Executive Leadership
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Mrinank Sivakumar
President
As President of the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I represent and support a vibrant community of 400+ postgraduate students across Science, Engineering, and Technology. My role centres on fostering professional development, strengthening industry connections, and building inclusive student experiences through large-scale events and initiatives.
I’m passionate about creating opportunities for students to grow, collaborate, and prepare for their future careers while ensuring MiTSA remains a strong, supportive, and connected community.
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Lalitphan Sae-teoh (Rainie)
Vice-President
As Vice President of the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I support a community of over 700 postgraduate students by fostering collaboration, professional development, and inclusive engagement.
I am a Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with 4 years of experience in data analytics and big data, and 3 years in web application development and data migration across software houses and the financial services sector. Skilled in Python, PySpark, SQL, and Scala, I focus on building data-driven solutions through data processing, visualization, optimization modelling, and machine learning. I’m particularly passionate about applying AI to well-being, sustainable infrastructure, community development, and environmental solutions, creating measurable social impact through technology.
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Sebastián Preciado Muriel
Executive Assistant
As Executive Assistant at the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I support all directors with their projects, helping things run smoothly across the team. With a background in business, I bring strong organizational skills and a practical approach to problem-solving. I love to travel, enjoy meeting new people, and I’m known for being a good listener—qualities that help me connect with students and support our community effectively. -
Kevin Fastje
Treasurer
As Treasurer of MiTSA, I am responsible for managing the association’s finances, including budgeting, grants, transparent reporting, and sustainable planning. In this role, I work to ensure that our resources are used effectively to support academic, professional, and social initiatives.I am currently studying a Master of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide. Before this, I worked in IT project management in the energy and telecommunications sectors in Germany, where I developed strong skills in organisation, coordination, and project leadership. Building on this background, I have specialised in neural networks and deep learning with frameworks such as PyTorch, with a particular focus on applying modern AI methods to energy systems and sustainability.
Outside of study, I enjoy outdoor activities, especially kitesurfing and sailing, and I am also interested in travelling and experiencing new cultures.
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Hari Prasad Rangaraj
Director of Memberships
As Director of Memberships at the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I oversee outreach, engagement, and retention for over 700 postgraduate students. My role involves connecting with new members, tracking and monitoring active memberships, and building initiatives that ensure inclusivity and long-term participation in the association’s academic and professional community.
I am a Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide, with previous experience as a Software Developer at Oracle Cerner for 3.5 years and other prior Software Engineering experience. Skilled in machine learning, applied data science, and software development, I bring both technical expertise and leadership experience, having also served as MiTSA’s Vice President and Director of Events. My passion lies in fostering community growth and applying AI to create solutions that make a positive impact
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Karen Veigas
Director of Academics & Professional Development
As Director of Academic and Professional Development at the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I lead initiatives that enhance career readiness for over 700 postgraduate students through academic events, industry nights, and professional development workshops.I am a Master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Adelaide, with prior experience as a Software Engineer at MVP Application & Game Design L.L.C. and internships at Capgemini and Prodevans Technologies. Skilled in Python, Java, SQL/NoSQL, full-stack development, and mobile/web applications, I bring strong technical expertise combined with effective communication and leadership skills. Passionate about bridging academia and industry, I focus on creating opportunities that foster growth, knowledge-sharing, and career success for students in the technology community
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Joel Jorly
Director of Communication & Merchandise
As Director of Communication and Merchandise at the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I manage the association’s digital presence across Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, the official website and blog, engaging a community of over 700 Master’s students. I also oversee the design, promotion and sales of MiTSA merchandise, ensuring quality, brand consistency and effective fundraising.I am a Master of Computer Science student at the University of Adelaide with 2.7+ years of experience as a full-stack software engineer at Rappit (formerly Vanenburg). Skilled in Python, Java, Angular, SQL, cloud platforms and data science, I combine technical expertise with creative design and communication strategy. Passionate about building connections, I work to strengthen MiTSA’s visibility and foster community through events, storytelling and innovative engagement
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Ishan Gadekar
Director of Wellbeing & Sport
As Director of Sports and Wellbeing in the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I work to build community, promote student wellbeing, and create opportunities for connection through sport and social initiatives.
Alongside this, I am a Master of Artificial Intelligence student at the University of Adelaide, conducting research in Anti-Microbial Peptide identification using AI at the South Australian ImmunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), where I will also begin my summer internship. My technical skills include Microsoft Azure, MySQL Server, Python, and DevOps tools such as Docker and Jenkins, with project experience in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and DevOps.
Officers
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Tom Zhu
Academics & Professional Development Officer
As an APD officer, I mainly help organise and host academic workshops, help sessions and industry related events. If it's tech or AV, i'm usually the person responsible.
Other than that, I am a Masters in Computer Science student at Adelaide University with keen interest in robotics and a mentor for a local First Robotics Competition team.
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Kaveesha Periyapperuma (Perrie)
Academics & Professional Development Officer
As an APD Officer at MiTSA, I’m in charge of brainstorming and delivering professional development workshops and growth opportunities for the MiTSA cohort.
On the academic side, I’m in my second year of a Master’s in Data Science. Professionally, I’m interested in pursuing a career in either renewable energy or the medical field, applying the skills and knowledge gained through my degree and work experience to achieve something that benefits the local community. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities like running, hiking, or hanging out at the beach. I’m always happy to spend time with friends, but I also like having some quiet time now and then.
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Wakhee Ahmed
General Committee Officer
As a General Officer at MiTSA, I help out wherever needed - whether it’s supporting events, coordinating activities, or lending a hand to the rest of the committee.
On the academic side, I’m in my first year of a Master’s in Data Science. My skills include computer programming, working with Linux OS, and public speaking. Outside of study, I’m interested in films, books, and running.
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Rahul Budyal
General Committee Officer
As a General Officer at MiTSA, I’m basically the all-rounder who jumps into anything we need, whether it’s hosting Friday socials, organizing hikes, or keeping our website’s event pages fresh and updated.
As for my academic side, I’m in my final year of a Master’s in Cybersecurity, and I’m set to graduate by May 2026. My skills pretty much revolve around cybersecurity, from GRC to pen testing, and I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast who loves tinkering with gadgets and debugging stuff. My main goal right now is just to finish my degree strong and then dive into the cybersecurity professional world. -
Ashween Ramakrishnan
Sports and Wellbeing Officer
As the Officer of Sports and Wellbeing at MiTSA, I assist the Director in organizing sports and well-being related events that bring people together and support a healthy balance in student life.
On the academic side, I’m in the final year of my Master’s in Computer Science. I have four years of professional experience in the IT industry and am currently expanding my knowledge in Artificial Intelligence. My key interest is in building solutions that create real-world impact, and my goal is to keep improving at what I do best while also contributing to the committee by supporting and uplifting people - both mentally and academically.
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Hashini Dilusha Wickramasuriya
Assistant Treasurer
As the Assistant Treasurer of MiTSA I help Kevin, our Treasurer, to look after the club’s finances and keep everything running smoothly.
Currently I'm in my second year of my Masters in Data Science at the University of Adelaide. Outside of uni, I enjoy swimming, hiking, spending time with friends, and I’m always keen to meet new people through the club.
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Alexander Adityaprayoga Ryan
Communcation & Merchandise Officer
I manage MiTSA’s website and Rubric page. I’m completing a Master of Cyber Security at Adelaide and a Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence at Deakin, building on a background in software engineering and experience as a C# developer and BI analyst.
My AI capstone applies GAN and transformer models for synthetic data generation and evaluation, while my upcoming cyber security research explores automated code vulnerability detection in low-resource languages using LLMs.
I enjoy solving complex problems that bridge software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity. Outside of study, I spend my time reading, watching movies, and staying active at the gym.
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Hoang Doan
Communication & Merchandise Officer
My current role in MiTSA is to manage the website, WhatsApp communication channels and Rubric app. Lately, most of my tasks have been focusing on our website, such as running the Sunday Blog and ensuring the website remains up to-date and informative.
In terms of academics, I am a first-year student in Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. My strength is in AI, ML, and full-stack web development, with research interests in health and medical technology. My main goal after completing this degree program is to continue pursuing a PhD and contribute more to research.
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Deevit Yakkundi
Academics & Professional Development Officer
My role at MiTSA involves ideating and organizing technology-focused events. I’m currently a first-year Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
My background includes React development, building data dashboards from large datasets for organizations ranging from startups to MNCs, and contributing to research at IISc. My current interests lie in Computer Vision and Deep Learning.
Apart from academics I play all racquet sports majorly Table Tennis, I enjoy running, hiking ... and you can say I'm a adventurist like trying out new activities.
My objective is to put my skills in software development, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to make meaningful contributions.
The Board
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Grant Freeman
Co-Founder & Chairperson
As Co-Founder and Chair of the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), I’ve helped build a community of over 400 postgraduate students across Science, Engineering, and Technology. In this role, I focus on fostering inclusion, driving professional development, and creating flagship events that connect students with industry and each other.
Alongside my leadership work, I bring a strong foundation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with research interests in applying AI to health and cancer prevention. My aim is to bridge technical expertise with community impact, ensuring MiTSA remains a place where students feel supported, connected, and empowered.
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Llewy Smith
Co-Founder & Board Member
As Co-Founder of the Masters in Technology Student Association (MiTSA), Llewy has supported the establishment and growth of a community of over 400 postgraduate students across Science, Engineering, and Technology. In this role, he focuses on strengthening the association’s foundations through effective coordination, student engagement, and governance, ensuring initiatives run smoothly and inclusively.Alongside this, Llewy brings extensive experience in communication design, automation, and user experience through his work at the University of Adelaide, where he leads teams in improving student services and engagement. Now pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, his interest lies in combining technology, design, and strategy to enhance both the student experience and the broader impact of MiTSA.
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Dr Bernard Evans
Board Member
Dr Bernard Evans is a Computer Science lecturer at the University of Adelaide, teaching artificial intelligence and software systems. His research focuses on how dragonfly visual neurons encode motion and small-object detection, combining electrophysiology with computational modelling. He also develops deep learning and FPGA-based systems inspired by insect vision for efficient object tracking.
As Chairperson of MiTSA, Dr Evans provides guidance to the executive leadership team, advising on project direction, technical initiatives, and event planning. He mentors student leaders in strategic decision-making, ensuring the association’s activities align with academic goals and industry relevance.