Meet the 2019 Golden Key Leadership Committee!

Vikhyat Dhingra | President

Hi, my name is Vikhyat Dhingra, but most of my colleagues and friends know me simply as Vik. It gives me immense pleasure to carry out my first act as President by formally introducing myself and offering to each of you my warmest greetings.

For starters, I have been affiliated with Swinburne University for 6 years now, having graduated with a Bachelor’s in IT in 2016, which I’ve since put to good use in my day job as a System Administrator. As a lover of lifelong learning, I’ve also committed myself to further study, having recently enrolled in a Master’s degree of Network Systems specialising in cybersecurity, which I hope to complete by the end of 2020. I have been a member of the Golden Key Society since 2015.

While IT has been the subject of my academic life, I have many hobbies and interests that exist outside the realm of academia and computer technologies, the first of which is my passion as a writer. I favour the forms of poetry and non-fiction, but I am currently working on a self-help book that is designed to help people better manage the ups and downs of their lives by harnessing the power of perspective and learning to shift their view on life in a way that enhances the way we perceive the world and our experiences within it.
Writing may be my primary interest outside of work, but it most certainly is not the last! I run an event management business specialising in planning and organising artistic social events for special occasions, mostly weddings and parties. I am also a passionate teacher who works once a week at a TAFE institute in Melbourne, passing on my expertise and knowledge of the IT industry to my students.

I know I sound a little bookish, but my interests aren’t limited to the indoor variety. In addition to my various enterprises and endeavours, I am also an avid cricket fan and player. When I was fifteen, I played Under-16 cricket at a national level for Punjab in my native country of India and I had ambitions of becoming a professional batsman. While that dream may never eventuate into a reality for me, it did inspire in me a lifelong love for the sport, which I occasionally play on weekends and watch as a spectator either from the couch at home, or a seat at the stadium.

While seeking an education, helping others and enjoying life are all top priorities of mine, I am committed to my new role as President of our Chapter. My hope is that through this greeting you have learned a little more about me as well as the causes for which I advocate and continually work towards achieving.

Most of all, I look forward to serving you in my new role as President and to work alongside you in achieving all our common goals and causes. It was nice to meet you!

Kevin Tuyau | Vice President

I have been on the committee for 8 years. I started as Secretary and worked my way up to President. Currently I'm Vice President. I joined Golden Key because I was looking for volunteer work to give back the community and looking for networking opportunities. I also was happy to be recognised for my academic achievements. GK has given me a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills and travel the world, as I represent the chapter at various conferences. I have degrees in Business, IT and Media. I'm using those skills to help the chapter and run my own business. At home I am a movie and TV buff. I also collect retro games. My two cats compete to see who can sit on the laptop as I type.

Tharaka Rama Chowdary Devineni | Secretary

“We rise above the mark, to hit the mark” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. This have been my motto since I started establishing myself in this scholastic society. I’m a student from India, pursing Master of Engineering Sciences in Civil Structures at Swinburne University of Technology. Leadership to me is “A person who sacrifice, dedicate and always up for impersonal service.” This ideology made me participate in various organization in my undergraduate life. I worked as secretary for Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) which gave me explicitly wonderful journey to guide people and manage different perspectives at the workplace. With these high spirits we organized couple of events in the span of 3 years. I worked on few major events like National Student Parliament, Techsympos, Serendipity contest and many more. According to me networking and connecting to different sectors of the society are the biggest assets to any organization. With these experience and cognitional views, I’m gearing up for new experiences and to bring better outlook in the society. I have been chosen for the role of Secretary in Golden Key Swinburne Chapter, for this academic year. Coming to comprehend your passion and zeal for shaping future. Hasta la Victoria siempre!!   

Thomas Venville | Treasurer

Greetings! My name is Thomas Venville, and I am currently studying physics and mathematics as part of a Bachelor of Science. I am now the Treasurer of the Swinburne Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society; I chose to undertake this role because I am eager to further develop my leadership skills, and also to meet individuals who, like myself, are determined to achieve in their studies. Furthermore, I greatly enjoy planning and organizing. I look forward to continuing to contribute toward the work of the chapter, and may well meet you soon.

Bernard Song | Professional Development Officer

I was invited to join Golden Key while I was doing my undergraduate study. I decided to join Golden Key as I felt like I needed to expand my network. In 2018, I came back to Swinburne as a postgraduate student to do my Master of Business Information Systems. I then decided to join the committee as I wanted to obtain some leadership skills outside of university. As a committee member, I hope to not only expand my network, but also to learn new skills while contributing to the team.

Elizabeth Todio | Community Service Officer

My name is Elizabeth and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) / Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience). I decided to join Golden Key because I thought it would be a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and broaden my professional network. Currently, I am undertaking a position as a Research Assistant at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where I am involved in a project called ‘Navigate’, looking at the efficacy of an online treatment decision aid for men with low-risk prostate cancer. I am honoured to take on the role as Community Services Officer as I have a keen interest in community engagement, where I have regularly volunteered at Swinburne events, as well as taking on a team leader role at the Brotherhood of St Laurence Community Store in Deer Park.

Mithila Hasila | Academic Officer 

I am Mithila Hasija, currently studying MSc. (Biotechnology) in the Swinburne University of Technology. Firstly, as an international student I consider myself very fortunate to study in a well-recognised university such as Swinburne University. Secondly, I am equally delighted that I have been given the opportunity to join the elite group of Golden Key Swinburne chapter, as it validated my hard work and dedication towards my academic achievements. It is a well-known fact that Golden Key is the world’s largest honorary society. I consider myself extremely privileged to be a part of the team, and to discover new paths through building professional connections and career development opportunities. Moreover, the value and recognition we gain by being a Golden Key member is a testimony to our capabilities. Therefore, I am looking forward to share all the exciting new events of the Golden Key, as it can create new prospects for all of the members to broaden their horizon. 

Ariba Hanif | Intellectual Engagement Officer 

Hi, my name is Ariba and I am the intellectual events officer in the Golden Key Committee. As I am a bachelor of Psychological Sciences student with a great interest in creating mental health awareness and removing the stigma associated with mental health problems, you guys should keep an eye out for the Intellectual Event of the year in early 2020 which will have a lot to do with - spoiler - mental health and human behaviour.

Alyssa Pascual | Newsletter Editor and Public Relations Officer

Having the privilege of being part the Golden Key Society and committee last year, I had amazing experiences helping hold networking and career events which assist students and community service events which help those in need. These have been memorable and rewarding.  I continue my part in the committee this year as Newsletter Editor and PR Officer. Some stand out events would be the Academic Breakfast, Operation Christmas Child and the famous Hot Chocolate networking events. I would encourage anyone to be involved in what is a fun and passionate society. In my final year of a Bachelor of Media and Communications, majoring in Digital Advertising Technology and working as a Content Author at Swinburne University, I am keen to make a difference and use my skills and knowledge to promote messages of positivity and encourage people to help one another in whatever way they can.

Prathamesh Shiram | General Committee Member

Joined Golden Key Swinburne last year and was elected as the secretary and Professional Development Officer for the year 2018. During his tenure, Prathamesh was involved in organising key events such as the career connector, intellectual engagement, new member reception and hot chocolate networking. He takes immense joy in connecting with people and helping them in every way possible. To focus on his current commitments and career plans, Prathamesh decided to step down from his earlier positions but decided to stay on the committee as a General committee member. He is excited to be on board and so are we!

 A bit about Prathamesh, he is a mechanical engineer and recently completed his masters in engineering management. He also holds a diploma in business management. He appreciates a good cold brew and whisky and is a big-time foodie! OH, and there must be only a few restaurants left for him to try around in and around Melbourne!

Deyna Friska | General Committee Member

When I was a little girl, one of the most frequent things, I would ask my parents to buy me art boxes; they are a one-box-contains-all set for colouring and drawing. I would colour and draw on every surface a child's little hands could reach. My passion for art and design drive me to pursue Bachelor of Design, Communication Design major at Swinburne. I am a full-time student, but I also do projects around company branding and product branding. I joined the Golden Key committee because I like to connect with people and I want to gain new experiences outside of the design world. During my period as a committee, I hope to expand my network even further and contribute to the community.

Carlo Sinay | General Committee Member

I am currently studying engineering and computer science specialising in robotics, mechatronics and games development and an active volunteer at Swinburne as a mentor and study aide.  I was invited to join the GK Society at the end of 2015. I signed up to join the GK Swinburne’s Chapter Committee in late 2016 out of curiosity and in the next year saw an opportunity to extend my skill set to include finance management through this role as Treasurer.

Enuri Ranepura | Academic Advisor

I am an international student studying Civil Engineering at Swinburne University. I joined Golden Key Honour Society in 2017 and wanted to be a part of the committee this year. The main reasons I wanted to join the committee is that this society is known by very few people and many people are not aware of its advantages. Therefore, being in the committee it is needed to to raise awarenress of their work and guide them through the benefits of the society.

Pauline Csuba | General Committee Member

Pauline joined Golden Key in 2015 after receiving an invitation letter from Swinburne University. After winning an Asia-Pacific Travel Scholarship to attend the 2016 conference in Tucson Arizona Pauline joined the GK committee and organised her first Intellectual Engagement Event. While attending the 2016 conference in Arizona Pauline was there for the presentation of the Swinburne Chapter Gold Plaque Award Ceremony. Pauline studied Bachelor of Arts Professional Writing and Editing (Major) Journalism (Minor) and during her studies, completed the Swinburne Emerging Leader Program. Pauline presented at the 2018 Golden Key Conference as part of the United NationsGlobal Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Pauline is currently enrolled part-time in the Masters of Writing while working full-time as a Personal Assistant to an Australian Drag Car Racing Champion. Pauline is a Director for the Graham Withers Charity Limited. Pauline also houses an international student in her home and acts as a homestay parent. Pauline held the committee position of Intellectual Engagement Officer (Aug 2016 - April 2018).Today Pauline is a member of the General Committee and acts as the Social Officer's Assistant (May 2018-current).