Executive Board 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Ratna and I am a first-year MS/PhD student in Clark Hung's Lab! I work on tissue engineering strategies for the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the knee joint. In my free time, I love to play soccer, try new restaurants, and read! Feel free to say hi if you ever see me around!!

Hi! I’m Piya, and I’m a first-year MS student studying Materials Science and Engineering. I also completed my undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering at UIUC. At Columbia, I love trying new coffee shops with my friends, playing board games, and exploring new activities around the city! My hobbies include painting, sketching, and designing, so you’ll probably find me in the makerspace. As your social chair, I’d love to hear your ideas, or just chat, so feel free to reach out!

Hi everyone! I’m Noé Aloy, a first-year Master’s student in Environmental Engineering with a focus on Sustainable Energy.

As the Career and Alumni Chair, I will do my best to help Columbia students connect with alumni and strengthen their professional networks. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or in person if you have event ideas or industry professionals you would like to see on campus—I’d be more than happy to chat!

Hi! I'm Myra Ashraf, a second-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering. My research involves engineering bacteria for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics in the Danino Lab. In my free time, I love exploring NYC (food spots and bookstores in particular), learning new hobbies, and volunteering around the city! 

As the new Student Affairs Chair, my goal is to ensure the Engineering student voice is heard on Columbia's campus, so feel free to reach out by email with any questions or concerns you may have.

Sen. Matthew Beck is a Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) studying 2-D materials. Matthew is from Monmouth County, New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University. At Rowan University, Matthew served in several university leadership roles, including Student Government Association (SGA) President and Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. Matthew also has several years of industry experience working at Lockheed Martin in advanced electronic packaging. While at Columbia, Matthew has on the executive boards of the Engineering Graduate Student Council and the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Association. Matthew also serves on the University Senate Education and Student Affairs Committees.

Please contact him if you have any questions or concerns regarding University Structure.

University Senate Website: https://senate.columbia.edu/committees/executive-committee

Hi y'all! I'm a second-year PhD student in the Chahine Lab working on combating inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration. When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy reading, Broadway musicals, going to karaoke in K-town, and checking out new restaurants with friends!

Hi hi! I'm a fourth year PhD in the Nerurkar Lab working on intestinal morphogenesis, so you'll often find me surrounded by chicken eggs in lab! Outside of lab, I spend a non-zero amount of time cooking, planning what to cook, or grocery shopping. I love trying new recipes or eating at new restaurants with friends. also like to dabble in lots of different things like ice skating, crocheting, video editing, calligraphy, etc.

Hi everyone! I'm Jacklyn, a 2nd year EE PhD student studying wide bandgap semiconductor devices. Outside of the lab, you can find me figure-skating or practicing with Columbia University Taekwondo :)

Hi! I am so excited to be your VP for 2025 and work alongside the wonderful Jenny Gao. I am a fourth-year PhD student in Nadeen Chahine’s lab in the orthopedic department. I work on the intervertebral disc and am studying potential therapeutic targets in the IVD to treat degeneration. In my free time, I love exploring the city for new restaurants and bars. I love reading -- been on a fantasy / sci-fi high reading Project Hail Mary, Red Rising, and the Will of the Many! I frequently enjoy watching (or rewatching) movies and TV shows, and am an avid Survivor fan (if you want to join a fantasy league hmu!). Ready for a great year ahead!

Hi, all! My name is Akash Das, born and raised in NYC. I am currently pursing a joint MS Engineering and MBA at Columbia. Before Columbia, I spent my professional career in finance as a derivatives portfolio manager and in private equity. I later left finance to pursue my own startup specializing in AI recommendation systems and inventory management for e-commerce companies. Post Columbia, I hope to bring my skills in machine learning/AI to the healthcare space, specifically in therapeutics and disease diagnoses. I enjoy producing music, playing the sitar and guitar, hiking, weight lifting, and exploring the cosmos with my telescope. To unwind, I also love spending time with my family and close friends. As Interschool Chair, I hope to connect with my fellow peers and advocate for building close communities across Columbia.