Metis Study Association

Board VII (2025-2026)

Freya Briggs- President

Hi! I am Freya and I am the President of the Metis Board. 

I am super super excited for next year and to collaborate to achieve an even more inclusive and welcoming community.

So a bit about me... I’m an early bird so you’ll probably see me upstairs in Descartes in the morning and then in the bean bag room anytime past noon. I have moved around growing up, so I am always here to talk if anyone is ever missing home. In my free time I love to play sports, going on runs, trying to tan in UV 1, and burning spaghetti (I promise I am improving my culinary skills). 

Please feel welcome to reach out to me with any concerns or suggestions you have!

Mary Ellen Youtcheff- Secretary

Salut! I’m Mary and I am your secretary for this year! I am really looking forward to this year and meeting new people. I would love to make the PPE community more inclusive for all its members and I will work to make Freya's schedule as coherent and organized as possible and maybe even improve her culinary skills :)

I am currently a part of Foodco. My hobbies include baking, running, sailing, and reading. If you're looking for me you’ll probably find me outside somewhere or by the coffee machine.

Feel free to reach out if you ever need anything or a running partner!

Gilbert Blüm - Treasurer

Halloo! I’m Gilbert and I’m your Metis Treasurer this year! I’m super excited to take care of all things budget-related and help make sure we can keep doing all the fun and inclusive things that make Metis feel like home – without going bankrupt in the process ;)

A little bit about me: I’m currently the treasurer of EditorialCo, so spreadsheets and I are already pretty well-acquainted. Outside of that, I love playing tennis and golf, and I’m always up for hanging out and meeting new people–whether it’s at an event, over coffee, or just around Descartes.

If you ever have questions about Metis finances, ideas you want to make happen, or just want to chat – I’m always around and happy to talk!

Peter Albert Fassbender - Internal Affairs Commissioner

Was geht, was geht! I’m Peter, and I’ll be your Internal Affairs Commissioner next year! I’m beyond excited to support all the incredible Metis committees and bring some unforgettable (and possibly slightly chaotic) ideas to life. Whether it's organizing events, helping committees to thrive and be active, or just making sure Metis stays the fun and inclusive space we all love, I’m here for it.

You will most likely find me sitting outside of Descartes enjoying a (herbal) cigarette and annoying people with unnecessary knowledge about trees and birds. I am always down for a chat, a spontaneous beer or anything that contributes to procrastination - so don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any ideas, questions, or just want to hang out!

Paul Brandi- External Affairs Commissioner

Tach! I’m Paul and I am glad to be your new External Affairs Commissioner for this year. That means, I’ll be trying to connect Metis with the outside world, whether it is reaching out to other associations, organising collab events or parties, and making sure our community is vibing beyond our own bubble.

I’m originally from the beautiful Ruhrpott, shoutout to Essen, Currywurst and that good old charm. So you can expect straight talk, solid vibes and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting.

You’ll probably catch me somewhere between planning events, kicking a ball around, talking people into spontaneous plans, or occasionally enjoying a moment of 

creative reflection with Peter. I am looking forward to making new connections, creating opportunities and making sure that no one gets left out of the fun. Whether it’s bringing people together, turning a chill idea into something way bigger than intended, or just making sure Metis stays the fun, informative and welcoming place it is - I’m down for it!

Feel free to approach me anytime, as I am always up for a good conversation, a cold beer, or whatever plan comes next.

Martina Guccione - Educational Affairs Commissioner

Hola hola! I’m Martina and I’m your Educational Affairs Commissioner! I am super excited to voice your thoughts, ideas and opinions to the university body, and do my part in ensuring Metis stays an inclusive and fun community. 

As for my hobbies, I love music, journaling, long walks (especially with my dog, whom I’m always counting down the days to see), and spending time with my friends. I spend most of my days at Descartes, either procrastinating in the common room or driving myself insane upstairs. At any Metis event you’ll probably find me next to whoever is on aux, trying to get them to play Bad Bunny because someone has to make sure the reggaeton-enjoyers in Metis are well represented, of course.  

I love meeting new people and just talking in general so feel free to approach me with anything!