Krishnakali Chaudhuri - EngrMed - Purdue University

At Purdue, there’s a whole bundle of world-class resources and exciting opportunities for everyone. Do enjoy and try to make the most of this time here at Purdue.

Why did you choose Purdue for graduate school?

Purdue university is very well-known and ranks among the very top schools for the area of research that I wanted to pursue for my graduate studies. Therefore, this choice was simple to make.

Area of research:

Optics, Plasmonics and Nanophotonics

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within ECE?

I have had great experience working with the graduate student association of ECE. I have been involved with ECEGSA (2014-15) as the vice-president and then again as the ECE Senator for (2015-16, 2017-18). 

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of ECE?

Outside of ECE, I had great time working with the Purdue University Tagore Society (PUTS) the last few years. In various roles (vice-president, president, student advisor), I have enjoyed organizing and participating is a gamut of social, cultural, and academic activities.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential Purdue ECE student?

Do venture out and explore because, as I discovered, greatest of life experiences often lie outside of the comfort zone. At Purdue, there’s a whole bundle of world-class resources and exciting opportunities for everyone. Do enjoy and try to make the most of this time here at Purdue.

Who is someone in industry/academia that you look up to and why?

Throughout my life, I have always looked up to my father, who is a professor of mathematics. Early in my life he had inculcated in me the way of scientific thinking, and encouraged me observe, think, and learn. Beyond mathematics, I have learnt great many life lessons from him by recognizing the manner in which he handles himself, his work and difficult situations in life with utmost grace. This has played key role in shaping my personality and in my pursuit of being a successful scientist.

What is your ultimate career goal?

Down the line in my career, I would want to be in a position that will allow me to create a significant impact on the welfare of human life.

I’d want to maintain a healthy work-life balance and also invest time to pursue a number of other interests that I have.

What do you do in your free time?

Well, right now I don’t have much!! But I do enjoy reading, swimming and the occasional bar crawls with my friends!!

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