The Executive Committee is currently comprised of the President, Vice President, Officers, and Committee Chairs. Please email gss1@utk.edu if you are interested in serving as an executive officer or committee chair.

• President – Harkeet ‘Kittu’ Pannu – gss1@utk.edu

• Vice President – Chasidy Harris – gss2@utk.edu

Chasidy Harris (she/her) is a non-traditional, first-generation student pursuing her PhD in Sociology with a concentration in Political Economy and Globalization. In addition to her academic pursuits, Chasidy has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service. She has served as a Graduate Student Senator, maintained a community pantry for sociology graduate students, and mentored incoming students. She is also passionate about fostering academic community and hopes to improve the lives of graduate students during her tenure

Chasidy is focused on strengthening communication between students and university leadership, advocating for policies that enhance student well-being, financial security, and academic success. Outside of her academic and service work, Chasidy enjoys exploring Knoxville, traveling when possible, reading, and trying new activities—most recently, indoor rock climbing.

Officers

• Senate Chair – Kenzie Wright

Kenzie Wright is a passionate and dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University, where she developed a strong interest in the intersections of trauma, systemic inequality, and the criminal justice system. Originally from Lee County, Virginia, Kenzie grew up on a farm and is proud of her rural-Appalachian roots, which have shaped her strong work ethic and deep sense of empathy for underserved communities.

Kenzie is passionate about creating equitable systems of support and hopes to one day influence policy at the macro level to better protect and empower marginalized communities. She is especially interested in using social work as a tool for systemic change through advocacy, public policy, and community-driven initiatives.

In addition to the Graduate Student Senate, Kenzie is a Graduate Research Assistant at Graduate Admissions, a College of Social Work Ambassador, and a program coordinator for the Master’s of Social Work Organization! A fun fact about Kenzie is that she has ten dogs back home in Virginia, and a cat named Winnie that lives in Knoxville with her! On top of Kenzie’s love for animals, she also loves to travel and has a goal to travel to 30 countries before she turns 30 (she is currently at 12 countries)!

If you have any questions or want to connect, please do not hesitate to email her! Go Vols!

• Secretary – Burke Codemo – gss3@utk.edu 

Burke Codemo is a second-year Master’s candidate in the College of Communication and Information’s School of Information Sciences. Working to become a youth services/young adult librarian, Burke graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, and earned their Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Digital, Public and Professional Writing. Having previously served as Legislative Steering Chair, they hope to continue to serve the graduate student community though their new role as Secretary. Burke tends to stay busy and is very involved in their Volunteer community. In serving on GSS in multiple capacities, being president of UTK’s student chapter of the American Library Association, and working as an Academic Mentor through the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center—Burke finds joy in supporting other in hopes that all can (and will!) succeed. When they are not on campus, Burke can be found with their cat Bug reading, writing, or crafting among other hobbies and ventures.

• Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair – Fernanda Carriedo – gsstreasurer@utk.edu

Fernanda Carriedo is a Ph.D. student in economics at the University of Tennessee, driven by her deep passion for the subject. Her academic journey started at Salisbury University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in economics, accompanied by a minor in mathematics. Fernanda’s love for economics was ignited during her first undergraduate class in microeconomics, leaving a mark on her academic path. She aspires to conduct meaningful research that can positively impact her community and her homeland, Mexico. Her primary areas of interest lie in public finance and labor economics.

Beyond academia, Fernanda finds comfort in the company of her beloved pet bunny, Buggsy. She enjoys an active lifestyle, with a passion for running, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, and exploring Knoxville. She also loves spending time with friends, whether it’s going out for dinner or enjoying the vibrant energy of downtown Knoxville.

• Technology Director – Bright Daniel

Bright Daniel is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research applies cutting-edge computational and data-driven approaches to unravel atomic-level insights in surface chemistry, with a broader goal of informing catalytic and materials innovation.

He earned his B.Sc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he held various leadership positions. Bright’s growing interest in computational science and technological innovation led him to pursue additional training in the field of Data Analytics/Science. His passion for working with computers and applying technology to solve real-world scientific problems continues to drive his research and professional growth.

Bright was recognized nationally during his service year as the Best Enumerator for National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme by the Director-General NYSC Community Development Service in Nigeria, an award that underscores his commitment to excellence, diligence, and service. He brings the same spirit of leadership and impact to his professional pursuits and GSS.

Beyond research, Bright is deeply committed to societal advancement through innovation and education. He is especially passionate about mentoring, teaching, and developing solutions that bridge science and community needs, aiming to give back to society through transformative
initiatives.

• Communications Director – Taylor Weber – gsspress@utk.edu

Taylor Weber is a third-year PhD student in Elementary Education in the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education. Her research focuses on culturally responsive teaching and early literacy, with particular attention to how teacher preparation programs can better equip future educators to meet the diverse needs of students. This commitment has shaped her work as both a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant, where she supervises and mentors preservice teachers, teaches Elementary Education methods courses, and contributes to faculty-led research projects. Her dedication to preparing thoughtful, equity-minded educators also led her to author The Thinking Teacher: Preparing Teachers to Critically Approach Teaching and Learning in the Classroom and pursue a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods to strengthen her scholarly practice.

A Knoxville native, Taylor earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S. in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at UT, where she is now pursuing her PhD. Before beginning her doctoral studies, she taught kindergarten and second grade for seven years at local elementary schools. Beyond her teaching and research, Taylor is actively engaged in professional service, including mentoring undergraduate and graduate student peers and serving on departmental search committees. Her deep roots in Knoxville and long-standing commitment to UT fuel her passion for serving as Communications Director for the Graduate Student Senate, where she is dedicated to amplifying graduate student voices, fostering inclusive communication, and strengthening connections across the university community.

Committee Chairs

• Legislative Steering – Govind Makram, Chair

Govind Makaram is a second year PhD student in the Bredesen Center. He is working on his PhD in Genome Science and Technology with a focus on using CRISPR to modify thermophilic bacteria. Having served as a GSS Senator for the Bredesen Center last year, Govind wanted to take a more active role in the GSS by serving as chair of the Legislative Steering Committee (LSC). His goals at the LSC is to make sure every person in the graduate student body has the resources and support to succeed! Outside of lab and school, Govind enjoys taking full advantage of the smokies by hiking and birdwatching but also loves cooking and reading! 

• Access and Engagement – Tori Huggins, Chair

Tori Huggins is a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on student athlete well-being and systemic barriers within the collegiate athletics environment that harm student-athletes’ sense of belonging, safety, identity and autonomy. Tori earned a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and sociology at Emory University as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Columbia University. During her time in New York City, she served as the Assistant Director of Basketball Operations for the Columbia women’s basketball program for two years as well as working as a sport psychology clinician for Seton Hall University Athletics. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, spending time with friends and family and discovering new scenic places in Knoxville to run and hike.

• Travel Awards – Co-Chairs – Greta Hacker, Christian Kemefa, Kelsey O’Neill, and Anusrika Datta –  gsstravel@utk.edu
  • Greta Hacker

 Greta Hacker is a 2nd-year PhD student in the Counseling Psychology program here at UT. An Arkansas native, she completed her undergraduate degree in Public Administration and her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas. Her research and clinical interests center around college student mental health and the impact of gender role socialization and relational power dynamics on women’s experiences in romantic relationships. Greta is excited to serve her first term on GSS as a Travel Award committee chair and assist UT graduate students in receiving vital financial support for conference travel that will help them reach their academic and career goals.

• • Christian Kemefa

Christian Kemefa is a third-year PhD student studying Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Energy Science and Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research focuses on the development of cleaner fuels for oceangoing deep-sea vessels using low-cost biomass. His flair for research was ignited after leading a team of student researchers in developing a new product for his company, as an early chemical and process engineer. He holds a Diploma in Petroleum and Gas Processing Engineering Technology, a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and a master’s degree in petroleum engineering and project development from The Petroleum Training Institute, The University of Benin, and The Institute of Petroleum Studies – University of Port Harcourt, respectively. He enjoys teaching, helping people succeed, and giving back to his community through servant leadership and volunteering. He previously served as a member of the student wellness committee at the CBE Graduate Student Association and in many other capacities while in Nigeria. He is excited to serve in the GSS and looks forward to making meaningful contributions and engagements. Outside of professional work, he is deeply committed to his Christian faith and family. Christian aims to become an authority in renewable energy science and engineering.

• • Anusrika Datta

Her research interests focus on the structure and properties of Banach algebras and operator theory, and she is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments for students. As a Graduate Student Senate Travel Award Co-Chair, Anusrika is dedicated to supporting graduate students in pursuing professional development opportunities and sharing their research at conferences.

• Programming Events – Co-Chairs – Sarah Cooper and Brooke Rieves – gssevents@utk.edu
  • Sarah Cooper

Sarah Cooper is a first-year Ph.D. student in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry from Eastern Kentucky University. She also earned her Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Tennessee. As a Graduate Teaching Associate in the Department of Sociology, Sarah has taught undergraduate courses including Criminal Justice and Social Problems/Social Justice. Her research interests include Appalachian justice, carceral expansion, and green and visual criminology. Outside of academia, Sarah enjoys exploring new restaurants around Knoxville, thrifting for vintage finds, and watching horror movies. She is excited to begin her first year serving in the Graduate Student Senate as Co-Chair of Programming and Events, where she looks forward to building community and supporting her fellow graduate students.

• • Brooke Rieves

Brooke Rieves is entering her second year in the Master of Public Health program at the University of Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Brooke currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant with both the Graduate School and the College of Nursing. Brooke is passionate about fostering a supportive, inclusive, and close-knit environment within UT’s graduate student community.

• Institutional Advocacy and Advisory – Co-Chairs – Sarina Mitchell and Cat Cox
  • Cat Cox

Catherine “Cat” Cox is a first year Master’s student in the College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences. She is currently working on her MS in Educational Administration with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. As a fully online Master’s student, she has a mission to create a more meaningful community among the distance education student population and promote areas of opportunity for students with disabilities both online and on-campus.

During her time at UTK as a staff member, Cat has involved herself with the UT Promise Mentorship program, the FUTURE Program, as well as the newly created Staff Senate where she will serve a three-year term representing the College of Arts & Sciences. She is also working with the Digital Learning team to host a Brown Bag session regarding the Gen-Z experience in higher education in October 2025.

When Cat is not busy with her on-campus activities– she can be found: out walking the Knoxville trails with an all-girl walking group, attending social craft club events, volunteering with the Knox County Libraries, or at home with her dog, Goose, and cat, Rayla.

• International Student Support – Abhishek Sahoo, Chair

Abhishek Sahoo is 3rd year PhD student in the Genome Science & Technology program under the Bredesen Center. He is originally from India, and completed his Masters back in India. His research focuses on studying the phenotypic and epigenetic effects of radioisotopes on different types of lung cells. His interest in biological research ignited during his masters where he was working on synthesis of drug loaded nanoparticles to target neuroblastoma cells. He also works at ORNL on a second project dealing with nanoparticle synthesis encapsulation chemo drugs and radionuclides.

Apart from his studies, he has a deep interest in nature and wildlife photography and likes to play badminton and go on long drives. He love driving into the smokys and hiking.

• Judiciary – Alex Kiefer, Chair

Alex Kiefer is a first year PhD student studying scaling laws for spatio-temporal foundation models at the Bredesen Center. He holds a bachelors degree in Computer Science with a minor in security and a Masters degree in Computer Science with a minor in Machine Learning, both from Indiana University. He is a native of the suburbs of Chicago and enjoys weightlifting, swimming, and piano. He chairs the Graduate Student Senate judiciary committee and is focused on providing guidance and fairness for all senate rule-making.

Accomplishments from Previous Executive Committees