Why did you choose to study at WPI? 

At WPI, the educational approach centers on project-based learning, more notably in its esteemed robotics department. The student body entails diversity that is comprised of a wide range of international backgrounds. WPI has a STEM-focused curriculum, which fosters a small, tightly knit community. This environment promotes enhanced interactions between students and faculty members. Moreover, students can engage in an interactive qualifying project (IQP) abroad, tailor their majors to their interests, transition between majors seamlessly, and participate in a variety of clubs catering to diverse interests.

How are you involved with the WPI community? 

As the president of Enactus, a social entrepreneurship club, I collaborate closely with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) department for some of their “WinterSession” workshops, such as the “Pitch to Match” workshop. Additionally, I partner with the Career Development Center to help students with job search skills and partner with a couple student clubs for movie nights. Other collaborations involve I&E and The Business School to foster innovative ideas from students who are budding entrepreneurs and to present them at the Global Enactus World Cup, as well as activities with women-centric clubs, such as the Society of Women Engineers, to promote the role of women in STEM.

As vice president of Hindu Yuva, a cultural club, I help organize cultural events, including the celebrations of Holi (Festival of Colors), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Makar Sankranti (kite-flying festival), and Ganesh Chaturthi, with support from the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME). Hindu Yuva works to help foster a diverse and inclusive community at WPI. Our partnership with the Collegiate Religious Center facilitates a safe environment where Hindu students can freely express themselves.
   
Other roles I have are service desk specialist at Information Technology Services (ITS), Network Operations and Card Access student worker, and I was previously a peer learning assistant for the math department and the mathematical tutoring center. I contribute to Admission’s International Community Panel, which provides valuable insights about WPI to incoming international students. I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community at WPI.

What’s your favorite thing about WPI? 

I have a strong affinity for networking and consistently seek opportunities to engage with various individuals, including staff, faculty, administrators, and fellow students. I am enamored by the diverse means through which students express themselves within various clubs and events. The smaller community and robust support systems at our institution contribute significantly to the well-being and engagement of students.

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor? 

Nicholas Bertozzi, in addition to serving as a robotics mentor, has played a pivotal role in fostering industry connections for me. As a professor for robotics engineering, he has consistently provided valuable opportunities extending beyond the conventional mentor-student relationship.

Brian Beckwith, associated with WPI’s ITS, has been an outstanding mento by offering guidance and motivation across various domains. His mentorship extends beyond the confines of specific tasks by encompassing a broader spectrum of personal and professional development.
   
Former Provost Winston Soboyejo was instrumental in instilling a passionate commitment to WPI’s global STEM initiative and the realm of the robotics curriculum. His influence ignited my enthusiasm for these initiatives, which contributed significantly to my pursuits.

How has WPI’s project-based learning influenced your education? 

I have gained invaluable industry-level experience through courses, such as the Unified Robotics class and the Software Engineering class led by Professor Wilson Wong. These courses not only enhanced my skill set but also bolstered my resume with projects that align well with employers' expectations. The collaborative setting of these class projects enables students to tackle real-world projects by providing a practical and immersive learning experience.
   
During the summer term, I engaged in research as part of the Early Research Experience in E-Term (EREE) program with Professor Xinming Huang on the project titled “AI Based Assistive Technology for Aging Population Living Independently.” I also served as a research assistant for Aswin Gnanaskandan in the Mechanical & Materials Engineering department helping to develop a C++ converting from MATLAB-based numerical model to approximately predict particle morphology in the spray drying process. My IQP "IQP Accessibility in Panama City, Panama," aimed to assess and improve the accessibility of the WPI Panama City Project Center. This experience helped me improve my people skills and get comfortable working in a different environment, which pushed me out of my usual comfort zone.