Graduate Student Association

About the Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is both the governing body and planning board primarily for graduate students enrolled in face-to-face quarter programs, in addition to the recognized graduate student organizations registered with Campus Engagement within Student Life. The GSA also advocates for and serves all graduate students across the University, including online and semester programs, collaborating with the Graduate College and campus partners to enhance the graduate student experience.

The Executive Board Members of the GSA are nominated and elected by graduate students annually in the spring and serve from July 1 - June 30 (fiscal year). In collaboration with the Graduate College, Campus Engagement within Student Life, and various academic and student services units, the GSA and recognized graduate student organizations host hundreds of programs and events to meet the many interests of the graduate student population at Drexel and bring together students, postdocs, alumni, faculty and professional staff across academic disciplines and organizations. From research symposiums, academic panels, interdisciplinary workshops, and writing boot camps, to ski trips, white water rafting, intramural sports and happy hours, there is something for everyone in our vibrant Drexel graduate student community.

Executive Board Members of the GSA 2024-2025

For general inquiries, please contact the GSA E-Board at dsogsa@drexel.edu.

Goals

Serve as a liaison between the graduate student community, Student Life, the Graduate College and University leadership.
Outreach to the graduate student community to better understand their needs and advocate for them.
Integrate a medium of communications to encourage graduate students to express their concerns, opinions, and suggestions in an accessible way.
Increase engagement within the graduate student community and build connectedness through communications (newsletters, social media) and events (face-to-face and online), including personal, professional, academic, cultural, and social.
Collaborate with the IGSA, USGA, and other student organizations to enhance student life at Drexel.
Expand the GSA by getting more graduate students actively involved in committees/senate.
Create a culture of service and give back to the greater Philadelphia community.
Ensure justice, diversity, equity and inclusion in all GSA events, activities and business.

Name, Position, Program & Bio	Photo
Ash Karale President PhD Program in Physics College of Arts and Sciences As the President, Ash brings a clear vision to lead GSA toward success by primarily addressing the wants and needs of the graduate student population. His robust background in science and engineering, enriched by a dynamic experience at Drexel, equips him with an analytical perspective essential for streamlining operations and meeting the diverse needs of the graduate community. Committed to effective communication, Ash motivates and leads his team with a strong morale. He actively advocates for student needs and continuously seeks innovative ways to support and advance the community’s interests.
Anil Kumar Karapa Executive Vice President Master's Program in Cybersecurity College of Engineering An introvert but a warm and engaging friend once you get to know me! I am Anil Kumar, an aspiring graduate Cybersecurity student, full-stack developer, and entrepreneur ready to serve as Executive Vice President for the GSA and our graduate community. In this role, I will make sure to bring in engaging prospects for my fellow dragons with fun and exciting events. To my GSA members, I will carry the team spirit and be there at all times. Alongside these and many more, I love learning new and challenging things, writing code and content, and venturing out to explore new places.
Abhijnan Prakash Vice President of Communications Master's Program in Electrical Engineering College of Engineering My goal is to enhance connectivity and information flow, fostering a supportive and vibrant environment for all students. I plan to provide regular, transparent updates on GSA activities to keep you informed and engaged, enhance our digital presence with a user-friendly website and dynamic social media interactions, establish interactive forums and feedback mechanisms, empowering your voice in shaping GSA initiatives and policies, and organize professional development workshops and networking events tailored to graduate students' needs, focusing on career and academic success. I am committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where every student feels connected and empowered. Together, let’s enhance our graduate experience at Drexel!
Sanjoli Sogani Chair, Communications Master's Program in Data Science College of Computing and Informatics My vision is to build a powerful communication engine to unite and empower our dispersed graduate community. Through dynamic platforms like a weekly newsletter, interactive website, and social media channels, I will ensure a continuous flow of information. However, transparency requires more than one-way updates. I will host open forums for you to directly engage university leadership about your concerns. With my data analysis background and leadership experience, I can synthesize our collective needs into clear objectives and metrics-driven accountability. You can trust that I will tenaciously advocate for greater transparency around funding, policies, and resources that shape our graduate experience. I believe I am an influential voice who can champion our interests. My unwavering commitment is to facilitate open communication that drives positive, lasting reforms to uplift every graduate student. The time for change is now.
Aman Ostwal Chair, Communications Master's Program in Data Science College of Computing and Informatics My path blends academic severity with a passion for concise, impactful communication, a synergy I intend to bring to the Communications Chair role. My software engineering background has honed a precision in a presentation that I'm eager to apply, ensuring graduate student voices are effectively represented and their accomplishments showcased accessibly. My experience is enriched by collaborative ventures across varied cultures, reinforcing my dedication to inclusivity within our scholastic community. As Communications Chair, I will harness not only my technical prowess but also a keen empathetic ear, to narrate our collective story with authenticity and enthusiasm. I am enthusiastic about channeling my vitality and expertise into the Graduate Student Association. I aspire to bolster our shared journey with proactive and innovative communication initiatives, thus enriching our communal academic and social environment.
Kabirat Mayegun Vice President of Finance Master's Program in Accounting and Data Analytics LeBow College of Business I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to serve our graduate student community effectively. With a strong background and experience in finance and a dedication to serving our graduate community, I am committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, Collaboration, and strategic financial management. If selected, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to support the financial well-being of our organization and enhance the experience of our graduate students.
Anirudh Shivaram Chair, Finance Master's Program in Business Analytics LeBow College of Business The finance chairperson roles requires someone to be active with his financial duties such as budget allocation and handling the ticket portal. I believe I am well-versed with the portal and have good understanding of the budget that should be allocated for the fiscal year. Also given my professional experience of working in a finance role, I can come up with good ideas on how to allocate our funds effectively. Hoping for another eventful quarter with lots of collaboration and fun.
Siddhant Shrivastav Chair, Finance Master's Program in Accounting LeBow College of Business I am a dedicated graduate student who brings exceptional team-building skills to the table. I have a collaborative approach that fosters cohesion among diverse stakeholders, ensuring effective financial management within the GSA. As Chair of Finance, I will be pivotal in overseeing budget allocations, financial transactions, and strategic planning. I am committed to enhancing the graduate student experience through prudent financial decisions.
Jilu James Vice President of Student Governance Master's Program in Information Systems College of Computing and Informatics As a Master's student in Information Systems, I'm all about navigating complex systems and finding innovative solutions. Beyond the admin stuff, I'm a nature enthusiast who loves nothing more than hitting the trails for a good hike or trekking adventure. When I'm not outdoors, you can find me curled up with a good book or indulging in the latest binge-worthy TV shows, always on the lookout for captivating storytelling and compelling characters. At GSA, my goal is simple: to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. I'm excited to contribute to our shared goals and make a positive impact on our community. Let's make great things happen together!
Ryan Dalsemer Chair, Student Governance Master's Program in Business Administration LeBow College of Business Attending Drexel’s MBA program and working as your Student Governance Chair are both tasks that I will pursue with enthusiasm and dedication. To me, this opportunity to be a part of student governance represents a chance to make positive contributions to our Grad Student community. From advocating for student needs to organizing student events, my goal is to become a reliable, excellent, and compassionate team member for Drexel’s Graduate Student government. I see this position as a chance to foster collaboration and comradery among our peers. In short, my vying for the Student Governance Chair role is mainly driven by a personal goal to contribute beneficially to our shared Grad School experience. I am committed to approaching this role with diligence and a genuine desire to represent our student body. Thank you all for this opportunity.
Julia Belmiro Chair, Student Governance PhD Program in Communication, Culture and Media College of Arts and Sciences As a PhD student in Communication with a true passion in the social sciences, my core beliefs are deeply rooted in the transformative power of community. It is a fact that when students feel connected to their communities, their satisfaction and engagement in these spaces significantly improve, and this sense of community, belonging and student success is a goal that I bring to the graduate student academic experience at Drexel. During my academic and professional journey, I had many opportunities to foster connections among diverse groups, creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, in my previous role as a Global Ambassador I had the practice and experience necessary to boost my leadership and proactive skills, this role allowed me to advocate for students and facilitate dialogue across cultural and disciplinary boundaries. Because of these grounded experiences, I am eager to continue my commitment to community-building at Drexel by joining the GSA board. I believe this role will allow me to enhance our academic environment, support our fellow students, and contribute to initiatives that promote collaboration and inclusivity among graduate students.
Georgina George Vice President of Student Life Master's Program in Information Systems College of Computing and Informatics As your current Student Life Chair, I've found my passion in organizing and orchestrating events that bring our community together. With a background in Information Systems and valuable experience as a Software Engineer, I bring a blend of technical skills and organizational prowess to the table. When I'm not immersed in my studies or planning events, you'll often find me exploring new places with friends or engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow students. I'm eager to leverage my experience and enthusiasm to continue creating memorable experiences for our community and advocating for student concerns. Let's work together to make our time at Drexel truly unforgettable!
Sinduja B Chair, Student Life Master's Program in Interior Architecture Westphal College of Media Arts and Design As a current graduate student in interior architecture, along with a background in both bachelor's degree in design and MBA degrees from India, I bring a diverse set of skills and experiences that align perfectly with the responsibilities of this role. I have actively organized numerous events and initiatives, particularly during my MBA, where I had the opportunity to organize various events and activities. Notably, I founded and managed a successful startup in the interior design industry for the past four years, overseeing a team of nine skilled professionals and coordinating the efforts of 20 laborers. This experience honed my abilities in leadership, and teamwork. My vision for the Student Life Chair role is grounded in fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. I am dedicated to enhancing student engagement through creative events, community-building activities, and meaningful collaborations. My previous experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate events that cater to the diverse interests and needs of our student body.
Rohit Nadimpalli Chair, Student Life Master's Program in Information Science College of Computing and Informatics After earning a degree in computing science, I spent three great years working in vendor relations and project management. This experience gave me both strong technical and management skills and a love for being creative. A highlight of my undergraduate tenure was serving as the president of our social club, where I spearheaded over 200 events, each crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. This experience not only honed my leadership skills but also allowed me to explore diverse avenues like photography, design, event management, and even app development. I'm eager to extend my journey as a graduate student and would be deeply honored to serve in any capacity within the graduate student association, pouring my heart and soul into making a positive impact.
Amber Bolli Vice President of Academic Affairs Master's Program in Epidemiology Dornsife School of Public Health As a current graduate student pursuing a degree in Public Health, an alum of Drexel's Biological Sciences program, and a lifelong Philadelphia resident, my connection to this university and the city enriches my ability to contribute meaningfully to Drexel’s academic community. Throughout my time as a student, I have held various leadership positions in both academic and professional settings, continually developing my organizational and collaborative skills. My experience as both a graduate student and alum allows me to uniquely understand the needs of the graduate student body and the importance of fostering academic and career development. I am committed to enhancing the student experience by organizing impactful events that support student success and working closely with academic departments to promote the well-being and professional growth of all graduate students. I am excited to begin working toward this role and contributing to the continued success of Drexel’s academic community.
Necla Ece Yilmaz Chair, Academic Affairs Master's Program in Psychology College of Arts and Sciences As an international graduate student also familiar with the issues often invisible to those who don’t go through the same processes, I am very eager to become a part of the bridge between graduate students and school administration that is GSA. Over the years, I have participated in many collaborative projects and held various leadership roles ranging from co-organizing awarded environmental projects to being the project director of research funded by the national research institute in my home country, Turkey. Driven by both academic pursuits and a commitment to social engagement, I hope to contribute to the GSA in their endeavor to alleviate some of the stress associated with graduate studies and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved. I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside you all and organize the exciting events ahead!
Adesewa Adesida Chair, Academic Affairs Master's Program in Information Systems College of Computing and Informatics As Chair, I aim to get Drexel students what they need to adjust easily to the state of Philadelphia and Drexel University after doing it myself in both undergraduate and now graduate school. I understand the need for community especially in a city school like Drexel that is still a beginner in fostering school spirit. During my tenure you can expect a lot of exciting events planned with even better taste. I am an efficient liaison for student leaders and fellow students. In my previous college, I served as the Vice President for Student Government. During my tenure, I got my school involved with major organizations like MLH, I also worked with a team to help get more state grants for our school. In this role, I hope to leave everything better than I found it.

More Information

For a list of recognized graduate student organizations, click here.

For information about the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA), visit the International Students page.

For information about the College of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies Graduate Student Associations, visit their website.

For a complete list of Drexel's student organizations, visit DragonLink.

For questions or more information about student organizations, visit the Student Life website or contact Student Life.

Cimi Patani

Master's Program in Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering

"Hey there, my fellow Dragons! Thanks to our fantastic events, I've always thought of the Graduate Student Association as a treasure chest full of new friends. We're all more than faces in a crowd, and I love discovering the unique, 'movie-worthy' stories each of you carries. You'll often find me embarking on spirited adventures down the rabbit holes of the vast Internet, discovering intriguing tidbits and exploring the expansive universe of knowledge. With my natural organizing skills and strategic mindset, a busy to-do list is my idea for a great day. I am thrilled to meet, listen, learn, and contribute to our amazing GSA community. By the way, have you ever wondered how dragons blow out candles!?"