2023-2024 State Officers

Hey NJ TSA, I’m Cassidy Brennan and I’m delighted to serve as your state President for the 2023-24 year. I’m a senior at Biotechnology High School and have been a proud member of TSA since sixth grade. I’ve attended several state and two national conferences and have placed in events such as TEAMS, Dragster, and Technical Design. Being able to lead the state delegation is an incredible honor because TSA has truly become such a special part of my life over the years. Along with TSA, I participate in many school clubs and perform service as leader of my church’s youth group. I also spent the summer in Colorado for SSP Astrophysics. I love to spend my time with friends, read, watch movies, stargaze, and play with my dog. My goal this year is to ensure the success of every chapter, big or small, on a functional and competitive level. I am unbelievably excited to grow with you all this year!

Hey New Jersey TSA! My name is AJ Boyle, and it’s my honor to serve as your state Vice President for the 2023-2024 school year. Right now, I’m in my senior year at New Providence High School, and this is my sixth and final year in TSA. Serving as your state Parliamentarian last year was one of the most enthralling experiences I’ve ever had, so I can’t wait to work to accelerate NJTSA further into the future this year! In the past, I’ve attended four National Conferences and competed in events including Coding, Data Science and Analytics, and Software Development, with Data Science being my favorite. Outside of TSA, I serve as Varsity Captain of my school’s cross country team, run Varsity track, and involve with a variety of different organizations such as the Network Contagion Research Institute to pursue my passion of applying computer science for social good. I’m so excited to see you all this year, let’s make it the best one yet!

Hi! My name is Nitya Makkapati and I am so grateful to be serving as your State Secretary. I am a senior in the Academy for Biotechnology at Morris County School of Technology and this is my third year with TSA. I love competing in Biotechnology Design, Debating Technological Issues, Biomimicry, and Digital Video Production, and my team has brought home a few wins. Beyond TSA, I run a nonprofit, MIractech, that promotes STEM education in underfunded communities and I also intern in a lab at Montclair State. I love making playlists on Spotify, going to the gym, and cuddling with my dog in my free time. Since our chapter was established, TSA has introduced me to a new world of incredible people and has given me countless opportunities to challenge myself and strive higher. I am so excited for the year and look forward to fostering new connections this year.

Hi New Jersey TSA! My name is Ava Talwar, and I am honored to serve as your 2023-2024 State Treasurer. I’m a senior in the IB Diploma Program at Freehold Township High School, and this is my third year as a member of TSA. In the past, I’ve competed and qualified for Nationals in Biotechnology Design and Debating Technological Issues. Outside of my involvement in TSA, I’ve founded my school’s Asian Club and have been involved through DECA and various honor societies. I love to dance in my free time and connect with others through volunteering. Throughout the years, TSA has taught me many important lessons and has given me some fantastic memories that I’ll never forget. I am so excited to serve as your State Treasurer this year and can’t wait to see you all!

Hi New Jersey TSA! My name is Ajay Raj and I am a senior at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, New Jersey and this is my fourth year in TSA. I have attended three state conferences and was invited to one national conference my sophomore year. I have placed in Future Technology and Engineering Teacher. I was able to explore so many different aspects of STEAM through the yearly TSA competitions while also getting to know so many unique TSA members from across the state. Outside of TSA, some of my hobbies include playing soccer for my high school and club, playing the flute for my school ensemble, and competing in Model United Nations. I hope that that this year we can bring a greater aspect of community to our delegation. I am honored to be your Sergeant at Arms for this upcoming 2023-2024 term.

Hi NJ TSA! My name is Megan Wong, and I’m honored to serve as your 2023-2024 State Reporter. I’m a senior at Biotechnology High School, and this is my fourth year in TSA. I’ve placed at two state conferences through the Board Game Design event, and I’m looking forward to competing in Webmaster this year. Last year, I had the privilege of serving on the state Promotional Design Committee, where I was heavily involved in the design of social media posts and photography at the State Conferences. Creativity and collaboration are both incredibly important to me, and TSA has solidified my interest in STEM by emphasizing these values. I have met so many genuine and accomplished people through this club who continually inspire me. Outside of TSA, I stay active in many community organizations. I also founded a crochet interest group at my school, introducing my peers to one of my favorite pastimes. Some of my other hobbies include listening to music and collecting postcards. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on your State Board and am excited to collaborate with my fellow officers to make this year memorable!

Hey guys! My name is Amulanga Mandzhieva, and I am your NJ TSA State Historian for the 2023-2024 year! When it comes to TSA, this is my 3rd year as a member! Throughout my involvement, I participated in various events, and was able to place second in Biotechnology Design last year! Besides TSA, I am also a senior at Freehold Township High School in the IB Diploma Program, and an avid member of other clubs such as DECA, Medical Club, Asian Club, etc. Outside of school and extracurriculars, I work as a tutor at the Kumon Learning Center in Howell, enjoy an occasional novel, and also love to try new food places with my friends! Beyond that, I am so honored and grateful to have the privilege to serve you all as State Historian this year. Being on the board for my school chapter last year has gifted me with so many memories and new connections, and I can not wait to see what being an officer for NJ TSA will bring this year!

Hi New Jersey TSA! My name is Sowmya Hemadri and I am so excited to be your 2023-24 State Parliamentarian. I am a junior at Colts Neck High School and this is my third year in TSA. In the past, I have competed in TSA state competition activities including board game design and digital video production. I have met so many new, inspiring people through TSA and have found an amazing community of accomplished, driven students that I am proud to call friends. In school, I am an active member of TSA, International Club, DECA, Financial Freedom, and various honor societies. I am an accomplished singer, dancer, and tennis player for my school and club. All in all, serving as your State Officer this year is an honor and privilege and I can’t wait for an exciting year!