Name: Riya Shah

Major: Computer Science

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 — First-Year Committee Member

THON 2024 — Technology Captain (THINK Developer)

THON 2025 — Technology Captain (THINK Project Manager)

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2026?

THON has been one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my Penn State journey, and going into my senior year, I knew I wanted to get as involved as possible and give back in every way I could, not only to the mission but also to other students who are just beginning their own THON or Penn State journeys. Becoming a director felt like the best way to maximize that impact while getting to do a job that I love and am passionate about.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As Technology Director, I lead a technical team of 27 in developing and maintaining eight websites that make up THON’s technical infrastructure, supporting both internal operations and outward-facing engagement. I oversee the planning, security, and scalability of our digital systems to ensure they remain reliable and efficient as THON continues to grow. In this role, I also serve as a supervisor and liaison across the THON community, working closely with committees and stakeholders to identify opportunities where technology can streamline processes and improve efficiency.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that differs from years past?

Entering this role, I wanted to focus on initiatives that meaningfully modernize how THON operates. One of my primary goals this year was to improve the digital line system within DASH, the platform that manages building capacity and floor passes during THON Weekend, by introducing a digital notification system that increases transparency around wait times and line status. Additionally, I hoped to implement a timeline automation system that enables the creation of personalized, role-specific timelines for each of our nearly 4,000 captains and committee members, which is currently done manually on Excel. 

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Tech is responsible for building and maintaining all of THON’s online infrastructure, which is used by our volunteers, organizations, families, and donors, allowing us to interact with people from each committee and many different parts of the university. It is incredible getting to identify problems, build tools or features to address them, and then see those solutions actively used by others. 

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2026?

My overall goal for THON Tech 2026 is to create a committee culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration. I want us to constantly look for better, more efficient ways to support THON by building tools and systems that move us forward rather than just maintain what already exists. My hope is that the technology we build not only supports THON 2026 but sets us up for future success as well.

Why do you THON?

I THON because no family should ever have to worry about the cost of their child’s care. THON ensures that families never see a medical bill, giving them the space to focus on what truly matters, finding moments of normalcy, and letting kids just be kids. I’m grateful to play even a small part in making that possible.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

One of my favorite THON memories was doing a scavenger hunt on the floor with a few kids during my last THON weekend. It was genuinely so much fun, and I had a blast hanging out with them during a really busy weekend. Getting to interact with the kids and get to know them a little better made the experience even more meaningful and reminded me why I THON! 

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

Triceratops!