MEET OUR COMMITTEE!
GEARS Executive Committee 2025-26 session
Chair: Arya Honraopatil (She/her/hers)
Arya is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science. Her research explores the role of AI as a creative partner in storytelling, focusing on designing context-aware systems that foster meaningful human-AI interaction. As GEARS Chair, she is dedicated to empowering graduate students by providing platforms for professional growth as well as opportunities to unwind and recharge. Outside of her research, she enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and curating her growing collection of books and board games.
Events Lead – Omkar Kalekar (He/him/his)
Omkar is a Master’s student in Information Systems who enjoys using data to optimize processes and applying AI to everyday experiences. As the Events Lead for the GEARS Committee, he manages graduate student events and strives to help peers explore opportunities they might not discover otherwise. When he’s not working with data or planning events, you’ll find him gaming, binge-watching, or proving he’s the geography expert in the room.
Ops Manager – Ben Cohen (He/him/his)
Ben is a first-year PhD student in human-centered computing and a former high school teacher who is now exploring how AI is impacting the student experience. When he’s not poring over court decisions and obscure laws for one of his research tangents, you can find him obsessively following Division III sports, preparing in vain for the “Jeopardy!” test, or adding to his 500-strong book collection.
Graphics Manager – Madge Mitchell
Madge Mitchell is a Language, Literacy, and Culture PhD student, with research interests in online discourse, metapragmatics, and genre analysis. Outside of school, she enjoys crocheting, trying new food, hiking, and exploring the city. As the Graphics Manager for the GEARS Committee, she loves designing fun materials for advertising events and being a part of the graduate student community.
Secretary – Bethel G. Beyene (She/her/hers)
Bethel G is a Chemistry PhD student interested in understanding the structural biology and cellular mechanisms of viruses. Serving as the GEARS Secretary and as a GSA CNMS Senator, she is committed to help grad students make the most of their experience here at UMBC. Bethel G is a devoted Christian, serving in her church and community. One of her favorite quotes is : “Don’t worry, be happy! Everything is going to be alright!”