The Team
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Inspired by our own college dining experiences, the Eat Together team is made up of a group of students passionate about changing the university dining scene to strengthen the bonds and experiences that form. Here’s a little bit about us!
Co-Founder
Eric Xiao
As a freshman new to Seattle, it was difficult for me to make new friends on campus. This is why I started Eat Together: to help others make new friends with ease and experience the joy of bonding over food! Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to learn about my experiences leading Eat Together or if you actually want to "eat together" (bah dum-tse ;) )!
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Sichuan Hot Pot, Any restaurant
Developer
Saleh Wehelie
Hi, my name is Saleh, and I'm a Junior computer science major at UW Seattle. Though I might be the new kid on the team, I'm all geared up and excited to help connect more people through our app!
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken,
King's Teriyaki
Strategy Lead
David Velcsov
I've noticed that throughout traveling to visit my grandparents in Eastern Europe, I have seen how food and architecture have played into the culture and atmosphere of the space. Everyone was outside enjoying the sunshine and meeting new people. Although Seattle is not the sunniest, I want to bring the European atmosphere here to UW!
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Chicken Lemon Tacos -
Los Tacos No.1 NYC
UX/UI Lead
Pim Jitnavasathien
Hello! I'm Pim, a senior studying Human Centered Design and Engineering. When I'm not in front of my computer I usually spend my weekends camping, hiking, or mushroom hunting. I have a service dog named Winston, you'll see him everywhere with me.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Seolleongtang (Korean beef bone broth), Ramen Danbo
Developer
Aditya Akhileshwaran
I am a UW junior who's determined to make a difference to tackle the issue of isolation experience by college students today as a developer at Eat Together. I am also a student researcher in the PLSE lab, and am an ardent fan of FC Barcelona.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Naan & Butter Chicken — Copper Chimney, Mumbai
UI/UX Designer
Huy Mai
Hi, I’m Huy, a senior in Human-Centered Design and Engineering! In my free time I enjoy biking, playing tennis, and binge-watching TV shows. I joined Eat Together because I want to create new opportunities for people to meet and socialize with one another!
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Pho, Any allergy-friendly place!
UI/UX Designer
Mumtaz Sheikhaden
Hey! My name is Mumtaz, I'm a sophomore and a prospective Informatics and HCDE student. I’m passionate about connecting people and creating a welcoming community. I joined Eat Together to bridge the gap between my peers, while also creating and designing technology! Additionally, I am an undergrad researcher at the Doty lab (sefs). In my free time I love to play/watch basketball and learn interesting facts.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Mac and cheese, Kato Kato (Somali food) — Any place 😋
UI/UX Designer
Ellie Marsh
Hey!! I'm Ellie, a hopeful HCDE student, getting a double degree in Psychology. As a fellow foodie and lover of creating seamless user experiences, I'm so excited for the chance to sprinkle a touch of magic on the design of our app. Alongside my work at Eat Together, I'm a spin instructor and love getting out to taste-test lattés around Seattle.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Phở Tái Lăn, Ba Bar
Marketing Analyst
Evelyn Hootman
Hello, I'm Evelyn, a food lover at heart, and quite an adventurous eater too! I think food can bond people from all around the world, and sharing a meal is such a fun communal activity to do with friends too.
I love meeting new people and trying new activities. I enjoy bouldering, video production, cooking, and traveling!
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
anything spicy; Kin Len Thai Night Bites
Marketing Analyst
Brendan Shen
Hi, I'm Brendan, a second year math major at UW Bothell. I believe food is the great uniter between people of all backgrounds, and hope my work at Eat Together helps to bring people together. When I'm not doing homework, I like to play the guitar and piano and watch TV.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Cheeseburger, Portillos
Developer
Carl Searle
Hi, I'm Carl, a third year studying Informatics. I am passionate about food and also enjoy skiing, hanging out with friends, and soccer. I am hopeful that my work at Eat Together will help bring students closer.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Kal-guksu, Musashi's