Department Representatives Spring 2024
Nicola Kubzdela
About Me
I am a first-year PhD student in Applied Physics. I am passionate about increasing minority representation in STEM departments and creating supportive environments for all students. I love being out in nature, bird watching, and photography.
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Gigi Bond (Lead DR)
About Me
Hi! I am a second-year PhD student in Nadeen Chahine’s lab in the orthopedic department. I work on the intervertebral disc and am coming up with tissue engineering and small molecule solutions for disc degeneration. I am the GoBME president for 2024! In my free time, I love exploring the city for new restaurants and bars! I also have an AMC pass and love going to see new movies in the theater (usually while smuggling dinner in with me lol).
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Jenny Gao
About Me
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. Outside of cooking, I like to dabble in lots of different things like ice skating, crocheting, video editing, calligraphy, etc.
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Thiago Brasileiro Feitosa
About Me
Hello! My passion is to practice and teach Martial Arts in our social project in Brasil. I love to produce events and music and to be active in general (surfing, skateboarding, calisthenics). My life purpose is to further expand the project and provide opportunities in resource-constrained communities.
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Dara Detwongya
About Me
I'm a first-year master's student in the Biomedical Engineering department. I am originally from Thailand, and first came to the US for my undergrad. I am a research assistant in Sia's Lab, working on the ultrasound-mediated targeted delivery project. I love social dancing, cooking, and trying new restaurants.
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Salma Elhassa
About Me
Hi friends! I am a first-year Biomedical Engineering master's student. I earned my undergraduate degree in biology bioinformatics right here in NYC at Hunter College. I’m an Egyptian-American, born and raised in New York! I enjoy watching shows, reading, and meeting new people and cultures.
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Malavi Karthikeyan
About Me
Hey, I'm Malavi! I grew up in Bahrain and India and I’m doing my Master’s in Biomedical Engineering. I'm part of the cardiac team in the Ultrasound and Elastography Imaging Laboratory under Professor Elisa Konofagou. I have a passion for performing and you can always catch me humming or singing something. Exploring and meeting new people is something I truly enjoy.
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Arihant Jain
About Me
I am a master's student in chemical engineering. I love to walk around the campus and explore New York.
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Brittany Pitt
About Me
I’m a second-year ChemE PhD student in the Obermeyer Group. My research is focused on protein engineering and sustainable materials. I was born and raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica and I love painting, makeup, photography, and pretty much anything “artsy!”
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Vishnu Vardhan G.K.
About Me
Hello there, I'm Vishnu, I am an MS student in the Chemical Engineering Department, with an interest in the world of fintech. I find joy in the intersection of green technology and finance. When I'm not immersed in the world of academics, you'll likely find me strolling through the streets of New York City listening to music.
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Chi Hin Tam (Lead DR)
About Me
Hi, my name is Chi, I'm a first-year Civil Engineering M.S. student from Hong Kong, the land of dim sum and "silk-stocking" milk tea. I studied Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers for my B.S. and recently I picked up photography as a hobby and have been taking pictures of all sorts of public transits and cityscapes around the world!
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Vandan Darji
About Me
Greetings! I’m Vandan Darji, originally from Gujarat, India. Currently, I’m immersed in the world of academia, pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering.
Away from the textbooks, you’ll often find me on the badminton court, embracing the thrill of adventure sports, or wandering through the diverse streets of New York City. Each step in this journey is a chance to merge academic pursuits with the vibrant experiences the city has to offer.
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Nikita Aggarwal
About Me
Hello everyone! :) Nikita here. I'm pursuing an M.S. in Civil Engineering. I am from India and this is my first time in NY. I like to do crafts, explore and travel to new places, and cook food.
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Elise Andrea Palma
About Me
Hello, everyone! Elise (she/her) here! I'm pursuing my M.S. at CEEM, and I am delighted to serve as a Department Representative this year. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and this is my 6th year living in NYC. In my free time, I enjoy finding new restaurants, going for walks in the park, and exploring the various cafes on Columbia's campus.
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Dani Dassum
About Me
Hi there! My name is Dani Dassum, and I'm a first-year MS CS student with a focus on machine learning. I'm originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, where I've spent my entire life before moving to the States for my undergrad and graduate studies.
Around campus, I've participated in exciting initiatives like Columbia Women in Data and Tech and am always actively looking to explore more opportunities ranging from tech, or entrepreneurship, to multicultural organizations.
My goal by taking on this role is to represent students and organizations before EGSC, ensuring that their ideas, concerns, and suggestions are given the attention they deserve - so if you have any questions or ideas yourself, or just want to link up, please don't hesitate to reach out via email!
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Rattandeep Singh
About Me
Hello everyone! I'm Rattandeep Singh, a first-year MS in Computer Science student at Columbia University, expecting to graduate in December 2024. Hailing from India, I completed my bachelor's studies in Computer Science at Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, and then worked as a Software Engineer at Intuit, India. I am enthusiastic about using technology to build automated solutions to solve real-world problems. I enjoy playing cricket and board games, capturing the beauty of nature through my camera lens, and reading about space missions. I truly value connecting with people and learning about diverse backgrounds and cultures. As the MS in Computer Science Department Representative (DR), I am looking forward to supporting and guiding fellow students in making the most of their time at Columbia University and in vibrant New York City.
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Zachary Horvitz
About Me
I'm a second-year PhD student working with Professor McKeown on NLP and text generation.
I was born in Seattle, and love iced lattes, frisbee, and sci-fi!
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Raman Odgers
About Me
Hey, y'all, I'm a first-year MSCS student in the machine learning track and I'm currently working with the IRT lab on pedestrian behavior prediction. I recently graduated from the University of Chicago where I studied economics, physics, and a bit of CS. Most of my work experience has been in startups across both strategy and technical roles. Outside work, I read widely about politics, futurism, and "big ideas". I also love to take photos, make music, and create stuff - if you want to make a music video I'll be there. I'm from Sydney, Australia, but the accent only comes out behind closed doors. Other than that, Department Reps are meant to collect feedback from the student body so feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Happy studying!
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Neha Gosula (Lead DR)
About Me
Neha is a first-year graduate student in EEE with a focus on Carbon Management. Her interest lies in solving key climate challenges that lie at the nexus of energy, water, and climate change. As a Department Representative at EGSC, she is committed to improving the student experience at EEE dept. You can reach out to her for any concerns or questions, she would be more than happy to listen to you and take action. When she's not in class or at work, you can find her painting, listening to music, or heading out for a sprint. She is usually adventurous and looks for opportunities to step out of her comfort zone.
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Leander Carvalho
About Me
I am a first-year graduate student in Earth and Environmental Engineering. I did my undergraduate work in civil engineering at the University of Mumbai. I have worked on an Ancient Water Management Systems research project, which the Government of India sponsored. My hobbies include dancing, listening to music, and taking a stroll in the streets of NYC.
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Daniel Galperin
About Me
Dan is a NYC native and a chemical engineering undergrad from Cooper Union. Dan is a 2nd year PhD student in Prof Yip's Lab where he studies water contaminant removal. Dan has always had a passion for improvement of institutional effectiveness, academic integrity, and boosting the voice of the unheard. Dan's hobbies include theater, comedy, politics, and debate.
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Rui ("Ray") Xu (Lead DR)
About Me
I am a 4th year PhD student in electrical engineering. My research interests include circuit design for harsh environments including extreme temperatures and ionizing radiation. Outside of research, I enjoy cycling, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and cooking.
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Priyanka Dilip
About Me
Hello! I'm a first-year EE PhD candidate in Prof. Keren Bergman's Lightwave Research Laboratory. I love integrated circuits of all kinds! I really enjoy meeting the graduate students here at Columbia and look forward to many more interactions. Outside of research life, I go out with friends to explore the sights and foods of the City, or play either an FPS or with my friends' pets :D
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Adrian Florea
About Me
I grew up in the city of Chicago before moving to the suburbs and doing my undergrad in Nashville, Tennessee. My research and background is in mechanical engineering focused on controls and acoustics and am now researching audio and speech technologies for biomedical applications. Outside of the lab you can find me appreciating jazz in all of its forms or playing volleyball at Dodge.
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Megan Graciela Nauli Manik
About Me
Hello! I'm Megan, a first-year master's student in Electrical Engineering hailing from Indonesia. I completed my undergraduate studies at Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, and gained valuable experience from working in the Telecommunication Industry before diving into my graduate studies.
Beyond the academic life, I have a passion for exploration, whether it's discovering new places or try to do new things. I love to do crafting and crochet. Additionally, I am an avid music enthusiast with a soft spot for R&B, soul, and acoustic genres. Whether it's singing along or just getting lost in the melodies, music is a constant companion in my life. I'm an avid culinary enthusiast, too! I’m always ready for a gastronomic adventure!
In my role as a DR, I am eager to be the voice of my peers in the Electrical Engineering Department. Your concerns, questions, and feedback are not just welcomed but sought after. Feel free to reach out, and I'll do my best to provide assistance or information that may be of help. Let's make this academic journey a collaborative and enriching experience!
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Manas Pange
About Me
Hi! My name is Manas Pange. I'm from Mumbai, India. I am a first-year Master's Student in Electrical Engineering. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2022 from KJSCE, Mumbai. I like to hang around with my friends, watch movies, and listen to music.
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Apurva Patel
About Me
Hey there, I'm Apurva Patel, your friendly neighborhood Electrical engineering grad student and a die-hard F1 enthusiast. I aced my bachelor's at VIT Vellore in India (Psst, check out my LinkedIn for all the epic details! ?). When I'm not cheering for my favorite F1 teams, you can catch me diving headfirst into challenges related to autonomous navigation and control – I'm all about making self-driving cars even safer and reliable. Now, while I'm hustling in the Big Apple, I've also got a soft spot for some quiet moments. I find solace in the rhythm of poetry and capturing the essence of the city through my lens (nope, it's not just the sky I'm after). When I'm in search of answers or just a bit of inspiration, I turn to jazz, and my trusty sidekick for those deep discussions is none other than my twin brother. So, whether it's just exploring the city or listening to your voice, I'm your guy!"
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Yukta Srivastava
About Me
Hey everyone! I'm Yukta Srivastava, a first year Management Science and Engineering student. I did my undergraduate from Amrita University, Coimbatore, India. Post that, I worked at ZoomRx, a healthcare consulting firm for 2.5 years.
Beyond academics and work, I'm a passionate swimmer and dancer, having proudly represented my college dance team during my undergrad days. And being in NYC, one of my greatest joys is encountering the abundance of furry friends – I'm a devoted dog lover, and meeting these adorable canines adds an extra layer of happiness to my day. I'm thrilled to serve as your Department Representative and look forward to connecting with all of you.
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Krishna Keerthi Nellore
About Me
Hello Everyone! I am Krishna Keerthi, first-year Management Science and Engineering student. I have completed my Bachelor's in Computer Science from Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore. Post academics I started working at Honeywell as a Test Engineer and Quality Assurance team lead. Following that I worked at BigLeap Technologies as a Data Analyst. Right now I'm here at Columbia to learn, network and explore more opportunities.
I am a very adventurous person, I love going for treks, runs, sports and workouts. During my free time I draw portraits and bake. I was also an official home baker during covid ;)
I'm excited to serve as your Department Representative and looking forward to meet you'll anytime you need. Always in to explore the place around :)
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Nishitha Akula
About Me
Heyy! I am Nishitha Akula - a Virgo through and through, a complete food addict, and a Nutella lover. While my friends say I should go the stand-up comedy route, I am pursuing my master's in Management Science & Engineering.
Please reach out if I can be of any help. :)
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Vinit Juneja
About Me
Hey, my name is Vinit Juneja. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Management Science and Engineering. I did my undergraduate in Computer Science from India.
Born and brought up in India, I love to play all kinds of sports especially cricket and badminton. I love outdoor activities and I like to engage in meaningful discussions and network with individuals.
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Ayushi Ghelani
About Me
Hey everyone! I'm a Master's student in the Management Science and Engineering program, hailing from India. Prior to my academic journey here, I earned my undergraduate degree in Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai, followed by enriching work experiences at Deloitte USI and BNY Mellon.
Beyond my studies, I thrive as a passionate movie and anime buff. I also enjoy the adrenaline rush of badminton. I have a deep love for traveling and exploring new cultures and cuisines. As a bona fide foodie, I delight in culinary adventures. Feel free to join me in discovering NYC's diverse gastronomic landscape—I'm always up for flavorful escapades.
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Vidhi Agrawal
About Me
Namaste! I'm a first-year MS Business Analytics student from India. With a background in Computer Science and two years of experience as a Data Scientist back in India, I'm thrilled to bring my learnings to the vibrant city of New York and contribute to the Columbia community.
I'm the ultimate binge-watcher with a penchant for all things desi! I absolutely adore long walks, Asian cuisine and a steaming cup of chai, anytime, anywhere! :)
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Matthew Beck
About Me
Hi everyone! I am a first-year PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering Department. This year I am rotating through the Hone and Schuck Labs researching 2D materials. I am excited to be in this role as your DR and I look forward to advocating on your behalf. In my free time, I love to play ice hockey, go for runs with the Upper West Side Running Club, and cook/bake.
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Bex Pendrak
About Me
I am a first year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. My research interest is in biomaterial mechanics. When I'm not being a grad student, you can find me rock climbing or skateboarding.
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Aarya Diwan
About Me
Hello Hello!! I am a first-year MechE student, specializing in Robotics and Control. I'm a theoretical physics undergrad from India. Outside classes, you'll either catch me exploring different sports/ food trucks!
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Ella Kane
About Me
My name is Ella and I'm a first-year PhD student studying mechanical engineering. I'm in a lab that does combustion research. In my free time, I love to explore the city with friends.
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Jaclyn Vu (Lead DR)
About Me
Hello! My name is Jaclyn Vu, and I am a first-year MS Data Science student. I am originally from Oregon, but I lived in Texas as well. I earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biological Data Sciences with a concentration in Genomics and a minor in Computer Science from Oregon State University, and I decided to continue my education at Columbia.
Upon beginning my journey here, I joined the Data Science Institute Student Council to become more involved with the community and meet more people. I have enjoyed being so involved in my program that I extended my reach to the EGSC.
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Pooja Desur
About Me
Hi! I’m Pooja Desur, a Data Science Grad student. I’m super passionate about using tech for positive social impacts and getting more girls excited about STEM! I studied Computer Science at IIIT Hyderabad in India.
I’m a trained classical Bharatnatyam dancer but any kind of dance makes me really happy. The thing I love most about Columbia are its huge beautiful libraries, and it being in such a vibrant place as New York. My goal as a DR is to represent my Data Science cohort as best as I can and help make this a great academic year for everyone! :)
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Akshit Bhalla
About Me
I am pursuing an MS in Data Science. Prior to this, I worked as a Data Scientist at Hewlett Packard for 3 years. During this period, I tackled a range of challenges encompassing Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Sequence Modeling. In my free time I create content on Data Science for LinkedIn and help beginners navigate their way in this field. I love playing basketball and enjoy gardening.
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Ruoxuan Li
About Me
Hey everyone, I’m Ruoxuan Li, I am a first-year Data Science Master’s student. I like hiking, birding and music.
