Giving Day 2024: Dash pursues research for the better good

USask Giving Day, a one-day fundraising initiative to be held on Sept. 10, will focus on supporting key areas including leading research while inspiring students like Akshara Dash as she pursues a future in critical and speculative design.

By Sarah Trefiak

Dash, a third-year computer science major, is also a founder of UX Collective—a student group on campus focused on creating an inclusive space for anyone interested in learning more about user experience— a 2024 TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan presenter and recipient of the 2023 International Student Award in STEM. 

“That scholarship removed a lot of the pressure of worrying about finances,” said Dash.  “I would love to be a role model for international students or women in computer science, so I think those types of scholarships can also be inspiring for a lot of people in our community.” 

Dash is currently completing a co-op work placement at ZU, a local digital product agency, where she is part of the research experience design team. She is also pursuing her own speculative research project and helps UX Collective organize events like Pixel Pallete, an interactive website art exhibition presented by USask students and alumni.

As Giving Day approaches, Dash is confident that donor support for research can offer a big return on investment. 

“With AI making it easier to spread misinformation or oversimplify complex issues, it’s so important to have new voices—especially student researchers—focusing on real-world problems like climate change,” said Dash. “We need fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that our responses are grounded in truth and real impact." 

Dash will join fellow USask students, faculty and researchers live on C95 and CKOM on Sept. 10 to speak more about the impact of donor support and her ambitions to inspire organizational change through design. 

“Donors are making a long-term impact. Getting that type of support or encouragement in pursuing research can really go a long way.” 

USask Giving Day is Sept. 10 and will support all four areas of the Be What the World Needs Campaign—leading critical research, inspiring student success, supporting Indigenous achievement and creating visionary spaces. Make your gift on that day and it could be matched dollar-for-dollar. Learn more at https://give.usask.ca/connect/giving-day.php.