2026 Leadership
Dharani Sathwik Ram, President
Dharani is a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University and serves as the President of ChEGSA. His research focuses on microbiologically influenced corrosion, examining how microbial activity can affect the material behavior in the environment. Outside the lab, he enjoys getting lost in TV series, movies, and anime, exploring design ideas, and doing occasional kitchen experiments with food.
Adit Upadhyay Vice-President External Affairs
Adit Upadhyay is an M.S. student in Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he joined in Fall 2024. He serves as the Vice President of External Affairs for ChEGSA and conducts research on polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films. Outside of academics, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing golf.
Insuvai Kumar, Events Chair
Insuvai Kumar earned her B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering in 2024 and joined Texas A&M University in Fall 2024 to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on understanding how gut microbes metabolize xenobiotics and identifying the enzymes responsible for these transformations. She serves as the ChEGSA Event Coordinator for the 2026-2027 academic year. Outside of research, she enjoys exploring new art forms, picking up new skills, and seeking out adventures.
Abdullah Elsheikh, Publicity Chair
Abdullah Elsheikh is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he joined in Spring 2025. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in petrochemical engineering in Egypt before pursuing his doctoral studies at TAMU. As a Publicity Chair in ChEGSA, Abdullah enjoys supporting the graduate student community while conducting research on AI-based, topology-aware risk assessment methods for management of change (MOC) in chemical and energy process systems. Outside of research, he values maintaining a healthy work–life balance through soccer, CrossFit, Pilates, teaching, and writing.
Eswaraditya Reddy Lingala, Media Chair
A chemical engineering graduate from Hyderabad, India. Has joined Texas A&M in fall 2025. He is acting as the current media chair for CheGSA (AY 2026-27). His research focuses on Layer by Layer Deposition of MXene/polyelectrolytes to produce tunable chiral properties that have high temperature stability and oxidation resistivity. Outside of academics, he is an artist at heart and a tech geek.
Nathan Pham, Vice-President Internal Affairs
Most people ‘go’ to graduate school, but Nathan ‘ended’ up here. Nathan is pursuing an M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University. He found a love for the mechanisms of living/non-living systems from his B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Dallas, and he is currently studying the biophysical properties of Vibrio Cholerae. When the sun is not committed to vaporizing the human race, he enjoys parks and nature preserves. Otherwise, he is either baking, working on calisthenics, or losing his mind.
Manendri Uduwela, Finance Chair
Manendri earned a B.Sc. in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 2023. She joined Texas A&M University in Fall 2025 as a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on the intersection of AI and safety. She currently serves as the Finance Chair, supporting initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience within the department. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling and spending time with dogs.
Amirtheswari Ganapathi, Professional Events Coordinator
PhD student in the Chemical Engineering Department at Texas A&M University, began doctoral studies in Fall 2024 after completing a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering at Anna University. Her work as ChEGSA’s professional events coordinator supports graduate professional development, and her research explores bacterial chemotactic mechanisms toward carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ions; outside the lab, she enjoys reading, cooking, and amateur painting.
Dev Choudhary, Design Chair
After earning his B.E. from BITS Pilani and working in industry at Reliance, Dev joined Texas A&M University in 2025 to pursue his M.S. in Chemical Engineering. He conducts research in Professor Akbulut’s group, developing advanced glass-ceramic substrates for AI systems and emerging electronics. Dev also blends his technical work with his creative side as the Design Chair for ChEGSA. When he isn't in the lab, he is an avid sketch artist and pickleball player.
Nikhil Panchal, Web Master
Nikhil received his Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from University of Mumbai, India, followed by 3.5 years of industry experience in Process Engineering. He joined Texas A&M University in Fall 2025 as an MS student in Chemical Engineering and served as a First Year Representative in CHEGSA'25. His research interests lie at the intersection of Process Systems Engineering and Process Safety, with a focus on developing more efficient and safer processes. Outside academics, he enjoys badminton, cycling, and trekking.
Satya Lakshmi Poojitha Gandla, Photography Lead
Satya Lakshmi Poojitha Gandla joined Texas A&M University in Fall 2025 and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Chemical Engineering. Originally from India, she earned her bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and is now researching ways to create inherently safer designs for the industries. As CHEGSA’s Photography Lead, she loves being behind the camera, capturing everything from big celebrations to candid moments that make the community special. When she's not in the lab or classroom , you can find her capturing moments, trying new foods, planning adventures with friends, or creating perfect visual stories that brings people together.