🎉Welcome to the GEAR Lab, Mitch Zhang and Ritika Sanadi!
- yyang295
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
We are excited to welcome Mitch and Ritika, who joined GEAR Lab as senior undergraduates at Texas A&M University this year! 🎉
Mitch Zhang is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) at Texas A&M. He is currently transitioning into the master’s side of his studies through the Department of Geography’s 3+2 program. His academic background includes coursework in cartography, remote sensing, surveying, and data analysis, and he has developed strong skills with tools like ArcGIS, ENVI, and AI applications in geospatial work. Mitch has a particular interest in meteorology and severe weather, and he is especially passionate about using geospatial technologies for disaster mitigation and management. Growing up in Texas—where hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are a constant threat—has given him a strong motivation to contribute to solutions that benefit local communities and everyday Texans. Outside of academics, Mitch enjoys college football (Gig ’em!), drawing, and photography.

Ritika Sanadi is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Geoscience at Texas A&M. Her academic and research interests focus on GIS, geospatial AI, and sustainability, with a particular passion for applying spatial science and AI to advance environmental justice and climate resilience. Ritika brings a strong commitment to connecting science with societal impact, and her work reflects her vision of using geospatial intelligence to address pressing environmental challenges. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ritika enjoys exploring cafes, reading books, and doing arts and crafts, bringing creativity and curiosity to both her personal and professional life.

Together, Mitch and Ritika bring energy, curiosity, and new perspectives to the lab. We are confident that their expertise and enthusiasm will enrich our ongoing projects and spark new directions for research in GeoAI, disaster resilience, and environmental sustainability. We are thrilled to have them as part of our research community and look forward to their innovative contributions.
Welcome aboard, Mitch and Ritika! 🚀🌍