening its presence within the wider Cambridge community, and fostering greater awareness of Ukraine and Ukrainian culture.
Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, I have a particular interest in ethnic studies and the history of Ukraine. I am fascinated by Ukraine's diverse cultural and ethnic composition, which has been shaped by its long and complex history. Through my role at CUUS, I hope to promote a deeper understanding of Ukraine and its heritage within the Cambridge community, while strengthening cultural and academic connections between the University of Cambridge and Ukraine.
Outside my studies, I am particularly interested in the psychology of communication and in learning languages. I enjoy travelling and meeting people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which has further developed my interest in intercultural communication.
My name is Sofiia Horova, and I am an undergraduate student studying Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Peterhouse. Originally from Zhytomyr, Ukraine, I have been living in Warsaw, Poland, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
I currently serve as the Welfare Officer of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, where I am committed to helping create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for members of the Ukrainian community at Cambridge. Having previously worked with Ukrainian refugees, I have a particular interest in understanding the experiences of Ukrainians living abroad and supporting their wellbeing and sense of community.
Through my role at CUUS, I hope to help strengthen connections within the Ukrainian community at Cambridge and ensure that our Society remains a welcoming space where members can find support, build friendships, and share their experiences.
Outside my studies, I enjoy travelling, learning languages, and exploring different cultures. I particularly value meeting new people and hearing their stories, especially those with a connection to Ukraine.
My name is Emine, and I am a first-year undergraduate student studying Human, Social and Political Sciences at Queens’ College. Originally from Simferopol, Crimea, and later based in Kyiv, my experiences have shaped my strong interest in international law, human rights, and governance in occupied territories.
As Social Media Manager of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, I hope to use digital communication to strengthen the society's community, highlight Ukrainian culture and experiences, and engage both Ukrainian and international students with CUUS activities.
My academic interests are closely connected to my belief in the resilience of Ukrainian society and the importance of community solidarity. Outside my studies, I have been actively involved in university societies and volunteering organisations, through which I have developed a strong interest in community engagement and social impact.