Official Blog | UCGPC

Mohit Saraswat Treasurer & Ph.D. Student at UC Merced

Meet Mohit Saraswat, a third-year Ph.D. student at UC Merced and the 2025 Treasurer for the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC). Mohit is not only an advocate for graduate and international students across the UC system but also a pioneering researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he is developing next-generation materials that bridge the gap between nature and technology.

At the Intersection of Science and Service

Mohit’s research, titled “Mechanosensitive Ion Transport in Synthetic 2D Nanopores”, is jointly funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. In his work, he’s creating ultra-thin, “smart” membranes—just a few atoms thick—that mimic how living cells adapt to their environment. These advanced filters can dynamically control the flow of ions and molecules, offering revolutionary potential for clean water technologies.

“This technology holds tremendous promise for the future of water desalination,” Mohit explains. “Membranes like these could make it easier and more energy-efficient to remove salt and contaminants from seawater, addressing the global challenge of water scarcity. Beyond that, this research could lead to artificial skin for robots—materials that allow machines to sense pressure and respond to their environment just like living organisms.”

Leadership Rooted in Advocacy

Mohit’s dedication to service extends far beyond the lab. At UCGPC, he brings sharp financial insight and strategic thinking to his role as Treasurer. With a strong track record of leadership in graduate student affairs—including at institutions outside of California—he offers a unique, systems-wide perspective. His advocacy focuses especially on improving resources and representation for international students.

In addition to his Treasurer duties, Mohit volunteers as a graduate representative on the UC Student Health Advisory Committee and the Affordable Transportation Work Group. In every role, he’s focused on equity, sustainability, and the overall wellbeing of UC graduate and professional students.

“I believe in building collaborative networks across campuses and backgrounds. Whether in science or student government, we make the most progress when we think big and act together.”
Mohit Saraswat

Connect with Mohit at treasurer@ucgpc501c3.org to learn more about his work in scientific innovation, budget stewardship, and student advocacy across the University of California.