Meet Our 2025-2026 Officer Board
Our Officer Board
Texas A&M Mock Trial is a fully student-run organization, with all responsibilities, from developing curriculum and training members to handling logistics, managing travel, and leading the team falling to just five student officers. These officers serve not only as competitors, but also as educators, organizers, and mentors who work behind the scenes to ensure the success and sustainability of the program.At the heart of Texas A&M Mock Trial leadership is a strong commitment to community. The organization prioritizes creating a space where every member feels seen, heard, and supported. Its leaders are focused on continuing to build a legacy rooted in success, collaboration, and inclusivity. The board is dedicated to fostering an environment where all members are empowered to grow and compete with confidence. Throughout the year, the team strives to ensure that every individual has the tools, encouragement, and support they need to thrive both in and out of the courtroom.
Aayush Bhakkad
President
aayushbhakkad@tamu.edu
"Mock Trial isn’t just an activity — it’s where passion meets purpose. After nine years in the world of trial advocacy and four unforgettable years with Texas A&M Mock Trial, I can say this: there’s nothing more rewarding than growing alongside people who care just as much as you do. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a captain and , and in that time, I’ve learned that leadership is about more than just results, it’s about responsibility. Every person on this team matters. Their growth, their confidence, their experience, it’s what I prioritize every single day.
Texas A&M Mock Trial has shaped me into a better advocate, a better teammate, and a better leader. And as President, my mission is to ensure this team continues to be a place where every member is seen, challenged, and empowered. I want to build a culture where we uplift one another, push each other, and win not just because we work hard, but because we care deeply.
This season, I’m committed to setting a standard of excellence in everything we do, from case theory to community, and helping every member of this program find not just their voice in the courtroom, but their place in something bigger."
Sam Kim
Vice President
samykim1128@tamu.edu
"Mock trial is a gem of an activity. But at Texas A&M, it's a treasure trove of an organization that allows you to become someone sharper, stronger, and better. And best of all, it gives you a place to connect with amazing people. If you're looking for a place to belong, it's here. I've been a captain nearly my entire time in this organization on almost every competitive level, and there's one thing I believe keeps a team successful: connection. Connection between attorneys and witnesses, connection between the captains, connection between every single member. I wouldn't be half the competitor or person I am without the people around me learning to understand me and pushing me to be better. My goal as a leader is to plant the seeds for you to grow your skills in trial advocacy, public speaking, and connecting with others. My goal is to push you to be better, too. As Vice President, I'm excited to give back to this organization by refining our curriculum to new heights, holding our leaders to the highest standard, and spearheading our Lady Rev Classic Invitational to give others a place to compete together and find community. I can't wait to give everything I've got this season and watch Texas A&M Mock Trial become the best it's ever been!"
Jakob Zertuche
Treasurer
jakobzertuche@tamu.edu
"No community has shaped my life greater than Texas A&M Mock Trial. After years of competition in theater and speech, I sought out mock trial as a place to advance my skills. What I found was a diverse community of successful, passionate, and intelligent individuals that helped me grow both personally and professionally. As captain of A team, I always sought to strive for excellence, while taking stewardish of the growth and wellbeing of other members of this team. I learned that strong leadership isn't just about winning rounds. It's about empowering others, being intentional with your feedback, and setting a tone of trust and mutual accountability. Some of my proudest moments have come not from awards, but from watching teammates step into their potential and exceed even their own expectations. As treasurer, I hope to make meaningful and material change to make Texas A&M Mock Trial insclusive for all people. Whether it’s streamlining our resources or expanding financial support, I want every student, regardless of background, to feel like this team is a place where they can thrive. This organization has shaped me in every way, and I’m committed to building a program that reflects the values of care, equity, and competitive excellence."
Shrey Bahl
Secretary
shreybahl@tamu.edu
"Mock trial is more than just an activity, it’s where competition meets community, and where growth happens in every round, every practice, and every conversation. At Texas A&M, it’s the place that’s shaped me into the competitor I am today. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a captain on A Team, and while I love the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of competition, what truly keeps me invested is the teaching. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching someone go from unsure to unstoppable, and knowing you played a small part in that transformation. Before mock trial, I coached debate, and that experience taught me how powerful good mentorship can be. It’s not just about winning ballots, it’s about helping people find their voice, build their confidence, and trust in their ability to lead. That’s the kind of environment I want to help build here. One where every member feels challenged and supported. One where growth is constant, and connection is key. As Secretary, my goal is to create a team culture where we push each other to be better every single day. Whether you're in your first season or your final one, I want this to be a space where you can thrive, where competition sharpens you and community grounds you. I’m excited to give my all this year and help Texas A&M Mock Trial reach new heights, together."
Nandana Dinesh
Public Relations
ndinesh2023@tamu.edu
Texas A&M Mock Trial isn’t just a competitive organization. It’s a home. It’s a space where challenge meets purpose, and where people grow not just as competitors, but as teammates, leaders, and individuals. When I first joined, I was drawn in by the thrill of competition: the strategy, the performance, the drive to win. But what made me stay, what truly changed me, was the people. I found a team that believed in one another, lifted each other up, and celebrated every step of progress, big or small. They became more than teammates. They became my second family.
Last year, I had the honor of serving as a captain for a team of mostly brand-new competitors. With only two returning members besides myself, we built something from the ground up. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. I learned how to lead with patience, how to mentor with intention, and how to support others as they discovered their own strengths. Watching those seven new members grow into confident, capable competitors was a gift. It reminded me why I love this organization so deeply.
Now, as Public Relations Officer, my goal is to tell the story of who we are, not just what we accomplish. I want to showcase the heart behind the hustle. Through recruitment, outreach, and leadership, I’m committed to building a team that is as inclusive, uplifting, and resilient as the one that built me. Mock Trial has made me a better competitor, but more than that, it has made me a better person. I can’t wait to give back to the community that has given me so much by helping others find their place in it too.
Our Liaisons
Sachit Kapoor
Nisha Murali
Fundraising Liaison - sachitkapoor5@tamu.edu
DEIA Liaison - nisha_murali@tamu.edu
My goal as fundraising liaison is to ensure that the organization has a stream of funds that keeps the resources necessary to our development flowing. My goals are to put together fundraising plans and events, while also building relationships with business, alumni, and a broader community in order to achieve that stream of funds. I’m motivated by the idea that my work can contribute to the competitive opportunities and development of the club as a whole, ensuring that all members can get the most out of their time with the program. I’m looking to connect with any potential sponsors or supporters of our team and its goals, so don’t hesitate to email me!
My goal as the DEIA liaison is to foster a team culture where every member -- regardless of their background, identity, or ability -- feels respected and empowered to thrive. I believe that being on the mock trial team is about growing together, and that we're at our best competitively and socially when we feel supported and all voices are valued. This involves collaborating with leadership to embed DEIA principles into recruitment, training, and team culture. I can't wait to get to know this year's members and help them feel welcomed as well as supported!