Student Executive Board

Ellen Aughenbaugh (President) is pursuing degrees in biology and studio art and a minor in neuroscience. She is a National Merit Scholar, Provost Scholar, Hamilton Research Scholar, Faith and Learning Scholar, and a member of the University Honors Program. Ellen has also received scholarships from the Meadows School of the Arts for her exemplary painting and drawing portfolio. Ellen is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Health Pre-Professional Honor Society, and she serves as Vice-President of Communications for the Student Organized Art Collective. As an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Edward Glasscock's cardiorespiratory neurogenetics lab, Ellen plans to pursue her Ph.D. in biology after SMU.
Mallory Lorant (Vice President) is a Pre-Law Scholar, majoring in philosophy and corporate communication and public affairs, with minors in Spanish and law and legal reasoning. She is passionate about pursuing a future career as a criminal attorney while also dedicating her time to promoting child advocacy, a cause close to her heart. Her involvement in academic groups on campus extends to the University Honors Program, Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, and Hegi Career Leaders. Mallory is also extensively involved on campus beyond academics alone. She is the chair of membership and logistics of Mustangs for Hope, the website coordinator for Student Foundation, and Vice-President of Membership of Delta Gamma. She is looking forward to the rest of her time at SMU and is eager to see how her passions and leadership roles will continue to shape her journey.
Jenna Young (Treasurer) comes from Allen, Texas, and is a graduate of Allen High School. She chose SMU because it was close to home and offered a close-knit campus community. She is pursuing majors in political science and psychology, with minors in history and law and legal reasoning to accompany the pre-law track. Jenna is also a member of the University Honors Program and the Pre-Law Scholars Program. She currently serves as Parliamentarian for the SMU Student Senate, is a founding member of the Maguire Ethics Center Student Advisory Board, and works as a Resident Assistant. Jenna also conducts research for the Voices of SMU Oral History Project, serves as an SMU Student Ambassador, and is the alto saxophone section leader for the Mustang Band. Jenna was named a 2025 Richter Fellow in political science archival research and is a recipient of the Center for Family Psychology Scholarship. In her free time, Jenna enjoys playing basketball, learning new instruments, and spending time with friends.
Jackson Beck (Senior Social Chair) is pursuing degrees in psychology and English with a minor in philosophy. He is a dedicated member of the Dedman College Scholars Program and is thrilled to serve on the Student Executive Board. In his free time, Jackson enjoys reading, writing, and playing soccer. Jackson considers himself to be the biggest VFB Stuttgart supporter on this side of the Atlantic. Jackson intends to enter a graduate program for psychology after graduation.
Allie Reyes PhotoAlexandra Reyes (Junior Social Chair) comes to SMU fromSan Antonio, Texas, and is majoring in geophysics and biochemistry, while minoring in physics and mathematics. She is currently the Secretary for the Women in Science and Engineering organization and volunteers on the leadership team for the Mustang Band, where she plays the trumpet. Alexandra is a McNair Scholar, currently working in Dr. Stephen Arrowsmith’s research lab studying infrasound propagation. Alexandra plans to pursue a doctorate in planetary science and aspires to work as an astrobiologist for NASA.
Mariella Rezco (Sophomore Social Chair) came to SMU from Los Angeles, California, where she is pursuing degrees in psychology and earth sciences with a minor in business. She is passionate about pursuing a career in law that combines her interests in human behavior, advocacy, and social justice. Beyond being a Dedman Scholar in the University Honors Program, Mariella serves as a Student Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She also holds leadership positions within Student Foundation and actively contributes to Alpha Chi Omega, serving on both the Public Relations and Marketing Committee. Mariella is also on the Silent Auction Committee for Alpha Chi Couture, as well as the Sponsorships and Raffles Committee for Paint Wars Philanthropy.Beyond her involvement in these organizations, Mariella is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and the Women in Law Club, both of which reflect her dedication to the legal field and empowering women in law.
Rayyan Shahid (Freshman Social Chair) is a Plano native and a graduate of Plano East Senior High School, double-majoring in psychology and biology. Rayyan chose SMU for its smaller classes, research opportunities, and close-knit community. His honors include being an AP Scholar with Distinction, Academic All-State: Elite Team, Freshman of the Year, and the USTA Sportsmanship Award. Rayyan served as varsity tennis captain for two years, served on his student-athlete leadership team, and was involved in the National Honor Society. Beyond school, he directs charity tennis events, represents the Adidas team, and volunteers in local clinics. In his free time, he loves the outdoors and will never turn down good food.He looks forward to getting more involved at SMU!
Isabella Thrailkill (Media Chair) was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. She is majoring in biological sciences, Spanish, and human rights and minoring in public policy and international affairs through the Tower Scholars program. Isabella is on the executive board for Mustang Ballroom andK-Pop Club and is President of Loyd Commons. Isa also works in the Dedman College Dean’s suite and is an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Brian Zoltowski's lab. Isabella aspires to either work in the science industry, using her training in biology, or attend law school after graduation.
Kitty Eid (Media Committee) is a double major in political science and French from Colorado Springs, Colorado. At SMU, she has explored her interests in international relations and public policy through her participation as a Tower Scholar and her research involvement with the Hamilton Scholars’ Undergraduate Research Program. Working with Dr. Hiroki Takeuchi, she has delved into political sophistication and political theory, coauthoring a paper on the relationship between the proliferation of political rhetoric on social media networks and modern threats to democratic institutions, viewed through the lens of 18th-century French political theory. She is currently developing another paper examining the role of populist rhetoric on sustainability initiatives and the global issue of climate change. Outside the classroom, Kitty is an avid weightlifter, runner, and skier. She enjoys clothing design, including embroidery, bleach dyeing, and sewing, and any playlists featuring Gorillaz. After graduation, she intends to pursue law school—unless her stand-up comedy career takes off first.
Katelyn Tran (Media Committee) comes from Garland, TX, and is a graduate of Garland High School. She graduated in the top two percent of her class with an International Baccalaureate diploma. Katelyn chose to attend SMU because of its interdisciplinary studies, close-knit community, academic and mentorship opportunities, and its blend of tradition and innovation. She is majoring in biological sciences to support her pre-health goals, with minors in chemistry and psychology. Katelyn is also a Caswell Fellow and a JAMP Scholar. On campus, she works as a research assistant in Dr. Glasscock’s neurogenetics lab and as a student assistant for the University Honors Program. She previously served as the marketing chair for SMU’s Vietnamese Student Association. Outside of campus, Katelyn enjoys volunteering at Children’s Medical Center. In her free time, she loves playing tennis and following the professional tour, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new creative projects. Her favorite show is Avatar: The Last Airbender.