Executive Board Roles and Duties
The executive board oversees the administration of the GSA and serves as the first line of communication between the GSA and the rest of the University at large. When contacting the GSA, it is normally better to address the entire exec board to ensure that your message is heard and answered, but if you need to reach out to a particular member, they are listed here for your reference.
- President: Shubham Rawat
- Addresses graduate student concerns, generates creative ideas to expand GSA resources, participates in Inter-university networking, and communicates with graduate student body
- Executive Liaison for the University administration, Special Projects and Student Support Committee
- Vice President of External Affairs: John Britt
- Executive Liaison for the Legislative Affairs and Student Advocacy (LASA) Committee
- Organizes university standing committees appointments, manages Legislative Action Days (LAD)
- Vice President of Internal Affairs: Priyanka Khare
- Executive Liaison for the Judicial Committee
- Representative Resource, and manages constitutional amendments
- Vice President of Academic Affairs: Harshit Bhatt
- Executive Liaison for the Research Recognition Committee
- GSA Award for Conferences, Graduate Research Symposium
- Vice President of Communications: Paul Agada
- Executive Liaison for the Community and Social Engagement (CASE) Committee
- Listserv, website updates, and technological concerns
- VP of Student Governance Relations: Saifur Rahman
- Represents the graduate students in student governance structures
- Secretary: Anita Amir Labonno
- Executive Liaison for the Teaching Effectiveness Committee
- Outstanding TA Awards, meeting minutes and historicizing the organization
- Treasurer: Arjun Madhusudan
- Yearly budget, honoraria/block grant applications,
Executive Board Bios
President: Shubham Rawat
Hey Gradpack! I’m Shubham Rawat, a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. My research focuses on power electronic converter topologies and their control. These converters are used for grid integration of renewable energy sources. As the NC State GSA President, I proudly serve as your primary representative at the university and within student government functions. I am committed to ensuring that the voice of graduate students is heard and respected across all levels of university leadership. In my role, I represent the GSA on major university committees including the University Council, the Tuition and Fee Review Advisory Committees, and the Chancellor’s Liaison group. I also serve as your liaison to the Directors of Graduate Programs, the Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders who shape graduate education and policy at our institution. Whether it’s participating in nomination or search committees for university personnel, appointing student representatives to important roles, or working alongside the Student Body President, Faculty Senate, and Postdoctoral Association, I advocate for your interests every step of the way. As the leader of the GSA All-Council, I preside over all council meetings, call elections when necessary, and aim to bring in engaging and impactful speakers to help enrich our graduate community.
I’m here to support you. If you’re a graduate student with questions, concerns, ideas, or if you’re interested in getting more involved with GSA or student governance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you want to serve on a committee, need help navigating university resources, or just want to make your voice heard; you are not alone. Go Pack!
Vice President of External Affairs: John Britt
Hi everyone! I am John Britt, a 5th-year student in the Genetics and Genomic Science Ph.D. Program. My research is using stem cells to model early development of the placenta in humans and macaques. Besides science, I am also an active member of the GES consortium on campus, where we discuss the ethics of the development of different biotechnology-related innovations, and a student senator for the Graduate School and Lifelong Education Delegation. I am excited to be your VP of External Affairs this coming cycle. As your VP of External Affairs, I will work to advocate for graduate student concerns to our University, our State Legislature, and the Federal government. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss anything. I know times are rough right now for many graduate students, and I will do my best to advocate for you.
Vice President of Internal Affairs: Priyanka Khare
Hello GradPack! I’m Priyanka Khare, a Ph.D. student at the Computer Science Department at NC State University. My research interests lie in human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and applied machine learning in educational contexts. With a background in software development and student leadership, I’m passionate about building strong communities and improving communication across campus.
As Vice President of Internal Affairs, I coordinate All-Council meetings, help onboard new chapters, manage scheduling and logistics, and support the Judicial Committee to ensure our internal processes run smoothly. Feel free to reach out with any questions about internal processes or how to get involved. I’m excited to serve and connect with you—Go Pack!
Vice President of Academic Affairs:Harshit Bhatt
Greetings! I am Harshit Bhatt, a third-year Ph.D. student in Applied Mathematics with a focus on Numerical Linear Algebra. I enjoy working with matrices and exploring numerical techniques to solve high-dimensional problems. I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting fellow researchers, and using math to make a meaningful impact.
As Vice President of Academic Affairs, I serve as the executive liaison for the Research Recognition Committee and help manage GSA’s conference/travel awards and the Graduate Research Symposium. I also serve as an Advisor for two student organizations at NC State and cherish conversations with fellow students. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions, difficulties you are facing, or your valuable feedback. Go Pack!!
Vice President of Communications: Paul Agada
Hi GradPack! I am Paul Agada, a multisectoral communication professional from Lagos, Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Communication. My research interest cuts across emerging media, artificial intelligence, media psychology and strategic communication. As the Vice President of Communication, I will be managing GSA’s multichannel information flow. I am passionate about leveraging various communication tactics and strategies to advocate students’ before the right authorities and I am keen to deploy my expertise efficiently for the benefits of graduate students here in NC State Please email me if you have an event or announcement you would like to be included in the GSA’s Pawprint newsletter, website or social media pages.
Vice President of Student Governance Relations: Saifur Rahman
Hi, I am Saifur Rahman, a third-year Ph.D. student at the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. My research involved the attitude and perception of extension professionals regarding the use of AI in the agriculture sector. I am also working on projects like BiGG, Assure, and Social. I am highly interested in traveling and photography. As your Vice President of Student Governance Relations, I will always keep communication with the NCSU Student Government and share information regarding the needs of the graduate students. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns regarding the student governance relations. I look forward to serving and working with you all.
Secretary: Anita Amir Labonno
Hi! I am Anita Amir Labonno, a third-year Ph.D. student in the Fiber and Polymer Science Program in the Wilson College of Textiles. My research focuses on the pharmacokinetic profiles of PFAS in firefighter’s gear through dermal absorption using the porcine skin model and an in vivo pig study. As Secretary, I am responsible for maintaining records of all GSA meetings and proceedings. In addition, I serve as the executive liaison to the Teaching Effectiveness Committee (TEC), which supports graduate student instructors and addresses teaching-related concerns. TEC also organizes the annual GSA Teaching Assistant Awards to recognize and encourage outstanding teaching by graduate students. I am committed to promoting the academic and professional success of graduate students and supporting the graduate community. Go Pack!
Treasurer: Arjun Madhusudan
Hey all! I’m Arjun Madhusudan, a 4th year Ph.D. student in Computer Science. I research visuals in graphics, esports, player performance, and all the good stuff. I’m also studying tournaments and competitive play as a research methodology, so you might see me hosting gaming events around campus often. This is my second year with the GSA, and l’II continue serving as your Treasurer. This means you’ll often look for me when talking about your (chapter’s) rebates and grants. I look forward to supporting you and the WolfPack as best as I can!