I am Rajeshwari Galugu (Riri), an international graduate student from India pursuing my Master's in Applied Computer Science at Grand Valley State University. I hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering and bring professional experience as a business analyst, combining technical skills with strong analytical thinking. I currently serve as the Graduate Student Representative on Student Senate, a Fellow at the Cook Leadership Academy, and a Graduate Assistant at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where I promote student engagement and build inclusive communities. During my undergraduate studies, I led my team to win a national-level innovation hackathon and later returned as a mentor, strengthening my passion for leadership and giving back. I am deeply committed to representing the diverse voices of graduate students and aspire to lead the Graduate Student Association with vision, empathy, and meaningful impact.

Bushra Rashrash is a master’s student in Health and Bioinformatics at Grand Valley State University, concentrating in Bioinformatics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science at GVSU and is curious about how biology, data, and technology can come together to improve people’s lives. Through her research, she explores how computational tools can help us better understand human health, with plans to pursue a PhD and a career in research and teaching. Bushra cares deeply about who gets access to opportunities and whose perspectives are represented in science and higher education. As a woman from a North African background pursuing STEM, she values mentorship, representation, and the encouragement that helps students see a future for themselves in their field. Her own path has strengthened her belief that students deserve support that recognizes both their ambitions and the responsibilities they carry outside the classroom. As GSA Finance Officer, Bushra brings that perspective to helping graduate students access funding for conferences and professional development. Having navigated these opportunities herself, she understands how meaningful it can be to share your work, build connections, and take the next step toward your goals. She aims to make the funding process clearer and more approachable while ensuring student funds are managed fairly and responsibly. Above all, she wants students to feel comfortable asking questions and know someone is willing to listen and help. Outside of academics, Bushra loves going to rock concerts and music festivals, writing, and watching movies—especially anything horror. She enjoys having creative outlets alongside her scientific work and connecting with people over shared music, films, and stories.

Hi there! I am Ivy Lily Muriungi, a graduate student born and raised in Kenya. I came to Grand Valley State University with a clear mission, which was to bridge the gap between complex health data and the communities that need it most. Pursuing my Master's in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics, I am passionate about the idea that information, when communicated well, has the power to transform lives.

As your Communications Officer, I see my role as more than managing social media and newsletters; it is about making sure every graduate student at GVSU feels seen, heard, and connected. Whether you are a first-semester student trying to find your footing or a seasoned grad student looking for community, I want the GSA to be a space you can count on for timely, relevant, and meaningful communication.

When I am not chasing deadlines or drafting newsletters, you will find me cooking up something new in the kitchen, exploring cuisines from around the world, staying active at the gym, having a good laugh watching comedy shows, or diving into a good book. I am a firm believer that the richness of life outside the classroom is what makes us better students, better colleagues, and better humans, and I bring that wholeness into everything I do.

I am excited to serve this incredible graduate community and to make the GSA a place every student is proud to be part of.

I am a graduate student who is passionate about in building a meaningful and welcoming community where everyone feels seen and valued. I truly enjoy meeting new people and being someone others can rely on throughout their graduate journey which is what GSA is really about!

Over the years, I've had a great blessing to actively serve in different organizations and leadership spaces, where on one of them, I serve as a Co-Director of the IT and Data team. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills while teaching me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and service-centered leadership.

As GSA's Administrative Officer, I am excited to play a role in keeping our community running smoothly and efficiently! From managing meeting logistics and recording minutes for Funding Board and E-Board meetings, I am here to make sure nothing falls through the cracks so we can stay focused on what matters most: our graduate students!

I truly value about ensuring graduate students are supported, welcomed, and connected. I understand that graduate school can be an overwhelming transition and I want to help in removing that feeling! Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to connect, learn more about GSA, or share ideas on how we can continue making the graduate student experience even better for everyone!