Bio Statement
Over the past year, as an IAP Scholar, Aashika has been actively engaged in both community service and meaningful campus work. She volunteered at Prunty's Pantry and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, where she helped sort donations, pack food boxes, and prepare groceries for families in need. This work increased her understanding of food insecurity and reinforced her belief that consistent, hands-on action creates lasting change in a community.
On campus, Aashika works as an Immersive and Educational Technology Specialist in Ithaca College's IT & Analytics department, where she supports faculty with educational tools and develops instructional content aimed at improving clarity and accessibility. Over the past year and summers at IC, she collaborated with the Chemistry Department to develop a Radiation Safety Course and partnered with the Environmental Health and Safety Department to design and implement a comprehensive lab safety course that reached faculty members and research students across campus. These projects reflect her dedication to making academic spaces safer, more inclusive, and better equipped for everyone who works within them.
Aashika also continues to serve as an Animal Care Technician in the Biology Department, where she monitors and cares for research animals in accordance with IACUC guidelines. Through all of these roles, she brings together her scientific curiosity and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of those around her.
What does it mean to be IAP Scholar?
To me, being an IAP Scholar means that someone believes in me and in the way I care for my community. It reminds me to work hard and keep giving back, because I’m not doing this alone.
