Purdue’s 2 locations create unmatched opportunities for materials engineering student
Purdue student Janvi Prasad works in materials and mechanical engineering associate professor Babak Anasori’s lab at Purdue’s Indianapolis location. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Robiños)
Janvi Prasad discovers academic growth, success and inspiration commuting between West Lafayette and Indianapolis
Motivation and consistency are key to achieving your career goals. That’s a truth Janvi Prasad knows by heart.
The Purdue junior dreams of working in the semiconductor industry and using her STEM skills to make a meaningful impact on the world.
One of her crucial small steps to reach this goal came last year when she regularly commuted from West Lafayette to Indianapolis to work in mechanical and materials engineering professor Babak Anasori’s lab — a trip made easy with the Campus Connect shuttle.
“Working in Indianapolis was a refreshing change — the environment was beautiful, and everyone in the lab was welcoming and kind,” Prasad says. “That experience helped me grow both academically and professionally.”
Taking small steps in Indy
Prasad, a native of the San Francisco Bay area, chose to attend Purdue for its strong engineering reputation and plethora of research and industry opportunities.
Interested in challenging herself and making connections in her field of interest, working in Anasori’s lab stood out as an opportunity she did not want to miss.
Among the most appealing aspects of the position was the opportunity to work with Anupma Thakur — a postdoctoral research associate in the College of Engineering and Prasad’s eventual mentor — who clearly communicated the research’s potential.
“As an undergraduate new to research, that level of clarity and support was extremely appealing. It made me feel welcomed and confident in stepping into a research environment for the first time,” she says.
Balancing work and life
In the lab, Prasad helps analyze titanium carbide MXenes, a class of 2D materials.
She’s excited to support more environmentally sustainable ways of processing these materials and expand their applications across fields, including in the semiconductor industry and in image sensors. These sensors can be found in commercial products, like digital cameras.
“Being involved at the Indy location gave me a valuable understanding of how my individual contributions fit into a much larger research effort. Learning how a bigger lab operates helped me develop a systems-level view of research, like how data collection, analysis and collaboration come together across different roles,” Prasad says. “That perspective has helped me work more efficiently and confidently in my academic and research projects at Purdue.”
She also feels grateful for the unique experience of learning in Indianapolis, balancing studies and life. “The friendly atmosphere and opportunities to connect with others made a big difference in feeling like part of the campus community,” Prasad says.
Looking back, her lab position — including the commute, new skills and mentorship — was invaluable in expanding her future opportunities.
Applying her skills in the real world
This summer, Prasad’s professional experience enhanced her summer internship at onsemi, a leading semiconductor manufacturer and sensor technology supplier based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
There, she modeled and ran mechanical and thermal simulations for semiconductor products in development, especially those for automotive applications.
“I’ve learned a lot about working in a professional environment and how to apply engineering principles to real-world problems,” Prasad says. “Being comfortable with technical discussions and documentation gave me a strong foundation going into this role.”
I’ve learned a lot about working in a professional environment and how to apply engineering principles to real-world problems.
Janvi Prasad
Purdue junior in materials engineering
Motivation for the future
Prasad says that her journey all started with stepping out of her comfort zone, staying curious, reaching out to mentors and professors, and being open to opportunities no matter where she found them.
“Seeing how the things I learn in class translate to innovation in industry is incredibly motivating,” Prasad says.
After graduating, she hopes to stay in the Midwest and continue building a career where she can apply her materials science skills for real-world impact.
“I’m especially interested in exploring and developing new materials in the semiconductor field,” Prasad says. “I hope to contribute to designing more efficient chip models and pushing the boundaries of what current technologies can do.”
