Aran Garnett – Deakin

About Julia Shapiro

My name is Julia Shapiro and I am a PhD student in the Department of Mathematics. I study coding theory which is the mathematics behind reliable communications. I am the GPSS Director of Programs for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am passionate about supporting fellow graduate students in their academic pursuits by participating in outreach and leadership activities and sharing my graduate school journey. In my role as Director of Programs, I aim to increase transparency during TFP and GRDP cycles, make the applications more accessible, and provide information about other funding resources. I hope to increase the amount of funding distributed to students. I will showcase past TFP and GRDP winners on the GPSS website to illustrate how these funds are used and to increase engagement. I will support the rest of the e-board with engagement and policy with the goal of improving student life at Virginia Tech. Outside of school, you will find me playing the saxophone, hanging out with other graduate students, going to the gym, and shopping.