Saranya Ravva — India
Aeronautics and Astronautics, Master's
Graduation: May 2023
My research involves intermediate-strain testing of aerospace composite materials which helps in the safe handling and effective use of these materials.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I will be continuing graduate school by joining a Ph.D. program in Aerospace Structures and Materials field!
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
Graduate School is a marathon, not a sprint.
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
I want to become an astronaut and the amazing cradle of astronauts, the cutting-edge research, and the coursework has made Purdue my dream school!
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Persistent. Enthusiastic. Optimistic.
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
I met about six astronauts during the last eighteen months at Purdue, having this opportunity to network with people who I aspire to become is the coolest thing that I encountered and I am super grateful to experience that at Purdue!
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
I am/was a student officer and part of various student organizations at Purdue and I find great fun in just attending and organizing these events by meeting students and networking! Space and Earth Analogs Research Chapter (SEARCH) at Purdue, Purdue Astronomy Club (PAC), Graduate Women in Aerospace (GWEN), Sigma Gamma Tau (SGT), and Purdue Space Program (PSP) are a few organizations that I'm super glad that I got to be a part of. I also love attending various Group X classes at COREC.
Q
What's something unique about you, or something most people don't know?
A
I am a part of a Guinness world record for "the most users to take an online environmental sustainability lesson in 24 hours" which is an initiative by Australian Dark Sky Alliance on June 21st, 2020 and I also made a preliminary asteroid discovery with our team as a part of International Astronomical Search Collaboration citizen science project on December 4, 2020.
Q
Favorite quote and why:
A
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" by Paulo Coelho from "The Alchemist" book is my favorite quote and it's because I personally feel all the things that we pass through are the dots we need to join to see the complete picture and I think everything you do matters and that the universe is always helping you reach one step closer to your goals.
