Siddhant Dhingra elected as new MCR President

As a new academic year gets underway, we caught up with Siddhant Dhingra, the recently elected Middle Common Room (MCR) President (2024–25), to find out more about his time at Teddy Hall so far and his plans for the future in this role.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your area of study?

I am currently a final-year DPhil candidate in Organic Chemistry, where my research focuses on mechanistic and inhibition studies of enzymes with biomedical and industrial significance. Specifically, I am investigating bacterial and plant signalling pathways through the lens of enzymology and protein engineering. Prior to Oxford, I completed my Bachelor of Science with Honours in Chemistry at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, where I graduated as the top-ranked student in my cohort.

Why did you decide to run for MCR President?

I decided to run for MCR President because I believe the MCR plays a vital role in the graduate experience at Oxford, providing both a strong community and a platform for student engagement. I wanted to contribute to making the MCR more inclusive, vibrant, and supportive for all members. My past leadership experiences and my passion for creating a collaborative environment where all voices are heard motivated me to take on this role.

What are your goals in the post?

My primary goal as MCR President is to foster a welcoming and dynamic space for all graduate students. I aim to strengthen the MCR’s sense of community through inclusive events, academic support, and collaborations with other student bodies. Additionally, I want to ensure that the MCR is a home away from home for all Teddy Hall students, and the Committee is driven towards addressing student concerns, advocating for their needs, and enhancing their overall Oxford experience.

How have you been involved in Hall life in the past?

The Hall has been the cornerstone of my Oxford experience. I was elected as the MCR Welfare Officer in my first term in 2021 and have been actively involved in the committee ever since, serving as Welfare Officer until 2023 and then stepping into the role of Vice-President for the 2023–24 term. During this time, I’ve organised high teas, talks, and social events that fostered academic and personal connections within our community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Teddy Hall has been the friendships I’ve built. The Hall brings together people from all corners of the world, each with unique cultural backgrounds and academic interests. Whether through wine at formal occasions or casual conversations over tea, I’ve connected with fellow students from disciplines as varied as public policy, medicine, and theology. These friendships have enriched my Oxford experience, allowing me to engage with perspectives far beyond my own field of biochemistry. The sense of camaraderie, respect, and mutual curiosity at Teddy Hall has fostered an environment where academic and cultural diversity thrive, creating a community that I will forever cherish.

Alongside Siddhant, the following MCR Committee members have also been elected – many congratulations to all!

• Vice-President: Duncan Lyster
• Treasurer: Tim Chan
• Stewards: Ari Covin and Isabel Black
• Welfare Officers: Shivani Suresh and Leah Tavasi
• IT Rep: Daisy Bressington
• Women’s Rep: Cat Dillman
• Charities Officer: Piya Rajendra.