MEET THE E-BOARD

Reshma Sudharman Panicker
President

Master’s in Biotechnology, College of Science
Research Interests: My career focus is on translating science into impactful global solutions, with a particular emphasis on onco-biotechnology, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and molecular biology. I am especially driven to bridge the gap between technical insights and real-world industry challenges through innovative, data-driven strategies.

I am passionate about leadership and bringing diverse minds together to foster growth, collaboration, and success in every environment I’m part of. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have encountered and overcome barriers as a woman in STEM. Through GWiSE, I found an empowering community that values mentorship, professional development, and shared success, a mission that deeply resonates with my values. As President of Northeastern GWiSE, I am excited to lead initiatives that create opportunities for women in STEM to thrive, building an inclusive and supportive environment. Outside of academics and leadership, I enjoy baking, dancing, reading, and watching new movies in theaters, always seeking new ways to explore different cultures and ideas.

Viveka Patil
President

Master’s in Bioinformatics, College of Science
Research interests: I am passionate about advancing the drug discovery pipeline and molecular modeling and strive for efficient solutions in the healthcare domain. Currently,  I am working with structural modelling of TF-DNA interactions at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.  A self-proclaimed dessert enthusiast, I find absolute joy in baking. Reading, dancing, and singing are a few of my favorite ways to unwind and recharge.

I aim to foster connections with other institutions and create pathways for students to engage with industry professionals in this role. GWISE’s mission to create an inclusive and empowering environment for not only women but EVERYONE in the STEM field motivated me to join the team.

Razia Begum
Vice President

Master’s in biotechnology, College of Science
Research interests: Microbiology, Molecular Biotechnology, Antimicrobial Research

I am a biotechnology graduate student entering my fourth semester in Fall 2025, with a strong interest in microbiology and antimicrobial research aimed at combating antibiotic resistance and improving global healthcare access. My academic journey has been driven by a passion for scientific innovation and a commitment to meaningful impact.

As the Vice President of GWISE, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in STEM. I support our executive board in planning impactful initiatives, strengthening community engagement, and advancing our mission through strategic collaboration and thoughtful leadership.

Outside of academics, I enjoy photography, dancing, and exploring nature.

Saakshi Gharat
Secretory

By day, I’m diving deep into my MS in Project Management at Northeastern University, turning tangled timelines into polished project plans. By night, you’ll find me experimenting in the kitchen (my pasta game is elite) or binge-watching the true crime genre while convincing myself I’d make an excellent detective.

My hobbies include reading webtoons and manga, volunteering for community causes, organizing everything in sight, and playing pool, it keeps my aim sharp and my focus sharper. But around here, I’m mostly known for turning chaos into checklists and “we should do this” into “already done.”

After all, being Secretary isn’t just a title, it’s my craft, my canvas, and my project-powered hustle

Alexa Van Voorhis
Community Development Chair

PhD student in the College of Chemical Engineering

I am a PhD student in the College of Chemical Engineering. My research focuses on the metabolic engineering of microbes for sustainable compounds. In addition to GWISE, i am also involved in the Graduate Student Senate in Chemical Engineering and the PhD Student Council. Outside of school, i enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Swathi Jinka Radhakrishna
Community Outreach Chair

Hey! I’m Swathi. I’m the Outreach Chair Representative at GWISE, and I’m currently in my 3rd semester pursuing my MS in Information Systems. I love reading, dancing, watching movies, and occasionally sketching when inspiration hits. I’m happy to be a part of this amazing club and community—it’s been such a fun and meaningful experience so far!

Malini Rajkumar
NEU GWiSE Representative

I’m Malini Rajkumar, a master’s student in Biotechnology at Northeastern University. My interests lie in clinical operations management, quality assurance, drug testing, R&D, and human resource development in the biotech sector.

Outside of academics, I express myself through classical dance, art, photography, and travel. I’ve been actively involved in community work since childhood and have always believed in the power of creating inclusive, supportive spaces. As a woman in biotechnology, I’ve seen many others around me face challenges in being heard, supported, or seen. GWISE stood out to me as a space where women not only belong but thrive, and I’m proud to be part of this vibrant community.

As the GWISE representative, I hope to foster connections across departments, amplify student voices, and help shape opportunities that inspire collaboration, mentorship, and growth. I believe in being a changemaker and a support system for every woman navigating her own path in STEM.

Anushka Pradeep Chauhan
Media and Communications Chair

I’m a Robotics master’s student at Northeastern University, focusing on real time perception, system integration, and intelligent control in robotic systems. With a background in embedded systems and applied research, I enjoy building solutions that bridge theory and function. I believe in the power of visual media as a tool to make complex technologies feel human, inclusive, and inspiring to engage with, a vision that drives my role as GWiSE Co-Media Chair.

Research Interest: I’m interested in robotic perception, sensor fusion, and motion planning, particularly how intelligent systems interpret complex environments and make decisions in real time.

Outside the lab, I find joy in dancing, exploring nature, experimenting with new tech stacks, and building hardware projects, especially robots that blur the line between imagination and engineering.

Siddhi Sanjay More
Media and Communications Chair

MS in Robotics (Mech. Concentration )

Research Interests : Biomechanics, Wearable robotics, Robotics in Healthcare sector. 

My hobbies are dancing, art, playing video games and reading. As a woman from Mechanical and Robotics background, I deeply resonate with GWiSE’s vision to empower women in STEM field. GWiSE gives everyone an equal opportunity to discover their interests and potential. Joining GWiSE has given me a valuable opportunity to represent, follow my goals and help in creating a supportive community.

Emma Meehan
Professional Development Chair

I am a fourth year PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering. My research is focused on optimizing production of a chemotherapy drug that’s produced in the leaves of the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus.

I have been involved with GWISE for my whole time at Northeastern and this is my second term as Professional Development Chair. I’m looking forward to planning more events around networking, alumni panels, and outreach with local companies. Some of my hobbies include reading (I read 81 books in 2024!), traveling to new countries and places, and playing with my dog Sadie.