Hello! I’m Shashata, a graduate student at CSAIL. I like to think of myself as a dreamer, and it makes me happy when my ideas turn into reality. I’ve gained a healthy amount of organizational experience starting from high school, and I currently serve as the president of the Bangladeshi Students (BSA) here at MIT. I’ve also served as treasurer for both my school’s music club and BSA, so I have the training and experience to take on the treasurer role for our graduate student body. I’m excited to collaborate with the new team, continue the great work of previous councils, and enhance the graduate student experience here at MIT if I’m given the chance. 

My name is Hallie, and I’m a third-year chemistry PhD candidate. Currently, I serve as one of the State and Local Affairs Co-Chairs for the External Affairs Board, a role I pursued because I believe local politics offer a low-barrier yet impactful way for graduate students to engage with government and advocacy. In this position, I have organized initiatives that connect graduate students with policymakers, including coordinating a State House Visit where students met with legislators to advocate for bills affecting their lives. I also led the creation of a voter guide for state-level elections, spearheaded graduate student advocacy for Cambridge zoning changes to increase housing, and helped organize a public transit panel.

Beyond local efforts, I have also contributed to federal advocacy. On a DC advocacy trip, I met with legislators to discuss research funding and mentorship. I helped prepare documents outlining the graduate student perspective on National Institutes of Health (NIH) modernization and co-authored a letter to Health and Human Services and NIH under the new presidential administration.

Next year, I hope to serve as the External Affairs Board Chair to continue advocating for graduate student priorities while expanding opportunities for students to engage in advocacy. Now more than ever, those in higher education must take an active role in shaping policy.