Graduate Student Association
About the Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is both the governing body and planning board 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 2021-2022
For general inquiries, please contact the GSA E-Board at dsogsa@drexel.edu.
Goals
- Serve as a liaison between the graduate student community 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 virtual/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.
| Role |
Name & Bio |
Program |
Headshot |
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President
Facilitates academic, professional, and social event opportunities and advocates for the graduate student body
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Khushali Soni
Khushali is an advocate for lifelong learning, the pursuit of creative outlets, and aims to inspire others to discover their true potential. Khushali is excited to be serving as President of the GSA and looks forward to serving the graduate student community. When she is not working, she is usually found relaxing with a good book and a cup of coffee.
|
MS Program in Cybersecurity, College of Engineering |
 |
Vice President of Operations
Manages external email communications, tracks inventory, and organizes Executive Board Meeting agendas and minutes
|
Arkita Chakrabarti
Arkita's research involves nanoengineering Perovskites, an emerging class of compounds with great potential for photovoltaic applications. Besides working in the lab, Arkita loves reading books, gardening, watching TV and playing board games with friends. Arkita aspires to advocate for graduate students and help make grad school life fun!
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PhD Program in Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering |
|
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Manages operation of academic events and opportunities, including Scholars Share, travel award and the Drexel Emerging Graduate Scholars (DEGS) Conference
|
London Thompson, M.Ed.
London is a Philadelphia native who currently lives in Honolulu, Hawaii. His research focuses on educational issues including education policy, identity development, the academic experiences of African American students, critical theory, the lived experience of the student-athlete, and organizational identity development toward social justice. London joined the GSA to get more involved, make more friends, share, and grow his talents. His other passions include coffee, his children, athletics, music, and education.
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EdD in Educational Leadership and Management, School of Education
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Vice President of Student Life
Manages operation of personal development and social events, including welcome-back cruise masquerade ball, ski trip, midterm munchies, finals feasts and happy hour events
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Spurthi Dodda
Spurthi was born in India and raised in Dubai. Spurthi is a huge food fanatic and loves exploring new cuisines. Spurthi is excited to learn and get to know the graduate student body through GSA's social events this year. Spurthi earned her BBA in Aviation Management from Emirates Aviation University Dubai. Spurthi loves to dance and won't miss a chance to show off her moves!
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Master's of Business Administration (MBA), LeBow College of Business |
|
Vice President of Finance
Oversees allocation of GSA and affiliated student organization funding for events and improvements
|
Ramchandra Gawas
Ram's research focuses on electrocatalysis, and interfacial science involved in electrochemical reactions in fuel cells. Ram enjoys playing frisbee, chess, watching sports, and GSA events.
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PhD Program in Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
|
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Vice President of Communications
Creates and distributed promotional and informational communications for GSA's events and other student opportunities
|
Sanjana Sinha |
MS Program in Information Systems, College of Computing and Informatics |
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Academic Chair
Manages operation of academic events and opportunities, including Scholars Share, travel award and the Drexel Emerging Graduate Scholars (DEGS) Conference
|
Joseph Arrington
Joseph was born to a Brazilian mother and American father in Texas before moving to Utah at an early age, where he has since spent most of his life (outside of a couple years living in Brazil). He is a healthcare professional, specifically as CEO of a med/tech start-up, Beacon Sleep Solutions, as well as working in operations for Intermountain Healthcare. His passion to give back to his community and being a rights activist is shown by his work serving on a number of non-profit Board of Directors in his state, including the American Red Cross and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Joseph earned his BS in Exercise and Sport Science, minoring in Pediatric Clinical Research, before pursuing an MBA and becoming a certified personal trainer. His current research is in the realm of Implementation Science, specifically focusing on the role management has on physician work habits. Outside of wanting to help continue the amazing traditions of excellence at Drexel, he is also hoping to bring to campus the acclaimed Bench to Bedside competition. After his current doctoral work, he plans on applying to MD/PhD programs to further his research in healthcare as well as provide direct care to patients. He spends his free time with his wife of 12 years, Krischa, and his six children (Brianne, Madison, Dinah, Audrey, Adam, and Declan).
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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), LeBow College of Business |
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Social Chair
Assistants in the planning of social events
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Isabelle Shumate |
Master's of Business Administration (MBA), LeBow College of Business |
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Join the 2021-2022 GSA Academic Affairs Committee
The Graduate College and Graduate Student Association (GSA) are excited to launch the GSA Academic Affairs Committee!
We are seeking a diverse group of graduate student representatives from across the colleges and schools to help us address questions and concerns on behalf of the graduate student community, including regarding graduate policy and procedure, and advocate for graduate student success by enhancing programs, resources, and experience. The committee will meet monthly in a virtual format.
GSA Academic Affairs Committee members will engage in many of the following activities:
- Review graduate policies or procedures for feedback, ideas or suggest new policies, procedures or revisions to existing policies or processes (E.g. Vacation Policy, Leave of Absence, Time to Completion, Academic or Grade Appeals, etc.);
- Attend appropriate meetings with University leadership to present ideas or share feedback, such as Graduate College staff meetings, University Council on Graduate Affairs (UCGA), Committee on Graduate Academic Affairs (CGAA) or the UCGA, graduate faculty and professional staff advisors meetings, Learning Alliance meetings, Career Leads meetings, Board of Trustees meetings (Academic Affairs Committee, Student Life Committee), Faculty Senate meetings, etc.;
- Provide feedback on the graduate student experience, both on campus and online, such as through student surveys or focus groups;
- Raise questions, concerns, and feedback on behalf of graduate students at Drexel;
- Help fundraise or support resources or opportunities for graduate students at Drexel;
- Help share or disseminate important academic information to the graduate student body (policy changes, things that affects students, etc.);
- And, help support the GSA's VP for Academic Affairs and Academic Chair in the planning and execution of academic programs and events for graduate students across the University, such as the monthly Scholars Share program and the 2022 Drexel Emerging Graduate Scholars Conference April 13-14, 2022, among other exciting initiatives like the Teck-Kah Lim Graduate Student Domestic Travel Subsidy Award.
This is an exciting opportunity to represent yourself and your graduate student peers and make a positive impact on the greater graduate community!
Please complete this Qualtrics form if you're interested in getting involved!
If you have any questions, please the GSA's Academic Chair, Joseph Arrington, at joseph.bart.arrington@drexel.edu.
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.
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