Kshitij Mall, Ph.D. — Uttar Pradesh, India
Aerospace Systems, Ph.D.
My primary research interest and expertise have been on entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems for human-class Mars missions. EDL is among the toughest challenge confronting us in becoming a multi-planetary species.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I already graduated with a PhD from Rapid Design of Systems lab at Purdue. After a brief visit to Auburn University, I returned to a different lab in Purdue's aerospace department. My next step is aimed toward working on real-world space project. For this reason, I am currently supporting a real moon landing mission as a volunteer in which I am applying my Purdue-based knowledge regarding orbits, trajectories, landing systems, and systems engineering.
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
Between boss, salary, and work description: choose the boss! Advised by Professor Longuski in his book "Advice to Rocket Scientists: A Career Survival Guide for Scientists and Engineers."
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
When I was 15 years old, I decided to do a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from one of the top universities of US. I was inspired by astronaut Kalpana Chawla's profile that drove me to this decision at that age. I feel extremely lucky to be at the cradle of astronauts as human space flight and future human Mars missions were the topics I wanted to learn about since long.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Grueling, Life-changing, Superlative
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
Moon rock: a piece of another heavenly body right here on campus! The other cool thing, of course, is Neil Armstrong's statue, which is very inspirational for any human being.
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
I love fitness and am involved in several sports including my favorite, tennis. Also, for fun, I completed the Live Hard challenge. But lately I discovered the most spiritual sport of all, running! I am right now training at Purdue for top 6 marathons and the Mount Everest marathon. Running is fun! I encourage all boilermakers to try Purdue half marathon or 5K races.
Q
If you could talk with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A
Assuming these persons are not from among my family or friends, I would like to name two who are no more with us: 1) Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the best science administrator and top nuclear physicist of India; 2) Sushant Singh Rajput, a top Bollywood actor who loved aerospace field. I would have liked to learn more about their approach toward life.
Q
Favorite vacation spot and why?
A
There are two equally favorite: 1) my wife's home, Yokohama, which is a very beautiful port city of Japan, and 2) my hometown Kushinagar in India, where my parents stay. Kushinagar is named after Lord Ram's son, Kush, and hence of significance to Hindus. It also is the place where both Lord Buddha (Buddhism) and Lord Mahavir (Jainism) took their last breath.
