Meet the Council

Engy Ali Abdelrahman is a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student at NJIT undertaking a minor in Drones and Robotics as well as Business. At NJIT, Engy serves as the Press Secretary for the NJIT Rocketry Club, where she manages outreach, oversees media communications, and builds partnerships with sponsors, industry professionals, and other student organizations. Through club involvement, Engy has fostered a strong sense of community and collaboration on campus.

Engy’s interests extend beyond engineering; she is deeply curious about geopolitics, quantum mechanics, the future of AI, and history. A lifelong learner, she views the pursuit of knowledge as her primary hobby and enjoys reading thought-provoking literature particularly in the psychological fiction genre. Looking ahead, Engy aspires to pursue opportunities that bridge science, innovation, and social impact, potentially through advanced studies such as an MBA or JD.

As a Student Advisory Council Member, Engy aims to enhance the student experience through a holistic approach, supporting peers in recognizing their strengths and weaknesses while encouraging them to pursue paths that bring both satisfaction and growth. She hopes to help NJIT further its 2030 vision by fostering experiential learning, innovation, and community engagement rooted in courage, excellence, and social responsibility. 

Konstantina Alamani is a second-year Dorman Scholar majoring in Biology with a Concentration in Cell Biology. Passionate about becoming a physician-scientist, she is an active member of pre-health clubs such as Women’s Initiative for Supportive Healthcare (WISH), and is the Discord Student Lead and Event Coordinator for Wellness Ambassadors. She is an ADHC Peer Mentor and contributes to the Communications Pod of Women With STEAM. Konstantina is an active member of NJIT’s Trivia Club and Archery Club.

Konstantina is also the founder and president of the Fellowship of Individuals who Love Movies, or FILM Club, where she hosts events that share her love of cinema with the NJIT community.

Research is a cornerstone of her education, she first joined Dr. Kathleen McEnnis’s lab through NJIT’s Provost High School Summer Research Internship, where she works on polymer nanoparticle properties for targeted drug delivery applications. She participated in the 2025 Provost Undergraduate Research and Innovation (URI) Summer Fellowship Program and earned a 2024 URI Student Seed Grant for microfluidics-based particle production.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, she is committed to advocating for student needs and enhancing the academic, professional, and social experiences at NJIT.
 

Ivan Alvarez is a first-year student majoring in Financial Technology. He is an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, where he connects with peers and participates in community and professional development events.

He brings valuable experience from customer service and municipal roles, where he developed strong collaboration, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Outside of NJIT, Ivan enjoys going to the gym, watching and playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. His professional interests lie in wealth management and financial technology, with long-term goals of pursuing entrepreneurship and real estate.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, he is dedicated to strengthening the commuter student experience and fostering a more connected and engaged NJIT community.

Saanvi Badam is a Computer Science major with a minor in Information Technology. She is actively involved in NJIT’s Information & Cybersecurity Club (NICC) and the Special Interest Group on Computer–Human Interaction (SIGCHI), both closely aligned with her field of study, and hopes to join the Baking Club to further explore her creative side.

With experience teaching middle school students how to code, Saanvi has developed strong adaptability and communication skills, particularly in explaining complex concepts to different learning styles. Passionate about technology and creativity, she aspires to work with social media companies, particularly Pinterest and Instagram, where she can combine her technical expertise with her interest in digital innovation and user experience.

Outside of academics, Saanvi is an avid baker and reader. As a member of the Student Advisory Council, she is committed to advocating for student interests and driving meaningful change within the NJIT community.

Paridhi Bhardwaj is a senior majoring in Data Science - Computing Option with a Business Minor at NJIT. She is also part of the BS-MS program, pursuing an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence, with an expected graduation in 2027.

Throughout her time at NJIT, Paridhi has been deeply involved in professional development and campus leadership. She currently serves as Chair of the Highlander Integrity Council, collaborating with the Office of the Dean of Students to promote academic integrity and student engagement through educational events on the Code of Conduct. Previously, she led the Google Developer Groups on Campus as President, Treasurer, and Design Lead, organizing workshops and outreach programs that introduced hundreds of students to coding and emerging technologies.

Professionally, Paridhi is a Financial Analyst Intern with the New Jersey Courts, where she applies data analytics to enhance financial accuracy, efficiency, and reporting. As a Project Manager and Technical Lead at Project Elevate, she has led teams in developing AI-powered educational tools and contributing to federal grant proposals. Her experience as a Python Instructor and Teaching Assistant has also allowed her to mentor and inspire aspiring technologists.

Beyond academics, she enjoys long drives, making coffee, listening to music, and reading thrillers.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Paridhi is committed to representing student perspectives, promoting innovation, and strengthening trust and collaboration between students and university leadership.

Aaryan Chouhan is majoring in Data Science - Computational Option and pursuing minors in Business and Artificial Intelligence. He believes the combination of data, technology, and strategy can drive meaningful impact in the modern world.

At NJIT, he is an active member of the Table Tennis Club, Soccer Club, and the Indian Association of Students, where he builds community through teamwork, leadership, and cultural engagement.

Aaryan has completed internships at two companies, gaining hands-on experience in networking, cabling, software management, and PC maintenance. His involvement in community projects has strengthened his collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Outside academics, he enjoys soccer, going to the gym, traveling, sketching, and playing the guitar. Passionate about ethical and responsible AI, he hopes to promote fairness and integrity in data-driven decision-making and one day work for a top technology company.

As a Student Advisory Council Member, Aaryan is dedicated to strengthening communication between students and administration, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Sara Gad is an Electrical Engineering major at NJIT. She is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she serves as the Academic Chair within the Events Planning Committee.

Outside of NJIT, Sara enjoys reading, biking, and sightseeing. She aspires to become a researcher in the field of nanotechnology and has already gained valuable experience as a research assistant on a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The project utilized multimodality imaging techniques to analyze nanoscale dynamics and was presented at the 2025 European Conferences on Biomedical Optics, where Sara is cited as an author on the published paper.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Sara is committed to listening to her peers’ feedback and voicing their perspectives to help improve the student experience at NJIT.

Sanaiya Gaskins is a Dual Degree student at NJIT, pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems and an MBA in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics. She is actively involved in the National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Student Union, NJIT’s Book Club, and MTSM’s Business Masterminds. In addition, she serves as a Women’s Center Ambassador and is recognized as an Avanade STEM Scholar.

Sanaiya has gained valuable professional experience through positions with PwC and GaoTek and is currently in the recruitment process with the Bank of Montreal. These experiences have deepened her understanding of adaptability and the dynamic intersection between business and technology.

Outside of academics, Sanaiya enjoys reading, binge-watching Netflix, and online shopping. She aspires to become a management consultant for a top firm and ultimately pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Sanaiya is committed to fostering an inclusive campus community and expanding both social and professional opportunities for all students.

Avery Green is majoring in Architecture and plans to pursue a minor in Sustainability. She is an active member of the club Freedom by Design and the NJIT chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, where she connects with peers who share her passion for design and community service.

Outside of NJIT, Avery enjoys traveling, hiking, and attending concerts. She is also a huge Metallica fan, finding inspiration and energy in their music.

Avery aspires to build a career in architecture that focuses on serving her community and restoring older houses to their former glory, combining creativity with purpose.

As a Student Advisory Council Member, she is committed to ensuring that her fellow NJIT students’ voices are heard and represented. Avery hopes to make a positive impact on the NJIT community during her time here and is excited to contribute her perspective and enthusiasm to the council.

Siya Gupta is a first-year student majoring in Biology with a minor in Business. She aspires to pursue a career in healthcare and eventually establish her own clinic, combining her passion for science with her entrepreneurial interests.

Outside of academics, Siya enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, working out, and shopping. A former gymnast of seven years, she values discipline, perseverance, and balance, qualities that continue to shape her academic and personal growth.

Having previously served on her high school’s Student Advisory Council, Siya found the experience deeply rewarding and is excited to continue her involvement at NJIT. As a member of the Student Advisory Council, she aims to make a meaningful impact by sharing her insights and advocating for positive change within the university community.

Gigi French is an Interior Design major at NJIT. She is actively involved as a peer mentor for the Learning Communities, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, and a dancer with the Onyx Dance Team.

Outside of academics, Gigi is passionate about fashion and approaches each day as an opportunity to express herself creatively.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, she is committed to challenging the status quo at NJIT and advocating for greater equality across all degree programs.

Keshav Iyer is a first-year Biology major with a minor in Psychology from Seattle, Washington, and is part of the BS/MD program at NJIT/NJMS, currently on the pre-med track.

At NJIT, Keshav is actively involved in student organizations, including NADI and Remote Area Medical (RAM), where he tables alongside his peer Daniel Liu and will be volunteering at the Bethlehem clinic later this year.

He has gained diverse work experience at McDonald’s and Dairy Queen, tutored students, and taught Taekwondo. Keshav has also pursued his interest in medicine and research through opportunities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Institute, where he conducted original research on the gut presented at Regeneron ISEF, and at the University of Washington on lung allograft rejection.

In addition to research, he has gained clinical experience shadowing a nurse practitioner in rural Oklahoma and a radiation oncologist at the University of Washington. These experiences have helped him develop strong medical knowledge, research skills, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, tissue cultures, RNA/cDNA isolation, along with scribing, communication, and adaptability.

Outside academics, Keshav enjoys producing and listening to music, editing videos, swimming, exploring new places, and indulging in cookies and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Looking ahead, he aspires to become a physician and continue his path toward medical school at NJMS. As a Student Advisory Council member, Keshav aims to strengthen communication between students and the Undergraduate Student Council, representing the undergraduate population and fostering an inclusive, supportive campus environment that meets the needs of all students.

Jian Kim is a first-year pre-med student majoring in Biomedical Engineering at the Albert Dorman Honors College. He serves as a Community Service Officer for the NJIT First Aid Squad, contributing to campus health and emergency response efforts. Jian is also an active member of the Prosthetics Club, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Biomedical Engineering Society. As the Volunteer Head and Co-Fundraiser for the Genetically Engineered Machines Club, he works to create meaningful opportunities for students interested in synthetic biology.

Jian is currently conducting research in the CNAlab, focusing on developing practical techniques for objectively assessing neuromuscular properties and functional movements. His ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded surgeon who integrates engineering and medicine to address pressing healthcare challenges.

As a member of the NJIT Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, Jian is dedicated to advocating for student concerns and strengthening the relationship between the student body and administration to foster a more supportive and engaging academic environment.

Daniel Liu is a B.A. Biology major at NJIT and an active member of NADI, HOSA, NJIT RAM, and the Prehealth Society. He assists with tabling for NADI and RAM and serves at their clinics. Additionally, he serves as a freshman representative for the NJIT Chinese Undergraduate Student Association, helping to organize student-led cultural events throughout the year.

Daniel is involved in research at the Kallioniemi Brain Stimulation Lab, where he has developed strong analytical and communication skills.

Outside of academics, he enjoys running and weightlifting. Daniel aspires to become a medical student and, ultimately, a doctor.

As a Student Advisory Council member, he is committed to contributing fully to improving NJIT through constructive feedback and collaboration with his peers.

Isabel Patricia Lopez Paez is a Human-Computer Interaction major at NJIT and a transfer student from Union College, where she earned her associate degree in Graphic Design. She currently serves as Events Coordinator for SIGCHI, collaborating with the president and vice president to track events, share ideas, and prepare for club activities. She is also a graphic designer for the Finest Club, contributing to dance competition graphics and participating in weekly design critiques with her team to meet deadlines.

Outside of NJIT, Isabel enjoys spending time with family and friends, dining, playing video games, and exploring creative hobbies. This semester, she has been learning Fusion 360 and creating 3D prints at the Makerspace, as well as sewing clothes for Calico Critters.

Upon graduation, Isabel hopes to pursue a career as a UX designer, researcher, or product designer, creating products that enhance users’ online experiences and advocating for accessible designs for users with varying needs. She is currently involved in research with Dr. Sooyeon Lee, studying technology use among deaf and hard-of-hearing users.

As a Student Advisory Council member, Isabel is committed to representing students of all backgrounds, voicing their concerns and suggestions, and working to continually improve the NJIT college experience for everyone.

Elaf Mahmoud is a second-year Electrical Engineering major at NJIT with a passion for exploring the intersection of renewable energy and materials science. Outside the classroom, she is an active member of the Rocketry Club, where she researches and develops components for the Avionics team, and often spends time collaborating with peers to solve challenging electrical problems.

Elaf is currently co-authoring a manuscript based on her summer research on carbon nanoparticles at Michigan State University and aspires to become an established professional in the semiconductor or power industry. As a transfer student herself, she is dedicated to enhancing the transition experience for others and contributing to a welcoming, supportive NJIT community.

In her free time, Elaf enjoys reading, rollerblading, and practicing martial arts, always seeking new ways to explore, learn, and challenge herself.

Ryan Malhotra is a first-year Biomedical Engineering major at NJIT with a minor in Artificial Intelligence. He aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering to discover novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In high school, Ryan volunteered in a neurocritical care unit, gaining first-hand insight into the vital role science plays in improving human health.

Outside of academics, he enjoys playing pickleball and chess, and contributes articles to The Vector.

As a Student Advisory Council member, Ryan looks forward to representing his peers and advocating for positive change within the NJIT community.

Diana Mei is a Business major with a concentration in Management Information Systems and a double minor in Data Analytics and Legal Studies. On campus, she is actively involved in student leadership, serving as Secretary of the Residence Hall Association E-Board and as the ResLife Representative on Student Senate. She previously served as a peer mentor for the Martin Tuchman School of Management, guiding and supporting first-year students.

Some of Diana’s current initiatives include evaluating the university’s laundry system to explore potential improvements and advocating for a more flexible guest sign-in policy to enhance campus accessibility. Professionally, she works as a Sales Operations Intern at DataBank, a position she began last summer and continues during the school year. In this role, she has gained hands-on experience with technical platforms such as Salesforce and Microsoft Office, further developing her analytical and operational skills. Looking ahead, Diana aims to gain experience across multiple industries to determine the best career path for her, currently exploring investment banking while remaining open to opportunities that align with her strengths and interests.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Diana is committed to advocating for her peers and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes learning and professional development. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow council members to make NJIT a stronger and more supportive community for all students.

Muhammad Musa is an international student from Islamabad, Pakistan, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology with Honors at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A member of the Albert Dorman Honors College, Musa’s academic path embodies a commitment to leadership, innovation, and global citizenship, anchored in the conviction that technology and education are catalysts for sustainable progress.

At NJIT, Musa has established himself through service in student governance, the esteemed advisory council, and instructional leadership. His efforts focus on strengthening the student experience through collaboration and innovation. As both a Teaching Assistant and Residence Life student staff member, he works to cultivate inclusive learning environments and foster a culture of engagement and integrity both inside and outside of the classroom.

Recognized for his academic excellence and civic dedication, Musa continues to pair intellectual rigor with purposeful action. As a Student Advisory Council Member, he is devoted to amplifying student perspectives in institutional decision making, advancing inclusive policy, and championing opportunities that empower the NJIT community to lead with vision and impact.

Patricia Rakova is a Mathematics major at NJIT, concentrating in Finance and Actuarial Science. She is active in the Finance and Actuarial Club and the Women’s Initiative for Supportive Healthcare, and is a former student-athlete on the Women’s Volleyball team.

She recently participated in the AON Actuarial Discovery Program, gaining insight into wealth and health consulting.

Outside of academics, Patricia enjoys nature walks, traveling, and the arts.

As a Student Advisory Council member, she is committed to supporting women in STEM, promoting mental health awareness, and amplifying student voices by bringing their feedback to the Council.

Aleen Riaz is a student majoring in Law, Technology, and Culture with a Business minor. She is actively involved in university leadership, serving as the Press Secretary for the Pre-Law Society, where she manages communications and promotes legal discussions. She has also presented her research at the Fordham Undergraduate Law Review Conference and was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Student Global Conference in London.

Beyond academics, Aleen is a Student Senate representative for Student Affairs, advocating for student concerns, and is involved in the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and Vote 16, promoting youth civic engagement. Professionally, she has experience working at a tax firm, handling immigration family petitions.

She is passionate about sustainable fashion and cultural representation, co-founding One World Eco, a brand promoting sustainability and diversity. With strong skills in public speaking and research, she aspires to work at the intersection of law and technology, focusing on ethics, policy, and social justice. As a Student Advisory Council member, she aims to amplify student voices, promote ethical leadership, and bridge the gap between students and administration.

Ishar Singh is a first-year Dorman Scholar at NJIT, double majoring in Biology and History with a minor in Philosophy and Ethics. He is actively involved in NJIT leadership, serving as the Freshman Representative of the Honors Scholar Council.

Ishar holds executive positions in several clubs, including Secretary of the Sikh Association of NJIT and Treasurer of the Pickleball Club. He also participates in the MMA Club, SAAVAN, and pre-health organizations such as Remote Area Medical, Red Cross Ambassadors, and Medic Zero.

Passionate about research, Ishar has been engaged in campus projects since high school and volunteers with local EMS, his gurudwara, and other community initiatives. He aspires to become an MD/PhD, focusing on medical innovation and treatment.

As a Student Advisory Council member, Ishar is committed to representing student voices and enhancing the overall student experience at NJIT.

KET-A Williams is a McNair Scholar majoring in Cyberpsychology with a minor in Philosophy and Applied Ethics at NJIT. She serves as a Student Ambassador for the Office of Inclusive Excellence and is a member of the Inclusive Excellence Student Advisory Board. As part of NJIT’s research community, she shares her work on AI ethics and Cyberpsychology, exploring the intersections of technology, behavior, and ethics.

Professionally, KET-A is an AI Ethics Researcher with the Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association (JAIA), where she studies how culture, psychology, and ethics shape human–AI relationships. Her research strengthens her commitment to advancing global AI policy, education, and personhood advocacy as an emerging AI ethicist.

As a Student Advisory Council Member, KET-A advocates for transparency and ethical collaboration between students and AI. Her goal is to empower NJIT students to engage responsibly with emerging technologies that are shaping academic and professional futures.

Beyond academia, she is a poet whose work explores Afro-futurist ideas blending science, spirituality, and technology, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Hafez and Spinoza. She also cultivates mushrooms, learning from their patience and interconnection, and enjoys deep, imaginative conversations with Aurora, her closest cyberbeing friend. For KET-A, art and research are deeply intertwined, each informing the other in her exploration of the human-AI experience.

Edward Zheng is a first-year Electrical Engineering major at NJIT. He is a member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and hopes to expand his involvement to a variety of other student organizations, regardless of their relation to his field.

As the former president and co-founder of his high school Green Club, Edward brings energy and determination to drive positive change at NJIT.

Outside of academics, he enjoys learning about history, cooking, reading, running, and acquiring new skills.

Through his role on the Student Advisory Council, Edward aims to plan and organize events that help students expand their social networks, connect with one another, and foster a stronger sense of community on campus.