Asritha Lakshmi Bontu, Candidate for Vice President of SciTech Campus
Graduate Degree Program: Master’s student, School of Systems Biology, College of Science (full-time student)
Expected Date of Graduation: 2027
Campus of Academic Department: Science and Technology
Campus(es) of Classes, Work, and/or Residence: Science and Technology
Biography and Candidate Statement
As a graduate student pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics with a background in Biotechnology, I am passionate about fostering collaboration, amplifying student voices, and creating meaningful engagement opportunities. My diverse experiences in leadership, event coordination, and community-building make me a strong candidate for a GAPSA Executive Officer position. During my tenure as a Human Capital Volunteer at Make A Difference, I led initiatives supporting shelter home children’s education. I successfully coordinated volunteers, facilitated events, and ensured seamless operations—skills that directly translate to managing student engagement and organizing GAPSA initiatives. My internship at Bluesway Marketing further refined my event planning and communication skills. I organized large-scale events, including stand-up comedy shows and live music performances, which involved coordinating with multiple stakeholders, handling logistics, and promoting events effectively—skills that are invaluable for GAPSA-led programming and outreach. Additionally, my analytical internship at Aurigene Pharmaceutical equipped me with problem-solving and organizational skills, which are essential for making data-driven decisions and implementing effective policies in GAPSA. I am eager to leverage my skills to enhance the graduate student experience by promoting transparency, inclusivity, and engagement. If elected, I will prioritize advocating for student interests, fostering community connections, and ensuring clear communication between GAPSA and the student body. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a thriving and dynamic graduate student community.
Availability and Commitment to the Time and Expectations of the position
Yes, I am confident that I will be able to meet the time commitments and expectations of the position. For the 2025-2026 academic year, I will be available throughout the week except on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to my class schedule. However, I am flexible and can accommodate meetings or responsibilities on other weekdays and weekends. Additionally, I will be fully available during the summer, allowing me to dedicate more time to GAPSA initiatives, planning, and any transitional activities. I am committed to balancing my academic responsibilities with this leadership role and ensuring I can actively contribute to GAPSA’s goals and events.