MAE Graduate Student Organization
Mission
The MAE Graduate Student Organization (GSO) plays an important role in fostering a strong sense of community within the department. Members coordinates social and academic events, connect graduate students with one another, and serve as a bridge between students and the department.
Events
During the academic year, the MAE GSO organizes several events. Examples include:
- Research Showcases: which provide graduate students with opportunities to present their work while also allowing undergraduate and prospective students to learn more about ongoing research in the department.
- New Student Orientation: provides support to the MAE department with introducing incoming graduate students to the UC Davis campus and its resources.
- Social/Cultural Events: The MAE GSO is happy to coordinate and support activities that enhance the graduate student experience, as long as our budget allows.
Interested in becoming a MAE GSO Representative?
At the beginning of each academic year, graduate students who are interested in serving as representatives may contact the Graduate Director to be appointed as representatives and participate in monthly meetings with GSO members from across different departments.
- Timeline
- Typically held online, these meetings provide a platform for graduate students to share departmental concerns and propose events. Representatives may also submit short proposals for funding to support activities that enhance graduate student life. These events may include cultural celebrations, national and international holidays, or informal social gatherings aimed at creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all students.
- Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Structure/Roles
- At the university level, elections for the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Executive Council are typically held each May. Positions include President, Internal and External Vice Presidents, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Treasurer, Secretary, and other supporting roles such as liaison directors and events staff.
- Compensation & Time Commitment
- These are paid positions (approximately $800 per month for about 8 hours of work per week). Students interested in leadership and advocacy are encouraged to participate in programs such as the GSA “Passing the Torch” Shadowing Program, typically held 2–3 weeks prior to the election, to learn more about these roles before running.
Members
Mehdi Rahmati
President
Research Interests: Droplet evaporation, heat transfer, multiphase flows, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and microfluidics