Kasonde Chewe
President

PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering
School of Biomedical Engineering and Science 

Life is written in code, but meaning comes from connection. As a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering studying bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology, I spend much of my time exploring how complex biological systems tell stories through data. But beyond the lab, my deepest passion is people: understanding them, connecting with them, and building spaces where they feel supported, heard, and empowered.

Although I wear many hats as a researcher, student leader, and eng, I see GSA as a place where many different threads of the graduate experience can come together. Each student carries their own story, challenges, ambitions, and hopes. My goal as GSA President is to help weave those stories into a stronger, more connected community.

For me, leadership is not just about holding a position. It is about building bridges, opening doors, and transforming the graduate student experience into something more positive, impactful, and deeply human.

Mokshad Ketan Sankhe
Vice President of Communications

Master's Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
School of Computer and Information Sciences

As a Master's student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Drexel University, my work revolves around building AI systems, from computer vision models to LLM pipelines. But over time, I have come to appreciate that good communication is just as important as good technical work. Presenting ideas, documenting projects, and making complex things easy to understand have all shaped how I think and how I work.

Joining the GSA Communications Team feels like a natural next step. I hope to make our platforms feel clearer and more welcoming, something that truly reflects the graduate student experience. More than anything, I want every student to feel part of the conversation and never out of the loop. Serving in this role is an honor, and I look forward to helping build a more connected GSA.

Aditi Mehra
Co-Chair, Communications

Master's Program in Business Administration
LeBow College of Business

I am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration with a major in Business Analytics at Drexel University and hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering. My professional background includes experience in UI/UX design, video editing, digital content creation, and educational counseling, which has helped me develop strong creative, communication, and people engagement skills.

Beyond academics and professional work, I am also a semi-classical Indian dancer and have actively participated in sports throughout my journey. I have represented at the national level in badminton and at the state level in swimming and basketball, experiences that strengthened my discipline, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

I am passionate about combining creativity, communication, and community engagement to create meaningful experiences for students. As part of the GSA Communications team, I hope to highlight student voices, promote events creatively, and contribute to building a more connected and vibrant graduate student community. I am honored to serve on the Executive Board and excited to collaborate with the team throughout the upcoming year.

Dilara Altaylar
Co-Chair, Communications

Master's Program in Digital Marketing Technology
LeBow College of Business

As a graduate student with a background in fashion design, technical communication, and data-driven storytelling, I'm excited to bring a creative yet analytical perspective to the GSA Communications team. My experience spans design, marketing, visual content creation, and communication strategy, which are skills I developed through years of working in fashion, collaborating across teams, and crafting narratives that connect people to ideas. I believe communication is more than just sharing information. It is about building a community. My goal is to help make GSA's platforms more engaging, more creative, and more representative of our diverse graduate student body. I'm excited to highlight student voices, support transparent messaging, and foster a sense of connection across the graduate community. I'm honored to serve on the Communications team and look forward to contributing to a more vibrant, interconnected GSA.

Meredith O'Rourke
Vice President of Finance

Master's Program in Business Analytics-MBA
LeBow College of Business

Meredith O'Rourke is an MBA student at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, concentrating in Business Analytics. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked in the public health sector for several years after completing her undergraduate degree at Temple University. Her strong interest in business operations and analytical insights motivated her to pursue further education. Meredith is passionate about integrating data-driven decision making and problem-solving skills to enhance the graduate experience at Drexel. In her role as the VP of Finance for GSA, she looks forward to supporting budget proposals, guiding allocation decisions, and advancing projects that benefit Drexel graduate students. In her free time, Meredith enjoys hybrid training and will be running her first Philly Half Marathon in November 2026.

Gaurav Raghunath Chavan
Chair, Finance

Master's Program in Robotics and Autonomy
School of Engineering

I am a graduate student in Robotics and Autonomy with a strong passion for community building and student engagement. Alongside my academic pursuits, I enjoy being involved in initiatives that bring students together and create meaningful experiences on campus. As an incoming member of the Graduate Student Association Executive Board, I look forward to representing graduate students, organizing impactful events, and helping build a more connected and inclusive student community.

Achyut Lnu
Vice President of Student Governance

Master's Program in Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering

Achyut is a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree at Drexel University. His research focuses on 3D Digital Image Correlation and advanced materials characterization. Passionate about student engagement and governance, he looks forward to serving on the Graduate Student Association Executive Board for the 2026–2027 term and advocating for the graduate student community.

Vibha Chauhan
Chair, Student Governance

Master's Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
School of Computer and Information Sciences

I am enthusiastically committed to making a positive impact within the Drexel community. As a member of the Student Governance team, I am passionate about representing student voices, fostering collaboration, and helping develop initiatives that enhance the overall student experience. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, I bring a unique perspective grounded in innovation, analytical thinking, and data-driven decision making. My academic background, combined with extensive experience in the technology industry, has strengthened my ability to solve complex problems, lead cross-functional teams, and drive meaningful outcomes in dynamic environments. In addition to my professional experience, my involvement in student organizations has further developed my leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. I believe effective leadership is built on listening, collaboration, and empowerment. I am committed to fostering an environment where every student feels heard, valued, and supported. With a strong interest in leadership, community engagement, and student advocacy, I strive to build meaningful connections between students and administration while promoting an inclusive and supportive campus culture. I aim to leverage my professional expertise, organizational experience, and passion for service to help create opportunities that enable students to thrive both academically and beyond.

Melita Wessely Pallichanparambil
Vice President of Student Life

Master's Program in Business Analytics
LeBow College of Business

Melita Wessely is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business. She has professional experience in market research, business analysis, and strategic decision-making across industries including technology, telecommunications, banking, and healthcare.

Prior to joining Drexel, she worked as a Research Analyst, where she focused on data-driven insights, competitive analysis, and operational strategy. Melita is passionate about business optimization, analytics, and using data to drive meaningful organizational impact. She has also participated in multiple case competitions and datathons at Drexel, earning recognition for her analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.

At Drexel, Melita joined the Graduate Student Association to help foster a stronger sense of community among graduate students, especially for students adjusting to a new city, culture, or academic environment. She is passionate about creating engaging experiences, encouraging student involvement, and helping students feel connected both professionally and personally.

Sri Ganapriya Rajan
Vice President of Academic Affairs

Master's Program in Environmental Engineering
School of Engineering

As a chemist turned environmental engineer, I arrived at Drexel having spent two years doing research in rural India alongside weaving communities — training 200+ practitioners, organizing a 300-person national conference, and learning that science only matters when it reaches the people it is meant to serve. That experience, combined with navigating graduate school as an international student myself, is what drives my commitment to the GSA. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Academic Affairs team and bring both a researcher's precision and a community organizer's instinct to supporting Drexel's graduate students because every student deserves to know what resources exist for them, and every concern deserves to be heard.

Sukaina Najm
Co-Chair, Academic Affairs

Master's Program in Electrical Engineering
School of Engineering

I am a graduate student in Electrical Engineering at Drexel University with professional experience as an Instrument Engineer in the fertilizer manufacturing industry. During my undergraduate studies, I served as Chairperson of the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Society for my university, where I led initiatives focused on mentorship, professional development, and increasing representation of women in engineering. My background includes working in systems-driven environments involving control systems, automation, and data-informed decision-making. As a member of the GSA Executive Board within the Academic Affairs Department, I am passionate about student advocacy, academic support, and strengthening communication between graduate students and university resources. I look forward to contributing my leadership experience, collaborative mindset, and commitment to service to the GSA community.

Esraa Mostafa
Co-Chair, Academic Affairs

PhD Program in Education
School of Education

Esraa Mostafa is currently pursuing a PhD in the School of Education, with particular attention to how institutions in developing countries design and implement policies that integrate international perspectives and enhance inclusivity. She is especially interested in exploring how higher education institutions adopt internationalization strategies and promote equitable access to global learning opportunities for all students.

As co-chair of the Academic Affairs department, she will support and coordinate with the VP of Academic Affairs to determine, plan, and implement a range of academic events, foster collaborations with university departments, and serve as a key resource for graduate students' academic and professional development to enhance the academic experience of graduate students.