Meet the Team

The Lyle Graduate Student Council represents the interests of all graduate and professional students at the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering. Here you will find resources pertaining to graduate student funding as well as contact information for the GSC Officers. Our goal is to make sure that your concerns are being adequately addressed to the faculty and staff of the school as well as towards the administration of Southern Methodist University. If you have questions regarding any topic, please do not hesitate to contact any one of us. We hope that your time as a student is enjoyable and that you take advantage of all the opportunities available on our campus.

Board Members

PRESIDENT

Aisha Sulaiman
MS Information Engineering and Management

I chose to join the Lyle Graduate Student Council because I’m passionate about actively engaging in the communities I belong to. During my first graduate orientation in August 2024, I was inspired by former Vice President Karran Shah as he shared the council’s impact and achievements. Learning about the available leadership roles sparked my interest and motivated me to take on this opportunity to contribute and make a difference within the Lyle community.

VICE PRESIDENT

Ahmed El Saei
PhD Civil Engineering

I’m a PhD student in civil engineering passionate about building strong, supportive graduate communities. I joined Lyle GSC to amplify student voices, expand professional development and mentoring, and make our events more inclusive and impactful—especially for international students. As Vice President, my focus is clear execution, transparency, and measurable results.

TREASURER

Carlos Valbuena
MS Civil Engineering

After earning my B.S. in Civil Engineering from SMU in 2021, I experienced firsthand how the Lyle School of Engineering shaped my career and opened doors in Dallas and the AEC industry. Returning to pursue my M.S. in Civil Engineering was a natural next step to continue that growth while taking on new challenges. Joining the Lyle Graduate Student Council (GSC) became an opportunity not only to strengthen my leadership skills but also to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Through GSC, I aim to represent my peers, foster collaboration, and support initiatives that empower graduate students. Being able to serve and support an academic community that has helped shape who I am today is deeply meaningful to me, and I am proud to carry that forward as part of the council, because truly, world changers are shaped here.

SECRETARY

Rohith Vaspari
MS Computer Science

I joined the Lyle Graduate Student Council because it serves as a vital organization for graduate students at SMU. As a graduate student myself, I understood the needs and aspirations of my peers, and I wanted to contribute to an organization that acts as a bridge between students and the school. Lyle GSC amplifies the voices of graduate students while also representing the values and spirit of SMU Lyle. For me, being a part of it is both a matter of pride and a responsibility, motivating me to work harder to ensure that student perspectives are heard and supported.

SENATOR

Unnathi Vithlani
MS Cybersecurity

I joined the Lyle Graduate Student Council because I wanted to be an active advocate for graduate students and help bridge the gap between students, faculty, and administration. Having served as both a graduate research assistant and now as a teaching assistant, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities that graduate students face in our academic journeys. My diverse background—from cybercrime investigation to NSF-funded research—has shown me the importance of effective communication and collaboration across different stakeholders. I believe these principles apply to student advocacy, where understanding multiple perspectives and fostering meaningful dialogue can create positive change for our graduate community.

SENATOR

Anushka Chaudhari
MS Computer Science

I joined SMU GSC to contribute to the graduate student community, build meaningful connections, and create a positive impact on campus life. Being part of GSC allows me to voice student perspectives, collaborate on initiatives that enhance academic and social experiences, and develop leadership skills while giving back to the SMU community.

SENATOR

Saisree Dendi
MS Computer Engineering

I am Saisree Dendi, a Senator for the Lyle Graduate Student Council (GSC) and a master’s student in computer engineering. I have a strong passion for innovation and problem-solving, and I am committed to actively representing the interests of graduate students within the Lyle community. I joined the Lyle GSC to help foster a collaborative and supportive environment, aiming to build connections among students and champion initiatives that promote academic and professional growth. Supporting my peers and contributing to an inclusive, dynamic academic community motivates my work every day.

SENATOR

Jeremiah Do
MS Engineering Management

Coming from my undergraduate career at the University of Texas at Austin, I arrived at SMU with a strong desire not only to integrate into my new community but to actively represent and advocate for my fellow graduate students. Joining the Lyle Graduate Student Council as a senator gives me a platform to do just that. It allows me to serve as a voice for my peers, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and help build a more connected and supportive academic environment.

Beyond leadership, GSC also gives me the opportunity to collaborate with driven individuals across disciplines and expand my network beyond the classroom. I see this role as both a continuation of my commitment to student leadership and a chance to make a lasting impact at SMU.

EVENT PLANNER

Rawda Ahmed
PhD Civil & Environmental Engineering

I joined the Lyle Graduate Student Council to be part of a supportive community where graduate students can learn from each other and grow together. I believe GSC is a space to share ideas, build connections across disciplines, and create opportunities that enrich the student experience.

WEB MANAGER

Daniel Oni
MS Cybersecurity

I’m excited to be part of the Lyle Graduate Student Council, driven by a passion to support and amplify the voices of graduate students. I believe that together, we can foster a sense of community, address challenges, and create opportunities for growth and success. I’m looking forward to collaborating with fellow students to make a positive impact and enhance the graduate experience at Lyle.

WEB MANAGER

Vishruti Patel
MS Computer Science

I joined Lyle GSC to get more involved with the student community and connect with peers outside the classroom. Being part of GSC gives me the chance to share ideas, represent student voices, and learn from others. I’m excited to use my background in tech and student support to contribute to new opportunities and events. Most importantly, I wanted to be part of something that makes our time at SMU more engaging and memorable.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Ethan Rama
MS Software Engineering

I didn’t take advantage of leadership opportunities during my undergraduate years, so I joined Lyle Graduate Student Council to challenge myself to grow in grad school. I’m excited to step into leadership roles, strengthen my communication skills, and contribute to building a stronger community for grad students.

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Hasti Gharavi
PhD Mechanical Engineering

To communicate with other students and gain valuable experience working in a team.