CUFR Peer Ambassadors
The CUFR Peer Ambassadors are here to answer any questions you may have about national awards, undergraduate research, CUFR internal awards, and how CUFR can support your personal growth, professional development, and professional advancement. They have all engaged in research, applied for a national award, or received a national award and are excited to share their experience(s) with you. Our Peer Ambassadors are available for class and student organization presentations, tabling events, and one-on-one and group peer advising.
Complete the form at the bottom of the page to request an ambassador meeting, presentation, or participation at a tabling event.
Meet our 2025-2026 CUFR Peer Ambassadors
Joshua Lipman
Sophomore
Home: Central New Jersey
Major: Political Science: Public Policy focus
Minors: International Affairs and Sustainability.
Josh is passionate about research, especially in political science and public policy. Josh has worked as a Research Assistant in the GWU Political Science Department, where he studied local politics. He also currently serves as Managing Editor at The Globe research journal, where he helps to publish articles written by students about issues in international affairs. As a high schooler, Josh researched Gen Z’s impact on politics in New Jersey, and he presented his findings at the 2025 CCAS research showcase. His 2022 entry for the National History Day Contest about the 1977 Section 504 Sit-In was displayed in a collection at the Smithsonian American History Museum. He has participated in various other research internships, exploring topics from public policy to bankruptcy law.
Outside of his research interests, Josh is a founding member of Baking for Better at GW, as well as a member of the GroW garden and University Honors Program.
Josh is excited to help students get involved in research and fellowships, especially those from underrepresented disciplines.
Christian Maboko
Sophomore
Home: Burundi
Major: International Business and International Affairs
Christian, a former UWC Dilijan student, Rise Global Scholar, and finalist for the top 50 Chegg Global Student Prize, has conducted research in global politics and economics, led a national water campaign, and organized fundraising initiatives for health and education.
Christian is also the founder and executive director of AridVitality, an organization dedicated to improving water access and promoting economic empowerment in northern Kenya. Under his leadership, AridVitality has installed 12 manual water pumps, raised over $20,000 for women’s initiatives, and provided clean water to thousands of people. He has represented youth at World Water Week and 10 Downing Street, advocating for clean water as a foundation for peace and inclusive growth.
Besides his work with AridVitality, Christian mentors youth through the Rise Fellowship and enjoys working out, playing soccer, and taking photos during his free time.
As a CUFR ambassador, he aims to empower students to pursue community-driven research and fellowships.
Femi Ogundimu
Senior
Home: New York
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minors: Mechanical Engineering and Biophysics
Femi conducts research in the Assistive Robotics and Tele-Medicine (ART-MED) Lab, where he leads an EEG-based study on motivation and stress to inform robotic systems that adapt to patient needs in nursing homes and hospitals. Alongside his research, Femi serves as a Peer Ambassador at CUFR, supporting students with fellowships and research opportunities, and works as a Teaching Assistant for Biomedical Engineering courses, mentoring peers in programming and technical problem-solving.
Within the GW community, he is the President of the GW Robotics Club, organizing competitions and projects that bring engineering students together, and the Treasurer of GW’s NSBE chapter, where he helps plan events and strengthen student engagement.
Femi looks forward to helping students access research and fellowship opportunities and continuing to support their paths through CUFR.
