Neethu Pottackal

Neethu Pottackal is an alumni representative on the Governor’s STEM Scholars Advisory Council. Neethu was a member of the first GSS class (2014-2015) as an Edison High School student and a member of the winning GSS research project team. She graduated from Cornell University School of Engineering in May 2020 as a Jacobs Scholar and Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholar. Her past research involved the development of food coatings and the valorization of food waste as biosorbents. Currently, Neethu is a PhD student in the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University where she continues her passion in food materials research to explore innovative, green solutions to address food sustainability issues. She is also actively involved in STEM outreach and has been part of various initiatives, such as leading Cornell’s Scientista (Women-in-STEM) Chapter as Co-President. Neethu is excited to be serving the Advisory Council for the exceptional GSS program that empowers and supports the new generation of science and engineering leaders from our very own home state.