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 2022-2023

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.

Role	Name, Program & Bio	Headshot
President Provides leadership and oversees the goals, operations and activities of the GSA and Executive Board (E-Board). Advocates for the needs of graduate students across campus. Acts as spokesperson for GSA at all meetings and events unless otherwise delegated, including Student Life Faculty Senate, Student Life Board of Trustees, Graduate College, Enrollment Management and Student Success, etc.	Vacant
Vice President of Operations Maintains and tracks inventory owned and operated by the GSA, including the GSA office and supplies. Assists President in managing overall function of the E-Board. Prepares E-Board meeting agendas, noting action items. Assists with GSA communications. Ensures staffing coverage at events and roles and responsibilities of E-Board members.	Rutuja Karkhanis Master's Program in Chemical Engineering College of Engineering Rutuja was born and raised in India. As a chemical engineer, she worked in the refinery and water sectors for four years. Now, she is pursuing her master's degree. her hobbies include swimming and choreographing one of the forms of Indian classical dance known as kathak. She describes herself as outgoing and loves being part of social groups and organizations. She is committed to making graduate students' time at Drexel fun and memorable.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Oversee the planning and execution of academic events and opportunities, including Scholars Share, Drexel Emerging Graduate Scholars (DEGS) Conference, professional and career development, acts as the GSA rep for oversight and review of travel and health insurance deductible subsidy awards, and advocates for the graduate student body in review of academic policies and procedures in partnership with the Graduate College.	London Thompson, M.Ed. EdD Program in Educational Leadership and Management School of Education 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.
Vice President of Student Life Oversees planning and execution of social, cultural, and inclusive community-building events and activities for graduate students across campus and online, including service projects. Responsible for submitting event form and all pertinent details in DragonLink. Works with other VPs on event budget, details, and communications and marketing events to all graduate students.	Emre Baburoglu PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering College of Engineeirng Emre is a PhD student originally from Turkey. He has also lived in England. He enjoys soccer, frequenting pubs and failing to do scientifically viable experiences (apparently).
Vice President of Finance Oversees all financial transactions, including the annual budget allocation process to fund all GSA and sponsored organizations, manages budgets and quotes submitted for purchases and events, point person for all sponsored org treasurers, manages the U-Store for student purchases (tickets, items, etc.)	Rhyz Pereira PhD Program in Chemical Engineering College of Engineering Rhyz came to Drexel in 2019 to work on next generation batteries and energy stoare technologies. Outside of research, Rhyz likes to follow the news, go to the gym and hang out with friends. Rhyz hopes to help enrich Drexel's student life and make grad school a fun and memorable experience.
Vice President of Communications Responsible for all GSA communications, including listserv emails, newsletters, marketing events and opportunities for graduate students across campus and online, oversees GSA social media accounts. Designs graphics for emails, social media, flyers, branding for merchandising.	K I M Iqbal PhD Program in Civil Engineering College of Engineering Iqbal was born and raised in Bangladesh. He dreams of designing some magnificent bridges worldwide as a Structural Engineer. His current research focuses on Structural Health Monitoring using NDE & Sensors. He always believes that doing something for the whole student community is part of his responsibility. Along with his studies, he involved himself in several student organizations during his undergraduate and master's studies. As VP for Communications of GSA, he desires to contribute tremendously by using his experiences to spread the GSA's activities among the graduate atudents and improve the connectivity among Graduate College & Students. Besides doing research, Iqbal loves traveling and enjoys social interactions. Especially on the weekend, he travels a lot, organizes social gatherings/events, and spends time with his friends & families.
Vice President of Student Governance Leads the recognition and re-recognition process for sub-orgs. Services as point of contact for sub-org student leaders in regards to the recognition process, DragonLink, space improvement grant, The Good Ideas Fund (TGIF), etc.	Will Fullerton PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering
Academic Chair Works closely with the VP for Academic Affairs in planning and execution of academic programs and events. Serves as Chair of the GSA Academic Affairs Committee (AAC), planning meetings, agendas, managing oversight of committee subcommittees, chairs, membership, and activities (Teams site), and liaises between the AAC, E-Board, Graduate College, and Student Life.	Dikshita Desai Master's Program in Robotics and Autonomy College of Engineering Dikshita Desai is an international student pursuing her MS in Robotics and Autonomy at Drexel University. Currently she is an intern for Tesla's vehicle's design team. She is also the former Google's Women Tech makers ambassador and Google Developers Group lead for Goa, India. When not worrying about codes and systems she is found meditating, dancing or reading books.
Social Events Chair Works closely with the VP for Student Life to contact vendors, get quotes, plan events, event form process, etc. Attends all meetings related to event planning. Helps advertise social events and programs in collaboration with the VP for Communications.	Jada Jackman PhD Program in Chemical Engineering College of Engineering Jada is a chemical engineer who works in 3D printing and polymer characterizations. She completed her BS at Lehigh University in chemical engineering as well. When not in the lab, she enjoys dancing, making music, and hanging out with her friends. She also has many experiences in theater and the performing arts.
Student Governance Finance Chair Works in tandem with the VP for Student Governance to approve applications for space improvement grant, TGIF, set up U-Store links for sub-orgs, etc.	Justin Duong Master's Program in Quantitative Finance LeBow College of Business Justin completed his Bachelor's degree from Penn State University in marketing and management before joining Drexel. His goal is to join the investment banking industry after graduation. He is social and outgoing and enjoys playing sports and attending festivals. He is a huge Chelsea FC fan!

Join the GSA Academic Affairs Committee

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is seeking a diverse group of graduate student representatives from across Drexel's colleges and schools to support the activities of the GSA's Academic Life Committee, including the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Chair of the GSA's Executive Board, address questions and concerns related to academic life and student experience on behalf of the graduate student community, such as graduate academic policies and procedure, and advocate for graduate student success by enhancing programs, resources, and experience.

This is an exciting volunteer and leadership 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! The form outlines four subcommittees which you may indicate your interest in as well.

If you have any questions, please the GSA's Vice President for Academic Affairs, London Thompson, at lt535@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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