My name is Christine Herbst, and I’m a data science student deeply passionate about using evidence-driven thinking to make campus life more inclusive and supportive. Over my years at Duke Kunshan University, I’ve seen how academic, health, and social challenges can intersect, especially for students navigating disabilities, chronic illness, or leaves of absence. My own experience undergoing a leave of absence makes me want to help DKU strengthen the systems that allow every student to thrive.
I am applying for the Student Leaders Board because I believe effective change begins with listening. I want to represent voices that are often unheard – students who face barriers to accessing health care, counseling, or academic continuity. My goal is to work collaboratively with campus departments to make student support resources clearer, more accessible, and better communicated. Whether that means improving transparency around leave-of-absence procedures, advocating for stronger disability accommodations, or helping design peer-led wellness initiatives, I want to make sure our policies match our values of empathy and inclusivity.
As a student leader, I bring both organizational experience and a commitment to empathy. Through my work on the Student Alumni Board and various campus projects, I’ve learned how to connect with diverse groups and translate ideas into practical, community-focused outcomes. I hope to use that experience to foster a culture of care, and one where every student feels supported, included, and cared for.
Ultimately, I want to help DKU become not only a place of academic excellence, but also one where well-being and accessibility are treated as essential to learning and belonging.