Leadership
OHI/O student leaders are the driving force behind some of the university’s most impactful and inclusive tech initiatives. From organizing large-scale hackathons and leading technical workshops to mentoring peers and engaging with local communities, these students foster collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in computing. Their dedication not only empowers fellow Buckeyes to explore technology but also extends to outreach efforts that inspire and educate future generations across Ohio and beyond.
OHI/O Scholarships
Celebrating Student Excellence: The OHI/O Annual Leadership Award
Every year, the OHI/O program at The Ohio State University recognizes exceptional student leaders with the prestigious OHI/O Leadership Award. This honor, accompanied by a $1,000 scholarship, highlights individuals whose contributions go far beyond academic achievement. It celebrates those who embody the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and service within the vibrant OHI/O community. The OHI/O Leadership Award is more than a financial accolade. It is a testament to a student’s impact on their peers, their community, and the broader mission of the College of Engineering and The Ohio State University. These student leaders serve as role models who inspire others to engage, create, and lead.
Qualities of an OHI/O Student Leader
Recipients of the OHI/O Leadership Award are distinguished by a unique set of qualities that define their leadership style and contribution:
- Initiative and Drive: Awardees proactively identify challenges and opportunities within their teams and work tirelessly to implement solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
- Collaboration and Team Support: Leadership at OHI/O is synonymous with teamwork. Students selected for the award are those who actively support, mentor, and uplift their teammates, fostering an inclusive and productive environment.
- Commitment to Innovation: Whether organizing a hackathon, mentoring peers in technical workshops, or pioneering new outreach initiatives, recipients consistently push the boundaries of what is possible through creativity and innovation.
- Service to the Community: These leaders understand the importance of giving back. Through volunteer work, peer mentoring, or outreach to K-12 students, they extend the mission of OHI/O beyond the university campus.
- Dedication to the OHI/O Mission: The award celebrates those who live and breathe the values of OHI/O, promoting interdisciplinary learning, technological exploration, and inclusive participation in computing and engineering fields.
A Legacy of Leadership
Past recipients of the OHI/O Leadership Award have gone on to excel in careers across technology, academia, and nonprofit sectors. Many continue to mentor current students, serve as judges in hackathons, or return as guest speakers to share their journeys. Their influence doesn’t end with graduation—it echoes through every line of code, every idea pitched, and every student inspired.
To support this Scholarship connect with program director Cal King. King.3028@osu.edu
Leadership
OHI/O student leaders are the driving force behind some of the university’s most impactful and inclusive tech initiatives. From organizing large-scale hackathons and leading technical workshops to mentoring peers and engaging with local communities, these students foster collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in computing. Their dedication not only empowers fellow Buckeyes to explore technology but also extends to outreach efforts that inspire and educate future generations across Ohio and beyond.
Ryan Jackman
HackOHI/O Lead
Ryan is a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Powell, OH. He is passionate about developing technology to help improve people’s quality of life.
Will Frautschy
HackOHI/O Lead
Will is a four-year CSE Major from Dover, OH. He plans on specializing in computer assurance with a minor in Mathematics. In his free time he is either working on his next project or is staying active.
Daniel Tran
MakeOHI/O Lead
Daniel is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering major from Berea, Ohio with a minor in mathematics
Garima Baldawa
MakeOHI/O Lead
Garima is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering major from San Ramon, California.
Vamshi Somapalli
ShowOHI/O Lead
Vamshi is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Lewis Center, OH.
Ryan Tong
ShowOHI/O Lead
Ryan is a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering Major from Lewis Center, OH.
Srijani Tirunagiri
High School I/O Lead
Srijani is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Delaware, OH
Angelina Phin
High School I/O Lead
Angelina is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering major from Lewis Center, OH with a minor in Music, Media and Enterprise.
Mohana Pichika
Game I/O Lead
Mohana is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering Major.
Nithya Kondagari
Sustainability Lead
Nithya is a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Lewis Center, OH.
Christian Hower
Sustainability Lead
Christian is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Medford, New Jersey.
Tony Chen
Tech Lead
Tony Chen is a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering major from Lewis Center, Ohio.
Harsha Kalivarapu
Outreach Lead
Harsha is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Plain City, OH.
Ruchika Gummadavelly
Outreach Lead
Ruchika is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering Major.
Mason Young
Sponsorship Lead
Mason is a fourth-year Statistics Major from Columbus, OH.
Lily Bai
Marketing Lead
Lily is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering Major.
Divya Abburi
Judging and Mentorship Lead
Divya is a second-year Health Information Management & Systems major.
Hamsika Tummala
Judging and Mentorship Lead
Hamsika is a second-year Computer Science and Engineering major.
Dheeraj Gosula
Senior Advisor
Dheeraj is a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering Major from Lewis Center, OH.
Anna Huang
DFA Studio Lead
Anna is a third-year Computer Information Science and International Business Major with a minor in German.
Cal King
OHI/O Program Director
Cal (BA, BS) comes from a background of Community Building, Marketing, and MAKE-ing in her previous role as Chief of Staff at the Idea Foundry. She serves on the Big Local Arts committee at the Columbus Arts Festival and the Franklinton Arts District Board. Her drive is to make space for inclusive tech programs that empower individuals to impact their community and make positive change in the world.
Liz Stong
OHI/O Events Lead Coordinator
Liz (BA) has been working in events planning and office administration in some capacity since 2007. She started working at OSU as a program coordinator for the Ohio Supercomputer Center in 2011, where she helped grow and develop their user group meetings and their summer programs for middle and high school students. She is driven to help build more inclusive spaces and to help STEM become more
accessible for everyone. Her strengths lie in problem-solving and event development.