Student Representatives
The Astronomy department at UT Austin has many different student representatives that serve to bridge the gap between the undergraduate class and the department faculty and staff.
The astronomy department selected two students to serve as 2022-2023 student representatives.
ASA has also elected two freshmen astronomy students to serve as Freshmen Representatives for our organization.
Astronomy Student Representatives
Christopher Malhas
​I am a 4th year undergrad pursuing my B.S in Astronomy and have participated in many of the programs the department has to offer such as the White Dwarf FRI semesters, the GUMMY program, and the AST 376R course. Currently I study the outflow structures of low mass galaxies with Dr.John Chisholm here at UT. I am happy to discuss all aspects of the astronomy program here at UT and what the department has to offer.
Astronomy is not all I do (though some weeks it certainly feels like that) and I typically spend my free time reading, 3D-printing, judging debate tournaments, and building computers.
You can always reach me at my email christopher.malhas@utexas.edu .
Jose Saucedo
Hello, I’m a current 3rd year Astronomy major with a UTeach Natural Sciences certificate and one of your co-chair undergraduate representatives for the department. I’m a Texan native, specifically from Laredo, TX. I am also an ambassador with TIP Scholars, and serve as a representative for CNS in certain events. I have also worked with the First-Gen group in Jester West and the first-gen center on campus– as I feel it is an important identity of mine as a Latino college student. Previously, I have done research through the White Dwarf stream and plan to take on some research initiatives over the Spring and Summer semesters.
For fun I usually watch anime or YouTube videos, but most importantly I enjoy cooking; I use it as a mental health break and to experiment with different recipes. Remember to voice your concerns or constructive feedback whenever necessary in class or to any PMA associated faculty, however me and Chris are available to take this information into account if there is a greater issue or you want to remain anonymous.
My email is always available, but if you wish to have a sit-down talk, I can schedule that too!
Contact me here: jose.saucedo@utexas.edu
ASA Freshmen Representatives
Maya Vigil
Hello! I'm Maya Vigil and I'm a first-year Astronomy major from here in Austin! Besides learning about all space, I love to dance, do photography, and read anything sci-fi/fantasy related. I'm so excited to be y'all's freshman representative!