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2025 Leadership

President: Pranay Dhalwani 
Vice President: Dhruv Vaghasiya 
Social Chair: Niharika Adhikari 
Financial Chair: Shubam Khantwal 
Communication Chair: Erin Wienke 
Operations Chair: MVS Yaswanth 
Innovation Campus Representative: Sreya Sri Lingala 
Online Campus Representative: Cindy Ly 
Arlington Campus (VTRC-A) Representative: position not filled 
Alexandria Campus (WAAC) Representative: position not filled 

Picture of GSA president, Sahil Bhola

Sahil Bhola

President

I am Sahil Bhola, a first year graduate student at Virginia Tech, pursuing a master of science degree in Computer Science. I spend most of my week working as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI, at VTRC-Arlington), researching the privacy protection and vulnerabilities detection in O-RAN Systems under Dr. Eric Burger.  I began my term as an international student here in August 2023, In a short time, I noticed a bunch of stuff. So, I decided to throw my hat in the ring for the GSA elections. As a president, I want to be the go-to person for students, helping them have a better time in college and getting the support they need. Being president means making sure students have a good experience. I'm hopeful because I've got a solid team in the GSA assembly – they're all on board to get things done and make our plans a reality and give back to the graduate community. Together, we're looking to make positive changes and create a better atmosphere for everyone in college.

If you have any questions or ideas about networking opportunities or student interaction and communication with the GSA, please feel free to reach out.

Picture of GSA vice president, Satwik Gunda

Satwik Gunda

Vice President

Hello there! I am Satwik Gunda, a first-year graduate student at Virginia Tech, pursuing an M. Eng. in Computer Science. Since beginning my term in August 2023, I've noticed numerous aspects of student life that could be enhanced, motivating my decision to pursue a role in the GSA elections. As Vice President, I am committed to playing a significant role as an advocate for students, hoping to improve their social and academic experiences by providing consistent encouragement and involvement. I draw confidence from a committed GSA team, all of whom are ready to bring our vision to life and make a substantial impact on the graduate community.

We aim to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that promotes both academic excellence and social engagement.

Mahita Maddipati

Social Chair

Hello! I'm Mahita, a first-year graduate student at Virginia Tech, pursuing a Master's of Engineering in Computer Science. From engaging mixers to exciting cross-campus events, my aim is to enhance the overall graduate student experience by curating events that balance academic and social aspects.  With the rest of the team, I hope to create a supportive environment where students can connect, collaborate, and most of all, have fun!

If you have any questions or specific requests for events, please feel free to reach out.

Picture of GSA financial chair, Aryan Agrawal

Isha Ghatule

Financial Chair

Hello, fellow Hokies and grad students! I'm Isha Ghatule, and I'm thrilled to be here at the Falls Church campus pursuing my Master in Business Administration and Analytics. But my journey as a Hokie didn't start here – I'm proud to say I bleed orange and maroon, having completed my undergrad at Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus in BIT Cybersecurity Management and Analytics. As your financial chair, I bring a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience to the table. My background in Business Analytics, coupled with my leadership roles at my old school has equipped me with the skills to manage our financial resources effectively. In this role, I aim to leverage my skills to enhance our club's financial management and create value for every member. My vision includes optimizing our budget to support more engaging events, ensuring transparent financial processes, and providing resources to help graduate students navigate their financial journey. I'm committed to fostering an inclusive community where every student feels supported and has access to the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.

Uma Bhargavi Atluri

Communication Chair

Uma Bhargavi Atluri

My fervor lies in guaranteeing unambiguous, uniform, and captivating communication throughout the DC Graduate Student Assembly (DC-GSA). I will notify you about events, opportunities, and significant developments through original content on our website and social media. In addition, I'll be in charge of physical material distribution and aggressively look for fresh approaches to strengthen DC-GSA's position in the community. I will design and put into practice communication tactics that cater to your needs and interests by working with students and campus representatives.

Picture of GSA Falls Church Campus Representative, Merna Khamis

Merna Khamis

Falls Church Campus Representative

Picture of GSA Arlington Campus Representative, Md Shahedul Haque

Md Shahedul Haque

Arlington Campus Representative
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Jasmine Cornileus

Alexandria Campus Representative
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Derrick Fowles

Online Campus Representative
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