Meet the Fall 2023 Group Leaders

Omar Abdelghani

Omar Abdelghani

(he/him)
Master’s student, Supply Chain Engineering
Section 24 : CRN 89442 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 323

“The distance between who you are and who you want to be is only separated by what you do!” - Bill Phillips

Omar is in his final semester of his master’s program in Supply Chain Engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE!) in Industrial Engineering in 2019. He went on to work for a few years before starting his master’s degree at Georgia Tech in 2022. Omar played rugby from high school, through college, and is on the Georgia Tech Rugby team. He enjoys working out with his friends and teammates, watching movies and shows (sitcoms are the best), hiking, and going out with his friends. Omar loves his New York Giants and Yankees! My advice to you is don’t be afraid to try something new, go out of your comfort zone, and explore!

Shourya Agarwal

Shourya Agarwal

(he/him)
Master’s student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Section 41 : CRN 92100 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Howey S106

“Every success story is a tale of constant adaptation, revision, and change.” - Richard Branson

Shourya grew up in India and completed his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He is pursuing a graduate degree in Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering department. He enjoys reading, swimming and practicing Yoga. Shourya enjoyed taking the GT6000 class in Fall 2023 and recommends all incoming students to participate in it. He believes that harnessing the power of networking at Georgia Tech will not only enhance their educational experience but also open doors to future opportunities and personal growth.

Oyin Akapo

Oyin Akapo

(she/her)
Master’s student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Section 18 : CRN 89454 : Wednesday 6:30 - 7:20 p.m. : Clough 323

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

Oyin is a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, passionate about IC design and hardware design. As a first time GT6000 group leader, Oyin is excited to help new graduate students feel more comfortable and help kickstart their journey at Tech. She believes GT6000 will be a great experience and will help ease students into their grad school experience at Georgia Tech.

Mehdia N Rajab Ali

Mehdia N Rajab Ali

(she/her)
Master’s student, Biomedical Engineering
Section 30 : CRN 92095 : Thursday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Clough 123

“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” - Walt Disney

Mehdia was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan where she also attended medical school. Her passion for interdisciplinary science motivated her to explore various kinds of research early on as a medical student. With the Sulchek lab, she is using microfluidics (measures cell stiffness and other physical parameters) to predict chemotherapy drug responses in leukemias while accounting for cancer heterogeneity and rare mutations. Given her medical background and experience with Health tech, Mehdia is a big proponent of translational research which can be bootstrapped to address clinical needs. Mehdia looks to baking, reading, writing, trying out new coffee brews, petting cats and hiking for fun. Mehdia is excited to be a part of the GT6000 community and looks forward to welcome the new graduate students whilst positively contributing towards their transition into the Georgia Tech community.

Mikhail Bagadion

Mikhail Bagadion

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Robotics
Section 44 : CRN 89458 : Friday 2 - 2:50 p.m. : Clough 262

“Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving… you will come to a better place.” - Iroh

Mikhail is a Florida suburbanite who received a B.S in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science from the University of Florida and is now a Ph.D. student in Robotics. His research focuses on improving robot perception in the field. His hobbies include frequenting the gym, practicing the violin, and playing competitive video games with friends. His advice for incoming graduate students is to always take the time to enjoy the pleasures of life but to never forget the vision you had coming into grad school.

Amitrajit Bhattacharjee

Amitrajit Bhattacharjee

(he/him)
Master’s student, Computer Science
Section 08 : CRN 89441 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 325

“It’s not a failure. It’s steps to success.” - Giannis Antetokounmpo

Amitrajit is a second year Master’s student in Computer Science. He grew up in Mumbai and received his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He loves good movies and music, and enjoys playing sports, hiking, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. His advice for incoming grad students is to be easy on oneself - don’t worry if it doesn’t all go your way, you’ll figure it out.

Ashley Boone

Ashley Boone

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Human Centered Computing
Section 19 : CRN 89455 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“Be kind to yourself.”

Ashley is a third-year PhD student in Human Centered Computing. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Ashley is from Portland, Oregon, and she earned her B.S. in Human Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. Before coming to Georgia Tech, she took a year off of school to work as a UX/UI Designer, spend time with family, and road trip around the American Southwest. Her research examines ways technology can support new opportunities for civic engagement, particularly around conservation and environmental justice. Outside of school, you can find her ballroom dancing, cooking, hiking, or watching movies.

Victor Brandão

Victor Brandão

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Section 17 : CRN 89453 : Wednesday 6:30 - 7:20 p.m. : Clough 131

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." - John C. Maxwell

Victor grew up in Brazil where he earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2020. He is now a third-year Ph.D. student working on electrochemistry for carbon recycling. When not in the lab, Victor likes to bake, play volleyball, and check places off his travel bucket list. He recounts participating in GT6000 during his first semester at Georgia Tech as an excellent opportunity to smooth his way into grad school and is excited to connect with new students again, now as a GT6000 group leader. Victor believes that establishing a good work-life balance goes a long way toward being successful in grad school.

Dasha Bukharina

Dasha Bukharina

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Materials Science and Engineering
Section 41 : CRN 92100 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Howey S106

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - Proverb

Dasha Bukharina is a fifth year PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on unraveling the mechanisms behind biopolymers self-assembly that nature implements. Additionally to her academic endeavors, Dasha also serves as Vice President for Women in Materials Science and Engineering (WiMSE), student organization that seeks to support women in MSE. Outside of classes and research, Dasha enjoys exploring Atlanta for new food places with her friends and playing SET. Her advice to incoming graduate students is enjoy what grad school has to offer outside of the classroom- new connections and experiences.

Seung Eun (Katy) Choi

Seung Eun (Katy) Choi

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Section 29 : CRN 89445 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 : Van Leer E361

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James

Katy is a Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering studying travel behavior. Her recent research focuses on the impacts of teleworking (WFH) on travel behavior. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Urban Planning and Engineering from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. Outside of academia, Katy finds excitement in outdoor sports such as tennis, hiking, and climbing. Her advice for incoming grad students is to take things one step at a time. Graduate school can be demanding, but by approaching each task and milestone with focus and dedication, you can make the most out of every opportunity. Embrace the process, savor the small victories along the way, and let each step propel you forward on your academic path.

Raghav Dangayach

Raghav Dangayach

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Environmental Engineering
Section 34 : CRN 89449 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 106

“Change is the only constant” - Heraclitus

Raghav was born and raised in India, where he completed his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from VIT, Vellore. At Georgia Tech, he works on developing an environmentally friendly approach to synthesize membranes for water purification. Apart from this, Raghav enjoys following Formula 1, cooking and exploring new music. He is also an avid Fantasy Premier League enthusiast. He has valuable advice for incoming graduate students: maintaining a healthy work-life balance by actively pursuing their passions outside of academia. Remember, you’re not alone on this challenging journey. Surround yourself with like-minded graduate students who comprehend the struggles and provide mutual support.

Christian Douglas

Christian Douglas

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Transportation Engineering
Section 04 : CRN 93591 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 323

“There is a thin line between confidence and complacency.” -Mikel Arteta

Christian is a second year Ph.D. student in transportation engineering. His research focuses on equity within transportation planning and policy to analyze the distribution of impacts over various identities and populations. Christian was born and raised in Austin, Texas and previously earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Economics from The University of Texas at Austin. As a GT 6000 group leader, he seeks to help incoming students transition to graduate school life both academically and socially.

Anant Girdhar

Anant Girdhar

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Aerospace Engineering
Section 02 : CRN 89436 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 125

“See I got GPS on my phone.” – Jon Bellion, Human | “But if you don’t, look for ‘the pencil’.” – Georgia Tech community

Anant attended the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to obtain an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering. He has been involved with GT6000 since the Fall of 2017 as both a Group Leader and as the Assistant Instructor. He believes that an educational environment is one of the best places to learn, make mistakes, and learn from the diverse group of people around you. Unfortunately, graduate school can be set up to be highly insular and rigid at times making it very important to find a good support system. His advice is to engage fully with the GT6000 program so you can learn from others’ experiences while de-stressing with other grad students. He likes to solve puzzles, go hiking, play racketball, and ingest copious amounts of food and bubble tea, and would like to invite you to come join in on the fun as you start a brand new adventure!

Sarah Gonzalez

Sarah Gonzalez

(she/they)
Ph.D. student, Physics
Section 05 : CRN 93589 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 325 

“She quietly expected great things to happen to her, and no doubt that's one of the reasons why they did." - Zelda Fitzgerald

Sarah is a Florida native and went to undergrad at a small liberal arts school where she mostly did astrophysics research. She has since joined Dr. Sabetta Matsumoto’s soft matter group in the School of Physics where she studies the mechanics of different types of knitted materials. That means that Sarah has six balls of yarn on her office desk right now and runs simulations to represent how the fabric deforms under stress. Her hobbies include sitting on the couch while her cat tries to bite her, eating bread, and walking her over-enthusiastic dog.

Marina Haldopoulos

Marina Haldopoulos

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Biology
Section 14 : CRN 89447 : Wednesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 127

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I am a Georgia native, and received my B.S. in Biology from the University of St Andrews. I am a PhD student in Biology, studying evolution in bacteria. Outside of work, I enjoy vintage clothing and interior design and exploring around Atlanta. My advice to incoming graduate students is to take time for yourself every day.

Rachel Harris

Rachel Harris

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Section 10 : CRN 93594 : Tuesday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Howey N210

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” - Rabbi Hillel

Rachel is a 3rd year PhD student in electrical engineering conducting research on distributed optimization of power systems. She hopes her research will contribute to the global effort to supply reliable power while reducing carbon emissions to protect our planet. Outside of research, she enjoys hiking, reading, and baking and can often be found in Piedmont Park. Her advice to incoming graduate students is to pause and take a short walk around campus when they get stuck on a difficult problem. Most of the time, part of your brain keeps working on the problem during this break, and new insights become clear when you return. It works 90% of the time!

Karoline Hebisch

Karoline Hebisch

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Section 16: CRN 89452 : Wednesday 5:00 - 5:50 p.m. : Howey S105N

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Karoline Hebisch grew up in Germany and received her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from the Technical University Darmstadt. She is a fifth-year Ph.D. student of Chemical Engineering. Karoline participated in grad groups in her first year of the Ph.D. and describes the experiments as one of her weekly highlights. “Especially the exchange with other peers during grad groups let me realize that we are all in the same boat. One of the most important lessons in my Ph.D. journey was that grad school is not a sprint, but a marathon. Enjoy your time at Tech and make the most out of it. Grad groups is a great opportunity to meet interesting people and learn about helpful campus resources.”

Mahima Jaikanth

Mahima Jaikanth

(she/her)
Master’s student, Cybersecurity
Section 33 : CRN 92098 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 325

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar

Mahima Jaikanth is a well-rounded, technically strong, and passionate second-year Cybersecurity master’s student. She did her schooling in Dubai, UAE, and pursued her undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She loves learning new languages, reading, and cooking in her free time. Her advice to new graduate students is to make sure they take care of themselves despite all the challenges at graduate school. Challenges will come every day, but students should not let that define how they feel. Mental health, self-care, and proper nutrition and exercise are key aspects that are often overlooked but are crucial aspects that help one thrive in graduate school.

Shivanee Jaiswal

Shivanee Jaiswal

(she/her)
Master’s student, Computer Science
Section 28 : CRN 89460 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Clough 325

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” - Bill Cosby

Shivanee, originally from Mumbai, India, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Machine Learning and Software Engineering. She relocated to Atlanta in 2022. Alongside her academic pursuits, Shivanee finds joy in painting, cooking, and exploring new places. Recognizing that graduate school encompasses more than just academics, she believes in embracing new experiences and fostering meaningful connections. Her advice to incoming students is to strike a balance between coursework, professional growth, and personal well-being, while cherishing the journey and forging lasting friendships along the way.

Mourin (Mo) Jarin

Mourin (Mo) Jarin

(she/they)
Ph.D. student, Environmental Engineering
Section 27 : CRN 89459 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Clough 131

"Don't poison your colleagues!" - Dr. Jianfeng Zhou

Mo is a PhD student in Environmental Engineering working under Dr. Xing Xie on developing innovative and chlorine-free water disinfection technologies and is the entrepreneurial lead for her lab’s start up efforts. Mo was born in Japan, grew up in Ithaca, NY, and completed her Bachelor’s in Buffalo. Go Bills! As a Grad Groups Leader and someone who joined this program during the pandemic, Mo seeks to help new graduate students establish their academic, professional, entrepreneurial, and social presence both on campus and in Atlanta. Mo enjoyed her Grad Groups experience when she participated in Fall 2020 and now hopes to aid new students in their transition into Georgia Tech this semester.

Anamik Jhunjhunwala

Anamik Jhunjhunwala

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Biomedical Engineering
Section 23 : CRN 93595 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 278

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts." - Sir Winston Churchill

Anamik is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering where he designs Nanosensors for Ultrasound guided Photoacoustic Imaging while also pursuing a master’s in Business Analytics. He is originally from India but moved to the US for his bachelors in 2013. Anamik got a B.S. in Bioengineering and a B.A. in Economics from the University of California San Diego for his undergrad and studied design at Stanford University after. Outside of research Anamik enjoys playing tennis, table tennis and cooking. His advice for incoming graduate students is to not let the “success or failures (especially failures) of research and professional life” affect personal peace. He believes that GT6000 is a great way to meet amazing people and build a support system.

Anika Kansky

Anika Kansky

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Mechanical Engineering
Section 01: CRN 89435 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” - Marcel Proust

Anika grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering where her research focuses on estimation and control. She loves complicated boardgames, Kermit the Frog memes, and recently got involved in the Ballroom Dance Club at GT. Her advice for incoming graduate students is to find a fun thing outside of class/research and to take advantage of opportunities on campus.

Saba Karimi

Saba Karimi

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Materials Science and Engineering
Section 45 : CRN 93600 : Friday 2 - 2:50 p.m. : Howey S105A

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” - Albert Einstein

My name is Saba Karimi, and I’m a first-year PhD student in the Materials Science and Engineering program. Originally from Tehran, Iran, I have a background in Materials Engineering from my undergraduate studies. Currently, my research focuses on the fascinating fields of materials informatics and high throughput materials characterization. I’m passionate about leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance our understanding of materials and accelerate the discovery of new materials with desirable properties. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, reading, and experimenting with new recipes. My advice to incoming graduate students would be to embrace curiosity, seek collaborations, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to thrive in the exciting journey of research and learning.

Sharjeel Khan

Sharjeel Khan

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Computer Science
Section 06 : CRN 89439 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 106

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." - Mark Twain

Sharjeel is a last-year Ph.D. student in Computer Science from Hyderabad, India, though he grew up in the Middle East. His current research is focused on using program analysis to improve security and verification capabilities in codebases. Prior to Georgia Tech, I used to travel a lot such that I have been to 25 countries and 50+ cities. In his first year, Sharjeel participated in the GT6000 program, which helped him get adjusted to both Georgia Tech and Atlanta. As a result, he decided to become a Grad Group Leader and this will be his fifth year as Grad Group Leader. Sharjeel’s biggest advice for incoming graduate students is to make the most out of your time here at Georgia Tech while taking care of both your physical and mental health.

Sait Kilinc

Sait Kilinc

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Electrical and Computer Engineering     

Section 37 : CRN 93597 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Clough 262

“One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.” - Emily Dickinson

Sait Kilinc is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Degertekin’s research group. His research revolves around exploring wave propagation, signal processing, and micro-electromechanical systems. Outside of his research work, he enjoys trail running, camping, and fishing.

Hans Leung

Hans Leung

(he/him)
Master's student, Aerospace Engineering
Section 04 : CRN 93591 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 323

“Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

Hans was born and raised in Hong Kong. After finishing his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, he started his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech, with a focus on civil aviation. Hans loves watching TV shows, movies, Formula 1, and playing soccer. He believes that GT6000 is a place for grad students to share their experiences and grow together.

Kavita Matange

Kavita Matange

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Section 15: CRN 89451 : Wednesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Clough 129

"There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs." - Zig Ziglar

Kavita grew up in India and traveled to the U.S. to pursue her Ph.D. at Tech. Her research in the biochemistry department focuses on illuminating prebiotic processes that occurred on Earth four billion years ago. Kavita loves conversations about evolution, fossils, all things biology and astrobiology. She loves listening to podcasts, running, playing table tennis, and reading books. She encourages new graduate students to take on the growth mindset and explore as many events on campus as possible.

Sarah Mathew

Sarah Mathew

(she/they)
Ph.D student, Human-Centered Computing
Section 20 : CRN 89456 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 125

“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next." - Ursula K. Le Guin

Sarah grew up in New York City where she studied computer science and anthropology at CUNY. Afterwards, she worked as a computer science teacher and then as a computer vision researcher at a national lab. She has been pursuing a Ph.D. in human-centered computing, focusing on human-AI collaboration and trust. Sarah’s advice for incoming graduate students is to make time (purposefully) for things that bring joy. Graduate school can be challenging but being intentional can help balance it. She likes to read (science fiction), dance, and hike with her dog.

Ana Mazmishvili

Ana Mazmishvili

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Economics
Section 25 : CRN 89443 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 325

“That which we give makes us richer, that which is hoarded is lost.” - Shota Rustaveli, Georgian poet

Ana is a second-year Ph.D student in economics. She is primarily interested in the fields of environmental economics, international trade, and development economics. Before Georgia Tech, Ana pursued her studies as a Fulbright scholar at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where she obtained a Master of Public Policy Analysis degree. Originally, she is from the Eastern European country Georgia. Ana speaks Georgian and English languages. Her hobbies are photography, traveling, socializing, and cooking. She advises incoming graduate students to prioritize their well-being, echoing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings of stressing sufficient sleep, nourishing meals, mindful breathing, and maintaining a calm state of mind.

Nina Moorman

Nina Moorman

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Computer Science
Section 13 : CRN 89448 : Wednesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” - Steinbeck

I’m Nina Moorman, a second-year Computer Science Ph.D. student at the CORE Robotics Lab at Georgia Tech, working with professor Matthew Gombolay. My research interests are in interactive robot learning and multi-agent systems. Through my research, I hope to develop algorithms that enable robots to learn and improve in situ.

Ritesh Ojha

Ritesh Ojha

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Operations Research
Section 11 : CRN 89437 : Tuesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Swann 106

“Don't take life too seriously; enjoy every moment and let it surprise you."

Ritesh Ojha is a fourth-year PhD student in Operations Research at ISyE. He is working on developing algorithms to solve tactical planning and operational scheduling problems arising in service networks for freight and small package carriers. He did his undergraduate in Industrial Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He enjoys biking, running and playing badminton. His advice to incoming students is to explore Georgia Tech and take advantage of the ample resources it has to offer. Focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance and get to know Atlanta; it is a beautiful city.

Srujan Penta

Srujan Penta

(he/him)
Master’s student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Section 26 : CRN 93596 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 106

“In many ways, being yourself is dispelling stereotypes.”- Franchesca Ramsey

Srujan Penta is an international student from Hyderabad, India. He is a second-year grad student pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with research interests in electronic packaging and heterogeneous integration. Before grad school, Srujan received his bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from BITS Pilani, Rajasthan, India, and subsequently worked as a Process Design Kit (PDK) engineer at Samsung Semiconductors, Bengaluru, India to gain an industry perspective. In his pastime, Srujan is seen in the avatar of a digital creator because he believes that an accurate representation in media is essential to shattering erroneous stereotypes. He uses his Instagram platform (@panda_of_all_trades) to create digital content around makeup, skincare, and dance that discusses gender expression, body neutrality, and self-care. Additionally, Srujan volunteers by organizing and moderating various sessions/events with the oSTEM organization as part of the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) team.

Maaz Quraishi

Maaz Quraishi

(he/him)
Master’s student, Civil Engineering
Section 31 : CRN 92096 : Thursday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Howey S104

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” - Walt Disney

Maaz is a master’s student in Civil Engineering. Maaz is super social and have held multiple positions in Georgia Tech. Some of them are Ambassador for School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Senate of Graduate Student Government Association. He also loves being socially active and indulge in activities like swimming, trekking, martial arts and playing outdoor sports (Soccer, Volleyball, and Cricket). He is a person who challenges himself and tries to do the most he can. Being humble, supportive, funny, and caring are some of the elements of his character.

Daniela Ramirez Sanchez

Daniela Ramirez Sanchez

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Electrical Engineering
Section 09 : CRN 93592 : Tuesday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Clough 323

“Becoming earth. Becoming animal. Becoming in this manner fully human.” - David Abram

Daniela was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia where she obtained an Engineering Physics degree at Universidad Nacional. She holds a Master’s from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. Currently, she’s a PhD student in ECE working on wireless communications. Daniela loves mountains, rivers, trees, birds, and any part of the world we are part of. She loves outdoor activities; backpacking, hiking, biking, climbing. Her advice to incoming grad students is to understand that grad school is a temporary part of your life, and not your life itself. Enjoy the city, the campus, the classes and find good friends that support you through your journey.

Aparna Ravi

Aparna Ravi

(she/her)
Master’s student, Aerospace Engineering
Section 35 : CRN 89450 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

“March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.” - Mandy Hale

Aparna is a Master’s student in the Aerospace Engineering program. She grew up in Chennai, India, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering before moving to the U.S. in 2022. Her research focuses on contrail prevention strategies for a zero-emissions aircraft, centered around sustainable aviation. Aparna is a sucker for quotes and good conversations (especially those shared over a cup of coffee!) Her hobbies include dancing, and singing with her uke. Her advice for incoming students is to make the most of their time at Tech and not be afraid to ask for help. Aparna looks forward to aiding in their transition to Georgia Tech and believes GT6000 is a great place to get started.

Carli Roush

Carli Roush

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Biology
Section 21 : CRN 89446 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 127 

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” - Lucy Maud Montgomery

Carli is a Ph.D. student in Biology studying bacteriophages as an alternative treatment for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. She grew up in Kentucky and earned her B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Yale University before coming to Georgia Tech. Outside of research, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, making music, and shamelessly watching trashy TV. Carli’s advice for incoming students is to focus on making connections with your peers and explore the resources available to you at Georgia Tech.

Jagriti Sahoo

Jagriti Sahoo

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical Engineering
Section 07 : CRN 89440 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

Jagriti Sahoo is a fourth-year graduate student pursuing Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. She is originally from India and holds a bachelor’s degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Her current research interests lie at the intersection of computational chemistry and machine learning. In her spare time, she likes reading, dancing, and exploring different cultures by traveling. “I would advise the incoming graduate students to prioritize building a strong support system and exploring the resources available on campus. Having a strong support system helps immensely throughout the journey of graduate school.”

Krishma Singal

Krishma Singal

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Physics
Section 22 : CRN 89444 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 131

Special Interest Section with Focus on Women

“Find the place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." - Joseph Campbell

Krishma is from Duluth, Georgia and is currently a Ph.D. student in the School of Physics. She completed her B.S. in Physics at Georgia Tech in 2017. Her research focuses on quantifying the elastic nature of knitted fabrics. Outside of her primary research, she loves dabbling in graphic design and exploring different crafts such as knitting, crocheting, and wire weaving. She also loves bombarding people with pictures of her cat! She encourages new students to take graduate school one step at a time and always practice self-care. Remember that every stage of your life deserves moments of self-growth and happiness.

Siddharth Singh Solanki

Siddharth Singh Solanki

(he/him)
Master’s student, Computer Science
Section 35 : CRN 89450 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

“Don’t forget to sit back, relax and observe the wonderful world all around you every once in a while”

Siddharth is pursuing his Masters degree in Computer Science here at Georgia Tech. He completed his Bachelors from IIT Goa, India with the same major. He enjoys watching anime, playing basketball and debating. He is always open to listening to you if you have any interesting ideas, thoughts, wild theories, bizarre musings, oddball anecdotes or even a random rant! His advice to incoming graduate students is that you must try to build a routine which is holistic and incorporates physical exercise and a mentally relaxing hobby. It will help you be on your peak performance throughout the semesters.

Harini Sridharan

Harini Sridharan

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Section 32 : CRN 92097 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Harini is pursuing her Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering. She was born and raised in India and moved to the U.S. in 2018. She loves to bake, dance, and working out. She is very excited to interact with incoming grad students, especially international students to help them navigate the first few months of their life in a new country. Her advice to incoming grad students is to build a support system and seek validation from only oneself instead of placing it in the hands of others. She also suggests that you draw clear boundaries between personal and professional life and measure progress instead of results.

Aman Tiwari

Aman Tiwari

(he/him)
Master’s student, Cybersecurity
Section 02 : CRN 89436 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 p.m. : Clough 125

“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” - Zig Ziglar

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity and my research interests are Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Certificates. I genuinely enjoy the amount of creativity and drive that cybersecurity adds to my life. When I am not doing research or coursework, I love taking a breather by cooking myself a meal or gaming every now and then. Honestly, graduate school can be hard, but surround yourself with some true friends and it can get a whole lot easier.

Jun Wang

Jun Wang

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Architecture
Section 12 : CRN 89438 : Thursday 5:00 - 5:50 p.m. : Swann 115

“Move forward, look ahead, sun will rise again tomorrow.”

Jun is a Ph.D. in Architecture student with a second program in Civil Engineering. Jun is an international student herself. And she entered the Ph.D. Program right amid the pandemic. Jun would love to share all she knows about graduate study, Georgia Tech, and Atlanta as a home for you in the upcoming years.

Candace Washington

Candace Washington

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Construction Science and Management
Section 03 : CRN 93588 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 278

Special Interest Section with Focus on From Industry Back to School

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stressed; working hard for something we love is called passion.” - Simon Sinek

Candace is a graduate researcher and instructor pursuing her Ph.D. in Construction Science and Management at Georgia Tech. Her academic and professional credentials include a B.S. in Business, M.S. in Project Management, and an M.S. in Construction Management from Georgia Tech. Candace is a licensed general contractor in Georgia and holds certifications as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Scrum Master Professional. Candace is the CEO and Founder of Cancave Management and Cancave Engineering, privately-owned WMBE-certified construction management and engineering firms. Candace resides in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her husband, Terance; son, TC; and 4-year-old German Shepard.

Spenser Wipperfurth

Spenser Wipperfurth

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Ocean Science and Engineering
Section 37 : CRN 93597 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Clough 262

“Do anything, but let it produce joy." - Walt Whitman

Spenser graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a secondary major in Spanish literature. She is back in school as a Ph.D. student after a Peace Corps service in Peru and couple years of work in water resources engineering in Minnesota. Her research focus is on natural mitigation strategies, modeling, and coastal protection. When not studying, Spenser can be found outside on a run, on her bike, in a lake, and with her friends. She loves Peruvian food and root beer.

Mario Zorrilla Valtierra

Mario Zorrilla Valtierra

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Section 42 : CRN 92102 : Friday 2 - 2:50 p.m. : Clough 123

“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” - Socrates

I was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico; I obtained my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Guanajuato that is a public state school. After graduating, I worked for 3 years as Metallurgy Engineer and 2 years as Process Technology Engineer in the polymeric materials area. I decided to study a PhD in Chemical Engineering to contribute with my knowledge to society and gain more knowledge about materials synthesis and design for specific applications. The focus of my research is in direct capture of carbon dioxide from air using porous materials, more specifically metal organic frameworks. My advice is try not to be so hard on yourselves, for we are not expected to already know it all, and everyone is afraid of being wrong.

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Meet the Fall 2023 Community Engagement Leaders

Daniel Hwang

Daniel Hwang

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Mathematics

“So if you’re blessed with the talent, utilize it to the fullest, be true to yourself, and stay humble” - Blackalicious, Deception

Daniel was born in Daegu, South Korea and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. After completing a B.S in Mathematics and Computer Science at Duke, he is now a 2nd year Mathematics Ph.D student in Atlanta, Georgia! He is currently figuring out his research but is loosely interested in algebra, algebraic geometry, and topology. Outside of doing math, he performs stand-up comedy, plays tennis and board games with friends, and scours seminars for free food. Beginning your graduate school is a daunting task and that’s why we (and many others) are here to support you and help you find your academic and professional passions, methods of relaxation, and connections with community in hopes you’ll feel welcome in the larger GT community!

Sriram Kalathoor

Sriram Kalathoor

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Aerospace Engineering

“Be kind to the people on your way up, because you will meet them on the way down.” - Wilson Mizner

Sriram is a 6th (going into 7th) year doctoral student in aerospace engineering. He completed master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics, as well as the higher education minor with CETL. His other activities on campus include serving as a resident assistant with Georgia Tech Housing and serving as the practice coordinator with the Yellow Jacket Archery Club. He started at Tech coming in with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering with minors in psychology and architecture, and a master’s degree in aerospace propulsion. Sriram’s one piece of advice to incoming grad students is to not be afraid to explore possibilities.

Ishwar D. Ramnarine

Ishwar D. Ramnarine

(he/him)
Master’s student, Sustainable Engineering and Environmental Management

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." - Buddha

Ishwar is a fourth-year master’s student in both the sustainable energy and environmental management program. He was born in Queens, New York, where he lived about half of his life, living the other half of his life in Orlando, Florida. Ishwar earned his B.Des. Architecture and B.A. Religion from the University of Florida in 2019. He also earned both his M. Architecture and M. Real Estate Development this past year from Tech. His current research focuses on how community centers can become an integral part of the design, development, and construction realms in terms of socio-economic improvements. Outside of academics, Ishwar enjoys traveling and collecting artifacts/sculptures, having a collection of more than 400 articles. He also speaks six languages and enjoys cooking international cuisine. He also collects Hot Wheel model cars and enjoys modifying his Acura RSX. Ishwar also enjoys his Chow Chow dog named Cleopatra, his guinea pig named Dorothy, and 17 exotic fish in his 200-gallon aquarium. His advice to incoming graduate students is to maintain a good live-work-play balance, including a good diet, time for rest, time for culture, and time for you, enjoying even the smallest of victories with some sort of reward. Also, be sure to explore the city, building a strong network of people and places.

Daamini Visaalaakshi

Daamini Visaalaakshi

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Aerospace Engineering

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” - Abraham Lincoln

Daamini Visaalaakshi is a second-year graduate student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Her research focuses on helping aircraft manufacturers build the next generation of aircraft and production systems by developing advanced methods, and architectures. She completed her bachelor’s in aerospace engineering and has around six years of professional experience in the design and development of aerospace components. She also serves as VP of Professional Development in the Graduate Student Government Association. When she’s not geeking out over aerospace, she enjoys dancing, doing yoga, reading, and exploring themes in the intersection of arts and technology. Starting grad school can be scary, but being part of a community and joining activities will make you feel connected and supported, reminding you that you’re not alone in this journey. Don’t forget, GT6000 is a great place to begin!