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 + Director
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
Development Lead
Navneeth Dhamotharan
Hey! I'm Navneeth, a Sophomore intending to major in informatics or Computer Science. I joined the Eat Together team as I wanted to make a difference in mitigating the loneliness some students feel as they enter university. In my free time, I love to code, play football (soccer) and practice music on my keyboard.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Ghee Roast Dosa and Coconut Chutney- Saravana Bhavan, Chennai
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
UI/UX Lead
Mumtaz Sheikhaden
Hey! My name is Mumtaz, I'm a junior in Informatics. 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 😋
Developer
Carl Searle
Hi, I'm Carl, a fourth 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
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
Spencer Gardner
Hello! I'm Spencer, a junior studying Informatics. I joined Eat Together because I believe food is a powerful connector, and it gives me the opportunity to help foster student connections through shared meals. Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports like basketball and soccer, as well as playing the piano.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Hot Pot, Dolar Shop
UX/UI Designer
Enrico Joe Soputra
Hello everyone, my name is Joe, a senior majoring in informatics @UW Seattle. Typically, university students make friends through joining organizations, put together in a same team, or other academic activities. However, it's rarely that they connect through informal activities. Eating has always been a universal and casual way to bond, and as someone who enjoys culinary and meeting new people, I feel connected and aspired with eat together visions and missions, hence I decided to join the team.
Favorite food + restaurant rec:
Yakiniku and nasi goreng, Chiangs Gourmet Seattle