(he/him) 
Master's student, Computer Science

Section 19 : CRN 94357 : Wednesday 6:30 - 7:20 p.m. : Clough 262

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” - John F. Kennedy

Jack is a born-and-raised Floridian pursuing an M.S. in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Central Florida. In his free time, Jack enjoys participating in hackathons, engaging with campus clubs, and cooking. His advice to incoming graduate students is to seek out and provide mentorship whenever possible.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Section 16 : CRN 87590 : Wednesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : West Architecture 260

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" – Martin Luther King Jr.

Victor grew up in Brazil where he earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2020. He is now a fifth-year Ph.D. student working on electrochemistry for carbon and water recycling. When not in the lab, Victor likes to bake, work out, read, 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, now as a group leader. Victor believes that establishing a good work-life balance goes a long way toward being successful in grad school.

(she/her)
Master's student, Industrial Design

Section 07 : CRN 87578 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : MRDC 2405

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Berkeley is currently pursuing her Masters in Industrial Design, with an undergraduate background in Psychology, Emerging Media, and Business. She hopes to be a UX researcher and product manager within the medical field after graduating. Outside of class, Berkeley is a member of the GT Cheer team and loves to represent the White and Gold as both an ambassador and athlete. She loves to stay active and can be found spending most of her free time at cheer practice, lifting, or walking around campus. Berkeley’s advice for incoming grad students is to participate in as many of the school’s traditions as possible, because that is what really helps turn GT into your home.

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

Section 15 : CRN 87589 : Wednesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Cherry Emerson 204

*From Industry Back to School special interest section 

“Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever.” - Patrick Rothfuss

My name is Jack and I grew up in Butte, MT before moving to New York for college where I received my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I am currently a Ph.D. student in Robotics where my research focuses on multi-agent controls, dynamic simulations, and collision avoidance. I greatly enjoy reading, board games with friends, and building/racing drones. My advice to incoming graduate students is to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you! Take time to meet new people, try new clubs, and explore Georgia Tech/Atlanta.

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

Section 25 : CRN 87580 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Skiles 311

"Done is better than perfect" - Reddit

Raghav is a fourth year PhD student in Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech. He currently works on screening new monomers to develop high performance polymeric membranes using ML tools. Apart from his work, Raghav enjoys watching soccer, Formula 1 and cricket. He loves cooking food, exploring new music, and playing games in his free time. He has recently picked up baking and makes really good brownies. His advice for incoming graduate students: maintain a healthy work-life balance by actively pursuing passions outside of your academic journey. Surround yourself with like-minded graduate students who can comprehend your struggles and provide mutual support.

(any pronoun)
Ph.D. student, Biology

Section 33 : CRN 89301 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Van Leer C456

"Everyone is trying to reach for their own stars, and all of those stars aren't light-years away." - Alan Bean

Emma grew up in Calhoun, GA, and received their B.S in Biochemistry right here at Georgia Tech. Now, they are a second year Ph.D. student in Biology studying the interactions between bacterial species. In their free time, they enjoy sewing, creating digital art, and playing their favorite video game: Microsoft Excel. Emma’s advice for new graduate students is to make room for fun and rest in your schedule. Chat with your classmates and professor before class starts. Have fun with your classes/research. Decide what your work-life balance should look like and stick to it. There's no reason to wait for graduation to enjoy your life.

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

Section 35 : CRN 87587 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Van Leer C241

"If you don't like your destiny, don't accept it. Instead, have the courage to change it the way you want it to be." - Naruto Uzumaki

Anjan is a PhD student in Physics. His birthplace is Chennai, India, and he grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo before arriving in the United States. He received his bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, double majoring in physics and mathematics, where he researched ghost imaging and nonlocal calculus. He is currently working in an Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics lab, playing around with lasers on a daily basis. In his free time, he likes to play table tennis, attend trivia nights, and watch anime. His advice for incoming graduate students is to set a time to finish work every day.

(he/him)
Master's student, Computer Science

Section 03 : CRN 90121 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

"If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path." - The Buddha

Vishrut received a B.S. in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Prior to this, Vishrut grew up in India. Currently, he's pursuing his graduate studies in Computer Science. Outside of work, Vishrut enjoys going for runs, swimming as well getting some workouts in. His advice to incoming graduate students is to find a good support system to share your ups and down with and also be a support system for someone else. Building a community is super important to make sure you can deal with the healthy challenges that the grad school experience entails.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Applied Physiology

Section 40 : CRN 94358 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Clough 129

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" - Steve Prefontaine

Brian is in his 5th year in the Applied Physiology Graduate Program. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Brian attended Georgia Tech for a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience before joining the Applied Physiology program. His research deals with understanding the exercise physiology and understanding the neurophysiological basis of sedentary basis. Outside of his graduate work, Brian enjoys running, hiking, reading, and spending time with his dog, Athena.

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

Section 18 : CRN 87592 : Wednesday 6:30 - 7:20 p.m. : Klaus 1207

“Embrace challenges; they’re stepping stones to success.” - Anonymous

Karan is a second-year CS PhD student in the School of Cybersecurity. Born and raised in India, he earned his B.S. in Information Technology at VIT, Vellore. Before coming to Georgia Tech, he was in the startup ecosystem for 3 years. He loves good movies and music and enjoys playing sports and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. As a GT6000 group leader, he seeks to help incoming students transition to graduate school life both academically and socially.

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

Section 22 : CRN 87584 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Skiles 317

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin

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 fault tolerant control for fixed-wing aircraft. 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 and research. She is very excited to lead her 4th GT6000 group this fall.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Ocean Sciences and Engineering

Section 43 : CRN 87595 : Friday 2 - 2:50 p.m. : West Architecture 260

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Hi y’all! My name is Luisa Lopera — born and raised in the mountains of Medellín, Colombia, but an absolute sea lover at heart. I hold a degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master’s degree in Physical Oceanography from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Currently, I’m a 5th-year PhD student in Ocean Sciences and Engineering, working on numerical modeling and small-scale processes in the ocean. When I’m not in the office, you’ll probably find me practicing sports, reading, enjoying the outdoors, or trying to make new friends. Let’s take advantage of GT6000 to build a strong and supportive community. Don’t forget to prioritize work-life balance — and remember, taking things one day at a time goes a long way.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Economics

Section 09 : CRN 90124 : Tuesday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Skiles 368

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

Ana is a fourth-year Ph.D. student studying economics. Her academic pursuits center around the realms of environmental economics, international trade, and development economics. Originally from Georgia, a country in Eastern Europe, she is fluent in both Georgian and English. Beyond her academic endeavors, Ana finds solace and joy in several hobbies. She possesses a keen eye for capturing moments through the lens of her camera, a passion that harmoniously intertwines with her love for travel and exploration. She derives immense pleasure from crafting delightful Georgian dishes and sharing them with others.

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

Section 05 : CRN 90122 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Skiles 317

“You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.” - Alan Watts

Roberto is currently a third-year PhD student in Bioengineering (School of Mechanical Engineering). His research involves using data analytics and computer models to predict the risk of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, in Ethiopian mothers in the early stages of their pregnancy. Roberto completed his undergraduate degrees at Colorado State University in Biomedical Engineering (B.S.) and Mechanical Engineering (B.S.). Outside of research, he loves to explore new restaurants, stay active, and drink ample amounts of coffee. My advice for incoming graduate students is to determine what boundaries and work-life balance you want to achieve as a graduate student, work hard to achieve those boundaries, and similarly enjoy the many other experiences life has to offer.

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

Section 02 : CRN 87574 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

"Everything works out in the end, and if it's not working out, then it's not the end." - Bob the Drag Queen

Srujan is a Ph.D. student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech, originally from Hyderabad, India. He pursued a minor in Technology Innovation (TI:GER) from the Scheller College of Business. His research focuses on heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging technologies, die-to-die interfaces, and the cost analysis of chiplet systems. He was named one of fifty global 2024 QUAD Fellows and invited to represent India in the White House and the U.S. State Department in October 2024. He engages in advocacy and mentorship through Tech’s Belonging and Student Support division and the national oSTEM network.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Section 14 : CRN 87585 : Wednesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : West Architecture 260

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

I’m Daniela. I was born and raised in the mountains of Medellin, Colombia where I obtained an Engineering Physics degree at Universidad Nacional. I hold a Master’s from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. Currently, I’m a PhD student in ECE working on signal processing for wireless communications. I love mountains, rivers, trees, birds, and any part of the world we are part of. I love outdoor activities; backpacking, hiking, biking, climbing. My unsolicited 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.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 28 : CRN 87596 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Scheller 223 

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso

Priyadarshini Seshasayee is a 4th year PhD Candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech. Her research focuses on developing ionic liquids for direct air capture of CO₂ and studying their electrochemical behavior for carbon utilization. Originally from India, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Anna University. Outside of the lab, she loves running, working out, traveling, and singing—and is always ready to slip a pop-culture reference into conversation. Her advice for incoming graduate students is to stay rooted in your passions outside the lab—whether it’s music, movement, or time with friends. Taking care of your whole self makes you a better researcher and teammate.

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

Section 16 : CRN 87590 : Wednesday 5:00 - 5:50 p.m. : West Architecture 260

"Don't let life randomly kick you into the adult you don't want to become." - Col. Chris Hadfield (Astronaut)

Naveen is a dedicated aerospace engineer with a bachelor’s degree from India and a master’s from Georgia Tech, currently immersed in his PhD journey. Before joining GT, he worked as an Impact Dynamics engineer at Bell Flight, developing cost-effective design solutions and gaining insight into industry demands. His research focuses on multidisciplinary systems design optimization aimed at enhancing aviation sustainability and efficiency. Outside academia, Naveen enjoys cooking, petting cats, hiking, and taking long walks with headphones on. He advises incoming graduate students to be curious to learn something new, even if it comes with a struggle because you chose grad school for a reason. So, make the most of it and embrace the process of becoming your better self.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Physics

Section 12 : CRN 87576 : Tuesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Skiles 268

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller

Khushi is currently a third-year Ph.D. student in physics. She grew up in Arkansas and completed her undergraduate degree at Georgia Tech before continuing onto graduate school. Her research in astrophysics focuses on studying accretion flows around black holes. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, travelling, hiking, and generally being outside. Her biggest piece of advice for incoming students is to be open to new opportunities, in and out of the classroom. Grad school is a time of discovery!

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

Section 11 : CRN 87575 : Tuesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Skiles 171

“We must not wish for the disappearance of our troubles but for the grace to transform them.” ― Simone Weil

Phuong (pronounced “foo-ong”) is a fourth-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering with a research focus on AI applications to neuroimaging. Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Outside of academia, Phuong enjoys attending concerts, gardening, and exploring nature, particularly the serene walks among the trees in Atlanta. As a dedicated traveler, she is on a mission to visit all 50 US states by the time she turns 30. Phuong is excited to be a part of GT6000 and looks forward to meeting new people and building connections within the Georgia Tech community. Her advice to incoming graduate students is to embrace every adventure and have the courage to explore beyond the familiar.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 40 : CRN 94358 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Clough 129

“Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.” - Alexis Carrel

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 on direct capture of carbon dioxide from air using porous metal organic frameworks. My advice is to try and participate in everything you would like to be a part of since we cannot relive the present and it will not come back once it has passed.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemistry

“When you’re chasing a big goal, you’re supposed to feel good a third of the time, okay a third of the time, and crappy a third of the time…and if the ratio is roughly in that range, then you’re doing fine.” - Alexi Pappas

Eunice A. Lazau is from Buford, Georgia and currently is a third-year PhD student in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She graduated with a BS in Biochemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating, she worked as an ORISE fellow at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzing cardiovascular biomarkers using mass spectrometry. Eunice is interested in using analytical chemistry to unveil intricate biological mechanisms and improve human health. When not in the lab, Eunice loves to hike in nature, try vegan restaurants, attempt new recipes, and explore cities. My advice is that everyone who is an expert was once a beginner!

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

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Jake, originally from Chicago, Illinois, is pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering studying energy systems. His current research focuses on optimizing distributors for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. He began studying at Georgia Tech in 2018, earning his B.S. and M.S. also in mechanical engineering. Away from school, Jake enjoys running, reading, baseball, and Formula 1. Last year he served as a group leader but will transition to a community engagement leader this term. His advice to incoming students is to find your people and spend time with friends! Class work will always be there, enjoy the community!