Current GSA Officers
President: Eric Chiles
Contact: president@gsa.rutgers.edu
Eric is a second-year PhD student in the Microbial Biology department. Here he studies how homeostatic metabolic activity between coral reefs and their algal symbionts is altered under stress and secondary metabolite production in coral reefs. He is also a researcher at the CINJ Metabolomics Shared Resource. When he is not in lab he is consumed with recipe testing, patronizing the arts, rabble-rousing for social equity, Law & Order marathons, and working to make academia and STEM more inclusive space
Executive Vice-President: Mahsun Oti
Contact: evp@gsa.rutgers.edu
I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Anthropology. I received a BA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Mardin Artuklu University, Turkey, and an MA in African Studies from the Center for African Studies Basel (CASB), University of Basel, Switzerland. In my current Ph.D. project, focusing on the concepts of “hope” and “waiting,” I explore the world-making practices among African migrants in the border cities in Eastern Turkey.
Treasurer: Tarun Reddy Arasu
Contact: treasurer@gsa.rutgers.edu
Meet Tarun, a Public Policy and Informatics graduate student at the Edward J Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy. With a passion for economic equity, Tarun has dedicated his research to studying and analyzing policies that can lead to a more equitable society, with a particular focus on energy economics and political economic modeling. His work aims to create a fairer and more just world where opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. As someone who has always been interested in public service, Tarun wants to make a positive impact on the world around him, and with a desire to serve the Rutgers graduate student body, he hopes to bring about positive change and create a better place to live. When he is not studying or working on his research, Tarun enjoys watching sports, with a particular love for the New York Knicks and Arsenal. He believes that sports can bring people together and promote a sense of community and solidarity, which is something he strives to achieve in his work as well.
Secretary: Jonathan Pan
Contact: secretary@gsa.rutgers.edu
Jonathan is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Microbial Biology program within the Biochemistry & Microbiology Department. Under the guidance of Dr. Nathan Yee, he leverages
molecular genetics and experimental data to develop models that explore the role of microbes in
dissolved organic sulfur cycling and microbe-metal interactions. Jonathan has also contributed
to academia as a Teaching Assistant for the Genetics course in the Life Sciences department.
Outside the lab, Jonathan is passionate about music and culture. He spends his time creating
music and attending music events around the globe.
Vice President of External Affairs: Brandon Wildman
Contact: vpeas@gsa.rutgers.edu
Brandon is a second-year master’s student at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. His research interests include inequalities in mental and physical health care for marginalized communities, mental health advocacy, and policy. Aside from GSA and research, Brandon enjoys painting, traveling, working on his car, and exploring new cuisines.
Vice President of Events and Programming:
Gaayathri Backianathan
Contact: vpep@gsa.rutgers.edu
Hello, I’m Gaayathri, a Food Science Masters student at Rutgers. I have always loved to work in a team and I believe that you learn more from one another when you work as a team. Hence, I’m here as a member of the GSA team at Rutgers. Beyond academia, you’ll often find me exploring new restaurants, hanging out with friends, and binge-watching on Netflix. Eagerly excited about some amazing events and activities that we can all enjoy and have some fun with!!
Vice President of Marketing Orientations and Communications: Diana Sánchez (she/her)
Contact: vpmoc@gsa.rutgers.edu
Diana Sánchez (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers University. Her doctoral research centers on bilingualism and second language acquisition, with a current focus on exploring these phenomena in both neurotypical and neurodivergent populations. Diana is passionate about advancing research that supports individuals with disabilities. As a speech-language pathologist, she enjoys helping people navigate challenges through the use of assistive technology. In her leisure time, Diana enjoys traveling, watching television shows, and spending quality time with her family.
Professional Development Director:
VACANT
Contact: professional_development@gsa.rutgers.edu
Academic Development Director: Simav Gildiz
Contact: academic_development@gsa.rutgers.edu
Simav is a fifth-year PhD student in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program. Her thesis is focused on mRNA treatments for ovarian cancer. She received her BSc with Honors from the University of Durham, UK, in Biological Sciences. When she is not working in the lab, she will be reading, trying out new restaurants, traveling, or buying more books.
Blog Manager: Vacant
Contact: blog@gsa.rutgers.edu
Mental Health Committee Chair:
Contact: mentalhealth@gsa.rutgers.edu
Jessica Dobbs is a second-year masters student in Rehabilitation Counseling on the Mental Health Counseling Track. She plans to be a Licensed Professional Counselor following graduation and clinical hours. In her spare time she enjoys reading and traveling.
Hello, my name is Abbie Neo. I am a first year Master of Business and Science (MBS) student at Rutgers. For my undergrad, I completed a degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue. I grew up in Northeast Ohio and was born in Singapore. Though my field lies within STEM, I have a strong passion for mental health wellness and awareness. I believe one of the best things you can do is allow someone to feel seen and appreciated. I have a special love for mindfulness meditations and music therapy. I am also a big animal lover and think pets can transform your mental health. I hope to create a safe space for grad students here at Rutgers and bring about positive conversations about the importance of mental health.
Recreation Committee Chair: VACANT
Contact: recreation@gsa.rutgers.edu
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Chair:
Contact: diversity@gsa.rutgers.edu
Jae Kerstetter (they/them)
Jae is a first year PhD student in the Entomology Department at Rutgers. Here, they are investigating the variation in herbivore-defensive traits as well as gene expression between wild and domesticated blueberry populations in New Jersey. In their spare time, they love cooking, discovering new music, going for hikes with their dog, exploring coffee shops, and advocating for inclusivity in an academic environment.
Social Media Chair: Gagan Gowda Madaiah
Contact: socialmedia@gsa.rutgers.edu
Senators:
Contact: senators@gsa.rutgers.edu
Nora Jaber
Nora is a fourth-year PhD student on the Biochemistry tract in the Molecular Biosciences umbrella program. Her thesis project focuses on using cryo-electron tomography and other techniques to study protein-membrane interactions. Nora spent two years as president of the Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Organization (MBGSO), as well as Secretary for the Rutgers Chapter of Seeding Labs for one year and Vice President for another year. Nora is really dedicated to working alongside the graduate student community. Outside of grad school, Nora likes to bake and to be in the sun.
Nusrath Yusuf
Nusrath is a graduate student in Dr. Kevin Monahan’s lab in the Neuroscience and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry Department. She hopes to work alongside the graduate student community to keep building a more equitable and inclusive academic and research environment.
Events Manager: Sumit Ghodke
Contact: events@gsa.rutgers.edu
Sumit is an adept Project Manager with a master’s in industrial & systems engineering from Rutgers University, focusing on Supply Chain Engineering and Data Analytics. He holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. He combines his robust technical skills with strong leadership in project oversight, ensuring meticulous management and operational excellence. Sumit’s professional journey excelled in streamlining operations and implementing cost-saving measures through just-in-time material delivery and automation, achieving significant reductions in manpower and increasing process efficiency. His expertise extends to leveraging Data analytics and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance production systems. Outside of work, he loves to play Badminton and is a travel enthusiast.
Business Manager: Shawn Rumrill
Contact: help@gsa.rutgers.edu
Shawn is completing his dissertation in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. As a structural biologist, he uses biophysical techniques like X-ray crystallography to understand the structure, function, and mechanisms of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, and other proteins related to human health and disease. Shawn has a history of student involvement and leadership in organizations and student worker positions. His goals for the GSA are to build strong connections and engagement with the graduate community and advocate for student needs to foster a high-quality and meaningful graduate experience. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching movies, and cooking a variety of food.
