(she/her) 
Master’s student, Architecture

Section 41 : CRN 87940 : Friday 2 – 2:50 p.m. : Clough 262

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Suess

Nithila is pursuing a Master of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on sustainable design that enhances human experiences. Prior to her studies in Atlanta, she honed her architectural skills at LW Design in Dubai. As a new student, Nithila joined the GT6000 program, which significantly broadened her horizons beyond the School of Design, helping her forge friendships and gain invaluable insights. She enjoys playing chess and traveling to explore new cultures and cuisines. Nithila advises incoming students to seize every learning and networking opportunity, ensuring a well-rounded educational journey at Georgia Tech.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Robotics

Section 23 : CRN 91020 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 278

“Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving… you will come to a better place.” - Iroh

Mikhail is a Florida suburbanite who received a B.S in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science from the University of Florida and is now a Ph.D. student in Robotics. His research focuses on improving robot perception in the field. His hobbies include frequenting the gym, practicing the violin, and playing competitive video games with friends. His advice for incoming graduate students is to always take the time to enjoy the pleasures of life but to never forget the vision you had coming into grad school.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 30 : CRN 89896 : Thursday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Clough 123

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” - John C. Maxwell

Victor grew up in Brazil where he earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2020. He is now a third-year Ph.D. student working on electrochemistry for carbon recycling. When not in the lab, Victor likes to bake, play volleyball, and check places off his travel bucket list. He recounts participating in GT6000 during his first semester at Georgia Tech as an excellent opportunity to smooth his way into grad school and is excited to connect with new students again, now as a GT6000 group leader. Victor believes that establishing a good work-life balance goes a long way toward being successful in grad school.

(she/her)
Master’s student, Industrial Design

Section 06 : CRN 87922 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 106

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Berkeley is currently pursuing her Masters in Industrial Design, with an undergraduate background in Psychology, Emerging Media, and Business. She hopes to be a UX researcher and product manager within the medical field after graduating. Outside of class, Berkeley is a member of the GT Cheer team and loves to represent the White and Gold as both an ambassador and athlete. She loves to stay active and can be found spending most of her free time at cheer practice, lifting, or walking around campus. Berkeley’s advice for incoming grad students is to participate in as many of the school’s traditions as possible, because that is what really helps turn GT into your home.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Robotics

Section 04 : CRN 91017 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 323

Special Interest Section - From Industry Back to School

“Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever.” - Patrick Rothfuss

My name is Jack and I grew up in Butte, MT before moving to New York for college where I received my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I am currently a Ph.D. student in Robotics where my research focuses on multi-agent controls, dynamic simulations, and collision avoidance. I greatly enjoy reading, board games with friends, and building/racing drones. My advice to incoming graduate students is to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you! Take time to meet new people, try new clubs, and explore Georgia Tech/Atlanta.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Civil Engineering

Section 20 : CRN 87939 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 125

“There is a thin line between confidence and complacency.” - Mikel Arteta

Christian is a third year Ph.D. student in transportation engineering. His research focuses on equity and public health within transportation design, planning, and policy to analyze impacts over various identities and populations. Christian was born and raised in Austin, Texas and previously earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Economics from The University of Texas at Austin. As a GT 6000 group leader, he seeks to help incoming students transition to graduate school life both academically and socially.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Physics

Section 34 : CRN 87932 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 106

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Billy and The Minpins, Book by Roald Dahl

Anjan is a PhD student in Physics. His birthplace is Chennai, India, and he grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo before arriving in the United States. He received his bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, double majoring in physics and mathematics, where he researched ghost imaging and nonlocal calculus. He is currently working in an atomic physics lab with Dr. Michael Chapman, studying some of the coldest atoms in the universe. In his free time, he likes to play table tennis, attend trivia nights, watch anime, and play chess. His advice for incoming graduate students is to set a time to finish work every day.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Biology

Section 01: CRN 87918 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Marina is a Georgia native, and received her B.S. in Biology from the University of St Andrews. She is a PhD student in Biology, studying the social lives of bacteria. Outside of work, she enjoys vintage clothing and interior design and exploring around Atlanta. Her advice to incoming graduate students is to take time for yourself every day.

(she/they)
Ph.D. student, Environmental Engineering

Section 29 : CRN 87928 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 : College of Computing 53

“Don’t poison your colleagues!” - Dr. Jianfeng Zhou

Mo is a PhD student in Environmental Engineering working under Dr. Xing Xie on developing innovative and chlorine-free water disinfection technologies and is the entrepreneurial lead for her lab’s start up efforts. Mo was born in Japan, grew up in Ithaca, NY, and completed her Bachelor’s in Buffalo. Go Bills! As a Grad Groups Leader and someone who joined this program during the pandemic, Mo seeks to help new graduate students establish their academic, professional, entrepreneurial, and social presence both on campus and in Atlanta. Mo enjoyed her Grad Groups experience when she participated in Fall 2020 and has since aided new students in their transition into Georgia Tech every year.

(she/her)
Master’s student, Public Policy

Section 02 : CRN 87919 : Tuesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 125

“Your feet will never take you where your mind has never been” - Cindy Trimm

Boluwatife is a graduate student in the school of public policy with interests in telecommunications and economic development policies. Raised in Nigeria, she earned her Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. Boluwatife cherishes nature, loves travel, and plays the violin. Boluwatife believes that graduate school should be an enriching experience and is assured that GT 6000 provides the right foundation to accomplish this. She is excited to welcome the new grad students and advises them to forge meaningful relationships and maintain a positive self-image throughout their academic journey, regardless of challenges.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Aerospace Engineering

Section 25 : CRN 87926 : Thursday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 325

“But how could you live and have no story to tell?” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Sriram Kalathoor is a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering. He has masters degrees in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and mathematics, and a minor in higher education with CETL. He has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering with minors in architecture and psychology. He is also an instructor of record for AE 4040 (Computational Fluid Mechanics). In his spare time, Sriram pursues archery, practices music, and serves with GT Housing as a Resident Assistant.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Materials Science and Engineering

Section 35 : CRN 87933 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Swann 115

“If there is a way or path, it is someone else’s.” - Joseph Campbell

My name is Saba Karimi, and I’m a second-year PhD student in the Materials Science and Engineering program. Currently, my research focuses on the fascinating fields of materials informatics and high throughput materials characterization. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, reading, and experimenting with new recipes. My advice to incoming graduate students would be to embrace curiosity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 15 : CRN 87934 : Wednesday 5 - 5:50 p.m. : Clough 129

“The wind is rising. We must try to live.” - Tatsuo Hori

Linh is a fourth year PhD student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, where she is doing her research on protein therapeutics for COVID-19 and breast cancer. Before arriving at GT, briefly, Linh grew up in Vietnam, got her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University - New Brunswick, and worked in biopharmaceutical industry for a few years. She is super stoked to meet new graduate students and hope that she could use her experiences to help you ease the transition to graduate school. She believes that building community and sense of belonging is crucial for the quality of your graduate school experience.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Economics

Section 09 : CRN 91018 : Tuesday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Clough 323

“That which we give makes us richer, that which is hoarded is lost.” - Shota Rustaveli, Georgian poet

Ana is a third-year Ph.D. student studying economics. Her academic pursuits center around the realms of environmental economics, international trade, and development economics. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Ana embarked on her educational journey as a Fulbright scholar at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Master of Public Policy Analysis degree. Originally from Georgia, a country in Eastern Europe, she is fluent in both Georgian and English. Beyond her academic endeavors, Ana finds solace and joy in several hobbies. She possesses a keen eye for capturing moments through the lens of her camera, a passion that harmoniously intertwines with her love for travel and exploration. She derives immense pleasure from crafting delightful Georgian dishes and sharing them with others.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Aerospace Engineering

Section 10 : CRN 91019 : Tuesday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Howey N210

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” - John Green

Tavish Pattanayak is currently pursuing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. He completed his Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from India in 2021 before working as a department manager with Flipkart in supply chain for a brief period. His research interests are aerodynamics, system design optimization, and human factors. Outside work, Tavish loves volunteering, hiking, reading novels, and playing badminton. He took GT 6000 in Fall 2021 and is excited to give back by serving as a group leader. He encourages everyone joining GT to take this course and, more importantly, find their tribe to shine through grad school!

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Environmental Engineering

Section 28 : CRN 87942 : Thursday 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. : Clough 325

“Life isn't how to survive the storm, it's about how to dance in the rain." - Taylor Swift

Jacob is a second-year Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering, working with Dr. Katherine Graham on wastewater-based epidemiology, microbial water quality, and environmental metagenomic projects to better understand and reduce disease transmission and risk from environmental exposure. Jacob is from the Adirondack region of upstate New York, where he grew up hiking, skiing, and camping in the surrounding wilderness. He completed his bachelors in Environmental Science at UCLA and his masters in Environmental Engineering at Stanford University. Outside of academics, Jacob is an avid triathlete, training in swimming, biking, and running year-round, and having competed in numerous races at different distances. He also enjoys reading, games of all varieties (board, card, and video), and traveling to new places. Upon completion of his program, Jacob's dream is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican to the Canadian border, return to the Northeast, and find a fulfilling career working in water quality management, environmental genomic applications, research materials design, or a combination of all three. His advice to incoming graduate students is to remember that their academic career is only part of them, not the whole; find a good work-life balance, continue pursuing your non-academic passions, and practice self-care often. 

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Electrical Engineering

Section 13 : CRN 87931 : Wednesday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123 

Special Interest Section - Women

“Becoming earth. Becoming animal. Becoming in this manner fully human.” - David Abram

Hello there! I’m Daniela. I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia where I obtained an Engineering Physics degree at Universidad Nacional. I hold a Master’s from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. Currently, I’m a PhD student in ECE working on wireless communications. I love mountains, rivers, trees, birds, and any part of the world we are part of. I love outdoor activities; backpacking, hiking, biking, climbing. My unsolicited advice to incoming grad students is to understand that grad school is a temporary part of your life, and not your life itself. Enjoy the city, the campus, the classes and find good friends that support you through your journey.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 33 : CRN 89899 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 325

“Behind every great woman … is another great woman.” - Kate Hodges

Harini is pursuing her Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering. She was born and raised in India and moved to the U.S. in 2018. She loves to bake, dance, and working out. She is very excited to interact with incoming grad students, especially international students to help them navigate the first few months of their life in a new country. Her advice to incoming grad students is to build a support system and seek validation from only oneself instead of placing it in the hands of others. She also suggests that you draw clear boundaries between personal and professional life and measure progress instead of results.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Mechanical Engineering

Section 32 : CRN 89898 : Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m. : Clough 123

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Jake, originally from Chicago, Illinois, is pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering studying energy systems. His current research focuses on electrification of building material industries using electromagnetic heating. He began studying at Georgia Tech in 2018, earning his B.S. and M.S. also in mechanical engineering. Away from school, Jake enjoys running, reading, baseball, and Formula 1. His advice to incoming graduate students is to expect and learn from failures. In graduate school, like most things in life worth doing, occasionally falling short of your goals is inevitable. What’s important is that you accept them with grace and find new ways to move forward with what you’ve learned. The only way to succeed is to build from failure.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Section 38 : CRN 89900 : Friday 12:30 - 1:20 p.m. : Howey S107

"If you never try, you will never know." 

Kiera is a PhD student in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, who received a Bachelor degree in the same major at Georgia Tech. Her research focuses on using airborne ice-penetrating radar to study glacier melting in Antarctica. Besides research and studies, she participates in the Graduate Student Government Association to address graduate students' concerns through initiatives. Through the years that she spent at Tech, she truly loves the support that GT provides to each student knowing that there is no doubt new students can find their own place in this diverse environment.

(he/him)
Ph.D. student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Section 39 : CRN 89901 : Friday 2 - 2:50 p.m. : Clough 123

“Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.” - Alexis Carrel

I was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Guanajuato that is a public state school. After graduating, I worked for 3 years as Metallurgy Engineer and 2 years as Process Technology Engineer in the polymeric materials area. I decided to study a PhD in Chemical Engineering to contribute with my knowledge to society and gain more knowledge about materials synthesis and design for specific applications. The focus of my research is in direct capture of carbon dioxide from air using porous materials, more specifically metal organic frameworks. My advice is to try and participate in everything you would like to be a part of since we cannot relive the present and it will not come back once it has passed.

(she/her)
Ph.D. student, Chemistry

“When you’re chasing a big goal, you’re supposed to feel good a third of the time, okay a third of the time, and crappy a third of the time…and if the ratio is roughly in that range, then you’re doing fine.” - Alexi Pappas

Eunice A. Lazau is from Buford, Georgia and currently is a third-year PhD student in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She graduated with a BS in Biochemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating, she worked as an ORISE fellow at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzing cardiovascular biomarkers using mass spectrometry. Eunice is interested in using analytical chemistry to unveil intricate biological mechanisms and improve human health. When not in the lab, Eunice loves to hike in nature, try vegan restaurants, attempt new recipes, and explore cities. My advice is that everyone who is an expert was once a beginner!

(she/her)
Master’s student, Architecture

“Try, Try, Try Again” - William Edward Hickson

Varshaa Vasundra is a first-year graduate student majoring in Architecture, driven by a passion for creative construction, eco-friendly methodologies, and diverse cultural immersion. Hailing from Madurai, Varshaa holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Anna University School of Architecture and Planning, Chennai. Her educational pursuits center on hospitality and sustainable design. Her hobbies include sketching, painting, reading, and sports. She loves meeting people because it’s like various stories intertwining, with each person’s unique drives providing inspiration. The quote “Try, Try, Try Again” resonates with her belief in constant improvement and striving to be her best version. Her advice to incoming students is to take a leap of faith, for any chance missed is like an adventure you never explored.