I am Khyathi Gadag, Ph.D. candidate from the Health Management and Policy department in the College of Public Health. Originally from Bangalore, India, I hold a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery (BDS) and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA). Before beginning my Ph.D., I worked as an Assistant Professor in the field of health management. This year, I am honored to serve as the President of Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) at the University of Iowa. Previously, I held several positions within the university including cabinet director and mental health director of GPSG, President of International Student Advisory Board (graduate), and founder and president of Here to Help-a mental health student organization at college of public health. 

As I take up the position of GPSG president, some of my key priorities include advocating for student mental health and well-being; working towards and supporting university’s efforts in preserving diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure that every student feels heard, valued, and included; and strengthening the relationship and improving outreach between GPSG and various graduate and professional colleges to better understand and advocate for college-specific concerns. Additionally, I am excited to provide my best support to the goals and visions of the GPSG directors for the upcoming year. I am committed to fostering strong teamwork, empathy and compassion to create a collaborative and supportive environment within GPSG as we advocate for the diverse needs of our graduate and professional students on campus and at state-level.

Outside of academics, I am passionate about acting and theater. In my free time, I enjoy travelling (islands and beaches top the list), spending time with my friends and family, and get my hands on photography and pencil sketching.