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
Bhargav Joshi
President
PhD Candidate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a Master's Candidate in Energy Systems. His research focuses on droplet evaporation and combustion, energy efficiency, experimental design, and exploring the effects of magnetic fields on hydrocarbon fuel species and ferrofluids.
Shreya Chandra
Vice President
MS student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Her research interests are in human spaceflight and lunar habitat construction.
Subhaditya Mitra
Treasurer
Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Davis. His research focuses on robotics and multibody dynamics, integrating physics-informed machine learning for intelligent modeling and control. He develops physics-based computational methods for complex robotic systems.
Shree Nagarkar
Graduate Peer Ambassador
PhD Candidate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering . Her research is broadly in aircraft structures and materials. Beyond research, Shree enjoys birding, hiking, exploring new places, and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Ayush Patnaik
Graduate Peer Ambassador
Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, working under Prof. Xinfan Lin. Research focus: battery management systems and UAV trajectory planning and control. Ayush is passionate about supporting fellow graduate students in their academic and professional development.