Meet the Council

Hi! My name is Sushant Devkota. I’m a first-year here at NJIT majoring in Financial Technology. Currently, the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council at NJIT stands as the vibrant hub of my university journey, where I passionately channel my energy towards advocating for student needs and fostering a sense of community. While only dedicated to the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, I am eager to expand my horizons and engage in other clubs. Before attending NJIT, I was a tutor and founded a non-profit based around tutoring mathematics and computer science. Outside of academia, I love listening to music, watching new shows and movies, and swimming. Post-graduation, I hope to pursue a master's in Quantitative Finance and break into Quantitative Analysis or Investment Banking

Hello, everyone! My name is Travis Forbes, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration, both with a concentration in Marketing, at the Martin Tuchman School of Management.

My journey at NJIT has been characterized by active participation in numerous clubs and organizations. Notably, from 2022–2023, I held a crucial role as the president of the Veteran Students Organization, during which I played an integral role in its revival. Establishing a safe and supportive space for military-connected students to connect, learn, and grow was profoundly rewarding. In addition, I have served as a member of the MTSM Deans Executive Student Leadership Council, where I have actively contributed to fostering interaction and understanding between the Dean and the student body. This involvement led to my role as a teaching assistant and peer mentor for management students in their freshmen and junior years. These experiences not only facilitated meaningful connections but also offered valuable insights into the diverse perspectives within our student body.

During my professional journey, I've had the privilege of working with Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where I achieved international recognition as a top 20% executive for six consecutive years in my role as a manager/consultant. This experience not only honed my leadership and management skills but also provided me with a global perspective on the intricacies of the ballroom and dance industry. Simultaneously, I currently serve in the United States Army as an indirect fire infantry mortarman. Balancing my military service with civilian endeavors has been a testament to my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. This dual commitment has played a significant role in shaping my character and enhancing my capabilities, preparing me comprehensively for the challenges both within and beyond academia.

In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I get satisfaction from engaging in hobbies such as reading, dancing, and hiking. Whether attending a dance competition or indulging in an intriguing book, these hobbies provide a refreshing break and contribute to my growth as a whole.

While still navigating my true calling, my passion lies in marketing, project management, and the overall business operations realm, with the ultimate goal of consulting in these fields.

As a committed member of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, my main objective is to effectively advocate for the interests and concerns of my fellow students, particularly those who are underrepresented, such as military-connected and adult learners. I aim to foster an environment of collaboration that encourages open communication, ensuring every voice is heard. Through a burning desire and resolute determination, I hope to significantly enhance our university experience by encouraging productive reforms that yield shared rewards.

I am quite enthusiastic about the chance to act as a liaison between students and administration, advocating for the different needs of our student body. Let's collaborate to enhance the university experience by fostering inclusivity and providing greater opportunities for all.

I am Daniela Garcia-Mendieta, majoring in Architecture with a minor in Business. I am a member of NJIT’s Integrity Council and have participated in activities that helped our students become more familiar with the student code of conduct and academic integrity policies. Outside of academia, I enjoy learning different languages due to my interest in traveling to various countries. Some of my future aspirations are to work in international architectural firms and have the opportunity to participate in projects in different countries. I also hope to publish work or writings based on architectural theories. As a council member, I hope to voice student concerns during the semester at NJIT. I also hope to share the experiences and the difficulties students face as commuters and first-generation students. As part of the council, I hope to create a supportive and pleasant environment for students and staff.

As a dedicated Computer Science major within the Ying Wu College of Computing & the Albert Dormans Honors College, I actively engage in various campus organizations. My involvement spans memberships in the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Women in Computing Society, and the African Students Association. My academic pursuits align with research endeavors at the Collective Intelligence Lab under the guidance of Professor Pescetelli, where I investigate conversational bootstrapping using simulated data.

In 2023, while serving as a Logistics & Operations Intern at Kode With Klossy, I meticulously analyzed attendance records and presented key trends to senior management and partners. Simultaneously, I volunteered for over five years as a program assistant at MyGOAL Inc, managing web-based materials and maintaining the organization's social media presence. This dual commitment reflects my dedication to both professional growth and nonprofit endeavors.

Furthermore, I invest my time in the NJIT Gear Up/College Bound program, actively training as a peer-mentor to offer educational support and guidance to middle and high school students in the greater Newark area. This role signifies my commitment to nurturing academic growth and personal development among younger individuals, emphasizing my dedication to community engagement.

Post-graduation, my aim is to pursue a Master's in Business Administration, merging my interests in technology and nonprofit ventures. As a founding member of NJIT's Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, I strive to champion the cause for underrepresented minorities, advocating for tangible change within the student community and beyond. My commitment lies in consistently engaging with and supporting the wider student body, ensuring inclusive representation and sustainable progress for present and future students.

I am Mukund Maurya, and I am majoring in biomedical engineering. I love engaging in the community while exploring the horizon, which helps me challenge myself academically and socially. Clubs like Health Occupations Students of America, Pre-Health Society, Circle K, Engineers without Borders, and my favorite Undergraduate Association of Indian Students. As a freshman, I look forward to participating in numerous research opportunities, such as Buffone Lab, focusing on rapidly developing fields such as genetic engineering. I love to volunteer at the Hackensack Meridian Health Hospital as well as actively take part in the American Red Cross, being the Co-supervisor for the Central Jersey Region's Biomedical BVWE Engagement Lead, which focuses on ensuring the proper management of the behind the scenes for blood drives. Thus, with my passion for being an integral part of the community and helping others alongside my passion for healthcare, I am a premed student. My goal as part of the Student Advisory Council is to explore the ideas and perspectives of my fellow engineering students and be able to represent them directly to NJIT to enhance the overall experience. Through this opportunity, I would also like to listen to students' perspectives from different fields and goals to understand better how NJIT plays a unique role in our lives. 

I am Thomas Messiha and I am majoring in Biology with a prospective minor in Psychology. On campus, I am involved primarily in NJIT First Aid Squad, North American Disease Intervention, and HOSA. Through these organizations, I have not only been able to help individuals but have also built genuine long-lasting friendships. I currently am a Research Associate at Hackensack Medical Center aiming to identify patients with depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, or financial difficulties. I also am a Volunteer EMT in my hometown. Through these experiences, I have learned invaluable life lessons and constructed life-long relationships. Also, I love playing basketball and volunteering as an EMT in my free time. My ultimate goal is to leave the world a better place relative to when I entered it. I hope to fulfill this goal through my passion for medicine. My goal in the context of the Student Advisory Council is to enhance the college experience of all undergraduates, even if by a minute amount.

I am Awa Ndiaye majoring in Architecture. I'm a part of NSBE, which is the National Society of Black Engineers. I'm also a part of AFSA which is the African Student Association. I'm a regular club member in both so I just go to volunteer events and to the group meetings and events. I currently work a community service job so I am a teacher's assistant at Phillips Academy. I work under an Eco Science teacher. My hobbies include watching anime and keeping up with kpop. As for future aspirations I'm not exactly sure what I want to do, I just know I want it to have something to do with construction. As a council member I would like to help by giving opinions that can really be useful for the other students at NJIT. I feel like it is very important for the students to have someone to speak to the "higher ups" about things they can't.

I am Siya Patel, a second-year undergraduate student at NJIT majoring in Biology B.S. On campus, I am involved in the NJIT First Aid Squad where I ride as a certified EMT and the North American Disease Intervention club. I am also involved in research in a Biomedical Engineering lab on campus and participated in the Provost Undergraduate Research and Innovation Program this past summer. I aim to continue to stay active on campus and explore opportunities to become involved with the Newark community. As a council member, I represent my peers' opinions and voice feedback on student life on campus. I believe it is important to provide a representative voice and observation regarding current campus affairs to improve the student experience. I hope by working with my peers I aid in building a positive and healthy mood on campus.

Hello, my name is Hari Om Sah, and I am currently a sophomore pursuing a major in Computer Science at NJIT. I am actively engaged in university life, contributing to the vibrant campus community. Currently, I am a Teaching Assistant and Course Grader for the Python Course (CS 100), where I assist the course instructor in evaluating 65+ student assignments in a fair and consistent manner. I am also an active member of some of the Student clubs at NJIT (SAC, ACM, GDSC, NJIT Robotics, etc). I hold a E-Board position at Google Developer Students Club (Secretary). 

While I have yet not had any internships, I am involved in Student Jobs on campus, I serve as a Student IT Technician at User Services and Technology, providing advanced technical support to students, faculty, and staff. In this role, I resolve issues related to device setup, Windows reimaging, virus removal, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

Beyond academia, I am passionate about photography, graphic design, gaming, and coding. These activities not only provide a balance to my academic pursuits but also contribute to my overall personal and professional development. While I am still exploring various paths, I am enthusiastic about current AI Technologies and Data Science Field. I believe that my diverse experiences and skills which I will gain at NJIT will play a crucial role in shaping my future endeavors.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, I aim to bring students voices in front of the committee. I am committed to representing the interests of my peers, contributing fresh perspectives, and working collaboratively to enhance the overall student experience at NJIT.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a valuable member of the Student Advisory Council, bringing my unique experiences, skills, and dedication to the betterment of our university community.

Hi, my name is Jessica Sarkes. I am a first-year student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I am a member of the Coptic Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. I recently interned with La Casa de Don Pedro over the summer in Newark, and I work part-time as a lifeguard and swim instructor at my local YMCA. I love to spend time with my friends and play board games. In the future, I plan to get my masters through the NJIT 5-year program, and later obtain my doctorate. As a council member, I plan to serve as communication between students and the deans, and I aim to be a strong advocate for the issues that matter most to students, whether that be campus facilities, mental health, or any other prospects.

Hey, I’m Benjamin Shuster, I’ve been at NJIT since 2021 and currently I’m pursuing a Degree in Web and Information Systems. As a member of both Hillel and Spectrum, I enjoy the sense of community that goes beyond the meetings and events. I have been going to the Spectrum/D&I lounges and other events on and off depending on my schedule. I also attend most Hillel events and know most of the people in the club as it’s a bit smaller. Outside of classes and clubs I have my work study job at CRM and Student Information Systems (one of the departments of IST). Since April of 2022, I have been taking part in making sure the digital tools that run the campus are working as intended. My employment there has shown me what a professional workplace is like, and how a variety of technologies work together to make students’ lives easier. In my free time I find myself working on designing, creating, and maintaining small websites, chrome extensions, and other random projects (usually while learning new technologies). After I graduate with my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in information systems, or business & information systems. While on the committee, I hope to use experiences that I and my peers have gone through to help streamline and simplify the experience for future students.

I am Sarisha Singh, an international student from India, currently pursuing a major in Financial Technology at NJIT, a proud freshman at Martin Tuchman School Of Management. I am an active participant in the NJIT Swim Club, Robotics Club, and The Association for Indian Students. Looking ahead, after completing my first semester, I am eager to join the esteemed sorority, "Beta Gamma Sigma." Beyond my academic endeavors, I've ventured into the realm of creativity as a published writer with works featured in two anthologies. On the tech front, I serve as a website developer for international admissions and e-commerce platforms, notably contributing to https://thelandroval.com/ and https://medoffco.com/. Leading my robotics team to success not once, but twice, earning 1st and 3rd prizes, has been a highlight of my journey. I had the enriching experience of participating in a cultural exchange program in Australia, broadening my perspectives. An avid reader, I find joy in activities like swimming, playing badminton, and composing songs on the Casio. I have volunteered in various campus initiatives, demonstrating my commitment to community engagement and involvement. Looking ahead, despite being a freshman, my goal is to leverage my dual background to pioneer data-driven solutions and drive innovation in the convergence of Finance and Technology. As a Student Advisory Council member, I aim to be a voice for my peers, fostering inclusivity and collaboration. My goal is to bridge student-administration communication, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. I aspire to create a strong sense of community through events and initiatives, promoting mutual support. Being an International student, I aim to unite diverse student communities and amplify their collective voice. As a freshman, I am committed to dedicating the next four years to the council. I am attuned to the challenges that fellow freshmen may face and am eager to proactively address and solve them. In essence, I strive to actively represent and enhance the overall student experience.

Shreya Sureshkumar, a freshman in the Albert Dorman Honors College, majoring in Law, Technology and Culture on the pre-law track. A member of the GigaBeats Acapella Group and a Staff Writer at The Vector (NJIT's school newspaper). Interned at various legal organizations and firms, such as Einhorn Barbarito (a prominent New Jersey firm), and volunteered with Music Shines Bright, a non-profit organization dedicated to using music as a therapeutic tool in retirement homes. In my free time, I like to sing and play piano. As a member of the NJIT Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, I am hoping to express the needs and concerns of the Class of 2027 to strengthen the relationship between the student body and administration.

My name is Anastasiia Volynska, and I am a part of Albert Dorman Honors College and currently pursuing a major in Law, Technology, and Culture. Later on, I am also considering adding a minor in Psychology.
During my time at the university, I have been actively involved in the Women's Fencing Team. I also had the privilege of being the Honors College Ambassador and a member of the Archery Club. 

In terms of professional experience, I've gained valuable insights from my experience as a Research Assistant at the University of Alaska Fairbanks this summer 2023. I was able to conduct research in the field and go on a backpacking trip to explore the glacier structure in Fairbanks, AK. This experience has not only enriched my academic journey but also equipped me with practical skills such as teamwork, communication skills, and critical thinking. Outside of NJIT, I am passionate about horseback riding and pursuing art. Most of my free time I spend playing chess online or solving chess problems. Looking ahead, I am still exploring various avenues, but I am particularly interested in getting a master's degree in International relations and/or going to Law school.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, I am eager to contribute my time to make sure that the rights and interests of students are represented. I aim to represent the minority of students who are just like me pursuing a degree in Law, History, or another Humanities major. Representing my peers is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow council members to make a positive impact on our university community.