Md Ridwan Hossain Talukder, Candidate for Executive Vice President

Md Ridwan Hossain Talukder, Candidate for Executive Vice President

Graduate Degree Program: Doctoral student, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing (full-time student)

Expected Date of Graduation: December 2027

Campus of Academic Department: Fairfax

Campus(es) of Classes, Work, and/or Residence: Fairfax

Biography and Candidate Statement

Ridwan Talukder is a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Robotic Anticipatory Intelligence and Learning (RAIL) Group at George Mason University, where he researches machine learning and planning under uncertainty for long-horizon robotics. He holds an MS in Computer Science from GMU (2024), earning Distinguished Academic Achievement recognition from the Department of Computer Science. He also received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award from the Volgenau School of Engineering, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and student success. And is a current pre-doctoral IDIA fellow at George Mason University. Candidate Statement: My name is Ridwan Talukder, and I am running for Vice President (Executive) of GAPSA at George Mason University. Last year, I ran for VP of Fairfax and received 139 votes, nearly 40% of the popular vote, the strongest showing in that race. Though the runoff outcome was not in my favor, I never stepped away. I kept showing up for students because I believe in this community and in what GAPSA can be. My background has prepared me well for this role. As a researcher, I am trained to identify problems, build solutions, and follow through. As a former founder, I know what it takes to build something from the ground up with limited resources and high stakes. As a teaching assistant and mentor, I have spent years listening to students, understanding their frustrations, and advocating for their needs. One of the most important things I noticed while campaigning last year was how low voter turnout was relative to the size of our graduate and professional student body. The hard truth is that most students do not know GAPSA exists, and even fewer know what it does for them. That has to change. I will launch a visible, ongoing “What Has GAPSA Done for You?” campaign that puts real student wins front and center, whether that is funding secured, policies changed, or events that made graduate life a little easier. When students can see GAPSA’s impact in their own words and experiences, they will not just vote. They will get involved, show up, and carry this organization forward. A stronger, more engaged student body makes GAPSA more powerful, and a more powerful GAPSA delivers more for every student at Mason. As VP (Executive), I will also focus on three core priorities: First, genuine representation. Every campus and every program deserves a real voice in GAPSA, not just a seat at the table. Second, accountability and follow-through. GAPSA’s credibility depends on doing what it commits to. I will bring the same discipline I apply to research and engineering to how we lead this organization. Third, community building. Graduate school does not have to feel isolating. I will champion programs and partnerships that help students connect, collaborate, and thrive. The students of Mason have already shown what they want. I am asking the assembly to honor that momentum and help us move forward together with purpose and unity.

Availability and Commitment to the Time and Expectations of the Position