Q&A with a Purdue senior using chemical engineering to help the planet
Find out how Anika Bhoopalam envisions her future in renewable energy sources
There are so many ways to pursue your path with a STEM degree. Anika Bhoopalam, a senior at Purdue University studying chemical engineering, can combat the climate crisis through advancing semiconductor research. Learn about STEM opportunities at our upcoming “In Our STEM Era” Makerspace.
Q: Who’s one of your most influential role models?
A: One of my aunts is the kind of person I aspire to be: knowledgeable, caring and hardworking. She was the first of her siblings to immigrate to the U.S. from India. Now she’s retired, but throughout her career as a doctor, she took good care of her family (including watching me when my parents were busy!). She’s also committed to gaining knowledge. I’ll talk to her and she’ll be like, “Yeah, I’m reading about the Ottoman Empire right now.” She’s shown me how to always learn new things, be there for people and do well in your job.
Q: What is your favorite part of your major?
A: Chemical and electrical engineering can be used to solve a lot of different problems that affect our planet. Through contributing to solar research, I learned about the role semiconductors play in solar panels. It’s been so interesting to me, and I’m excited to use my engineering knowledge to help contribute to technological innovations.
Q: What cause is top of mind for you lately?
A: My biggest motivating factor is advancing solar energy and other renewable sources. The climate crisis affects every living thing. Knowing I can apply what I do to help our environment is so motivating.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Seeing people progress in what they’re passionate about is so energizing! It could be reading about someone’s new technique in a research paper or watching someone volunteer for a cause that resonates with them. Because I love to learn, I find inspiration in a lot of places.
Q: What does persistence mean to you?
A: Keep going. When things are done in only one way for a long time, people forget there are infinite possibilities that can be tried. I think it’s important to try different approaches. Learning from mistakes and responding to them is how you move forward.
Q: What’s one of your top mottoes?
A: Just by being human, you can grow into the person you want to become. I used to be harder on myself, but now I remind myself that one of the defining characteristics of what makes us human is adaptability. It’s in our DNA. By definition, I am able to adapt. I can try new things and get better.
Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?
A: You can learn from anything. Even if you have a bad result, you can respond to that and transition to make the situation better.
Q: What’s one of your favorite Purdue memories?
A: I loved traveling with the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) program. Engineering students can complete a domestic internship, a study abroad session and then an international internship. I interned with SkyWater Technology in Florida, studied abroad in Ecuador and interned with ASML in the Netherlands. GEARE is one of the reasons why I chose Purdue. It was so fun!
Q: What are you most excited for next?
A: Next up, I’m applying to graduate schools. I want to earn a PhD in chemical engineering, materials engineering or electrical engineering to progress the work happening in semiconductors and renewable energy sources. I cannot wait to deep dive into research in a lab.
