EGSC September 2023 Election Candidate Profiles
Below are profiles for each candidate running for EGSC Master of Science (M.S),EGSC Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) Representative, EGSC Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M) Representative, GPSG Pratt Senator representative positions in the September 2023 election. The ballot may be found here, and it closes Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:59 PM.
Masters Of Science (M.S) Representative Candidates
Josh Chan
Hey! I am Josh Chan, and I was the previous EGSC Master Representative. I wanted to run again to continue working with EGSC and continue fostering the graduate school experience here at Duke. I am a representative for BME on the Duke Masters Student Advisory Board and the previous representative for Pratt School of Engineering for the Young Trustee Nomination Committee. Outside of Duke, I work part-time as a consultant for a medical robotics company and am a brand manager at Wasserman for a drink company you might have heard of. On the side, I like to golf and make music. I also really enjoy meeting people and having conversations about improving Duke’s student culture so please feel free to say hi and chat with me!
Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M) Representative Candidates
Namisha Mehta
I am Namisha Mehta, a graduate student of Masters in Engineering Management at Pratt School of Engineering. I am originally from India and did my undergraduate degree in Btech. Electronics and Instrumentation. Post that, I worked as a technical analyst at Bank of America, where my work largely revolved analysis of trading data, improving production data processes and mitigating risk audit issues. I’m passionate about leveraging user insights and technology to create products that make the world a better place. Outside of work, I remain actively engaged in initiatives aimed at uplifting lives through technology. I have led computer literacy drives for underprivileged school children and worked on applying IoT and machine learning to healthcare access. With my analytical abilities, passion for innovation, and experience driving product improvements through data insights, UX optimizations, and system enhancements, I’m excited to create meaningful technology products that empower users and make a true difference.
Vedant S. Gupta
Hello! I’m Vedant S. Gupta, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Duke University, specifically at the Pratt School of Engineering. I’m deeply passionate about technology and innovation. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, I have gained valuable experience that has enabled me to effectively lead teams, tackle intricate challenges, and implement solutions. Beyond academics and work, you’ll often find me on the cricket field, engaging in workouts, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, listening music. And yes, I’m that guy who’ll be spreading positivity by connecting with greet everyone with a hearty ‘hi’, just like Chandler’s ‘Could I be any more friendly?’ Let’s bring fresh perspectives and positive change together!
Prakhar Jain
Meet Prakhar Jain a vibrant and dynamic final-year Master in Engineering Management (MEM) student in the department of Pratt School of Engineering. With a natural flair for communication, Prakhar possesses an exceptional ability to articulate ideas with clarity and precision. His strong interpersonal skills foster an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling him to connect with diverse groups effortlessly. Prakhar’s past experiences as a Director of Outreach with Duke Community Pantry and a dedicated member of multiple clubs showcase his commitment to enhancing communication and building bridges among various stakeholders. He is tech-savvy and well-versed in the latest social media trends, making him an ideal candidate to spearhead the committee’s online presence and outreach strategies. One of Prakhar’s outstanding qualities is his adaptability; he thrives in high-pressure situations and remains calm under tight deadlines. His creative mindset ensures that each communication initiative is innovative and engaging, leaving a lasting impact on the committee’s mission. Selecting Prakhar as the next Master of Engineering Management (MEM) representative would undoubtedly elevate the effectiveness of the committee’s message and amplify the reach within the community. His passion for effective communication, coupled with his dedication and professionalism, make him the ideal choice to lead the committee’s communication efforts towards success.
Sriprada Biduru
I’m a MEM student who is passionate about learning and helping everybody around me. Being a part of EGSC gives me an opportunity to explore myself and expand to the fullest.
Abhinav Chandra
New MEM student – interested in leveraging community building with Pratt to encourage networking beyond drinks and chat to make acquaintances
Shambhvi Saiprasad Rangnekar
I am Shambhvi Saiprasad Rangnekar, hailing from Mumbai, India. Having been a part of the student council in both my school and my college, I am excited to continue working in the student council at Duke. Being an international student, I am aware of the many challenges we face on a day-to-day basis and I promise to be here, to empathize, listen and solve problems. I am honored to present myself as a dedicated candidate for this role. I have organized several networking events, induction sessions, cultural events and seminars that have led to meaningful connections. Having been the associate director, vice-chairperson and the president of several teams, I have significant experience in leadership, one of the many qualities that I plan on bringing to the student council. I will also contribute to the team with my critical thinking, problem- solving and communication skills. Being a friend, I promise to actively listen to the needs and problems of the students and come up with effective solutions, and contribute wholeheartedly towards the upliftment of the Masters in Engineering Management Community. My vision for the MEM Community is unity and progress. I believe that by fostering an environment of open communication, embracing diversity, and collaborating with our fellow MEM students, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared goals. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to opportunities, thriving lives, and a safe and vibrant community. I am truly grateful for the support and trust of our community members. Your voice matters, and together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Duke MEM Program. I am committed to serving you with dedication, honesty, and the utmost integrity. Let’s work together to shape the future we envision for Duke MEM. I humbly ask for your vote for me to represent you as your MEM Representative. Together, we can make a difference.
GPSG Senator Representative Candidates
Namisha Mehta
Vedant S. Gupta
Hello! I’m Vedant S. Gupta, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Duke University, specifically at the Pratt School of Engineering. I’m deeply passionate about technology and innovation. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, I have gained valuable experience that has enabled me to effectively lead teams, tackle intricate challenges, and implement solutions. Beyond academics and work, you’ll often find me on the cricket field, engaging in workouts, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, listening music. And yes, I’m that guy who’ll be spreading positivity by connecting with greet everyone with a hearty ‘hi’, just like Chandler’s ‘Could I be any more friendly?’ Let’s bring fresh perspectives and positive change together!
Prakhar Jain
Deniz Acil
Hi! My name is Deniz Acil. I am a third year ECE PhD student in Prof. Mikkelsen’s lab in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. My research area is optics and nanophotonics, where I develop devices for quantum and biomedical applications. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing guitar, working on electronics, and cooking. I am also passionate about student led initiatives in ECE and Pratt. I currently serve as the Director of Events for EASE, an advisory board member for PhD PLUS program and the ECE representative for EGSC. I believe my involvements allow me to hear a large proportion of voices in our community. As a GPSC senator, I hope to raise awareness to needs of engineering graduate student body and work towards making student experience more fulfilling and enjoyable!
Keenan Powers
I am a queer engineer devoted to making graduate school a safe, inclusive, and fun place for everyone! I am also the treasurer of the EGSC, and would use my role to facilitate improved communication between the two student governments.
Vaibhav Manapuram
Hello, fellow Engineering graduate students! I am Vaibhav Manapuram, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of GPSG Senator, representing the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University. With a decade of experience advocating for students, engineers, and designers throughout my academic and professional journey in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management, I am deeply committed to ensuring your voices are not only heard but also acted upon within the GPSG. I bring to the table a diverse set of skills, including leadership, effective communication, and a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. My grasp of university policies, adept time management, and active listening will enable me to represent the multifaceted needs of our graduate student community effectively. I believe my conflict resolution abilities, service mindset, and technological proficiency will further enhance my role as one of your senators, but above all, my unwavering dedication to improving the graduate student experience will be pivotal to my success within the GPSG. Recognizing that collaboration, transparent communication, and proactive engagement are essential for our collective academic journey at Duke, I promise to uphold these principles as your representative. As a GPSG Senator, I am committed to attending meetings, actively participating in GPSG committees, and working on initiatives that align with our shared goals. I will ensure that the voices of Engineering graduate students are prominent in university decision-making processes. I am eager to embark on this journey and contribute positively to our graduate student community at Duke. Together, we can nurture a vibrant and inclusive environment where your concerns and ideas are at the forefront. Let’s unite in shaping a Duke experience we can all take pride in. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for your GPSG Senator. I eagerly await the opportunity to serve you and advocate for our collective interests. Let’s bring a positive change to our graduate student experience!
Aaron Appelle
Hey Pratt! My name is Aaron Appelle, and I am a third-year PhD student in the CEE department. My research relates to smart cities and urban sensing, bridging topics from civil to electrical and computer engineering. I serve as the President of the Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC) where I try to build community across the Pratt graduate departments through various social and professional events. I previously participated in the Transportation committee on GPSG in an effort to improve the struggles that many of us face in commuting to campus. I would like to join the GPSG Senate this year to facilitate communication between GPSG, EGSC, and the administration. Since many issues that affect Pratt students are school-wide issues — like cost of living, transportation, and social life — GPSG can be a better place to take action in that regard. Best wishes to all of the candidates for GPSG Senator.
