Meet our
Research Team
The Research Unit of the Commonwealth Students’ Association serves as the intellectual and policy-driven arm of the Association, dedicated to advancing evidence-based advocacy, student-centred research, and informed policy engagement across the Commonwealth. Through research, analysis, and strategic collaboration, the team contributes to shaping conversations and solutions on key issues affecting students and young people globally.
We are excited to welcome Mridula Manasvi to the Commonwealth Students’ Association as our Research Head. Mridula joins us with a background that blends scientific rigour with a genuine drive for global impact. As the founder of her own environmental non-profit, she’s already
proven she has the leadership and grit to turn advocacy into real-world results.
Her approach is built on a solid foundation in the sciences, allowing her to bridge the gap between technical data and community action. Whether she’s acting as an entrepreneur or an advocate, Mridula brings a creative, “outside the box” mindset to every challenge she hits.
In her role at the CSA, Mridula will be leading our research initiatives. We’re looking forward to
seeing her use that unique perspective to spark innovation and collaboration across the Commonwealth. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we work together to empower students
and push for sustainable change on a global scale.
Nissi Awuku Larbi is a Ghanaian postgraduate student currently pursuing a Master’s in Architecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Her enthusiasm for creative technology is a way to channel her curiosity into service, understanding people’s needs and designing thoughtful responses to them. She is also deeply passionate about student governance and its connection to global governance, believing that strong student representation is essential to building accountable institutions and inclusive societies.
She currently serves as Vice President of the United Nations Students’ Association at KNUST, where she is part of a team that educates KNUST students on the United Nations and diplomatic relations. As a committed advocate for social inclusion, she is also a member of the Gender Committee of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana at KNUST. Outside her studies, Nissi finds inspiration in nature, where she nurtures her love for writing.
Joycelyn Barths is a passionate and driven leader dedicated to youth empowerment, research, and advocacy in education. She is currently the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Research Team of the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA) and serves as a GRASAG Senator for the College of Art and Built Environment at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
With a background in Architecture and a strong commitment to service, Joycelyn has held several leadership roles, including General Secretary for the 2017 Kwegyir Aggrey Memorial School Year Group. Her work reflects a deep belief in collaboration, accountability, and sustainable development.
Through her academic and professional journey, she continues to champion student research, inclusion, and innovation across Africa and the Commonwealth empowering young people to lead with integrity and impact.
