Vidushi Toshniwal — India
Civil Engineering, Ph.D.
Graduation: May 2027
I am working on modeling cyclic behavior of soil, being a major part of foundation for any building they could possibly cause damage to the building due to liquefaction under cyclic loading conditions (Earthquake, etc.). Hence, it is important to develop a cyclic constitutive model for the soil and study its behavior.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I hope to pursue my career in academia and continue doing research in my field.
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
I really count on this advice which my advisor once said, "Not matter how difficult the topic seems, try to make good progress daily." It still helps me whenever I am stuck in anything I try to do my best and put maximum efforts to understand it.
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
Purdue is well known for its engineering school and also in my field. Along with this I was aware of an inclusive environment at Purdue for the international students and so far, I had remarkably amazing experience as a graduate student at Purdue. Also, I found the best and most knowledgeable advisors in my field which further added to my decision of choosing Purdue for graduate school.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Innovative, rigorous, collaborative
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
Purdue football and basketball matches and tailgating before the football match.
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
I am member of several organizations like PGSG, Sky, CEGSAC, and plan and attend events. Last semester I tried to explore the culture in USA and attended the festivals and tried lots of food from different parts of the world. I also sometimes go to national parks around for refreshment.
Q
If you could talk with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A
It would be late Karl Terzaghi - he is called father of soil mechanics. His contributions to the field of geotechnical engineering and his legacy continue to be highly respected and studied today. Terzaghi's work laid the foundation for modern geotechnical engineering. I would really like to have some meaningful discussions with him and thank him for opening the world of amazing possibilities for us.
Q
What's something unique about you, or something most people don't know?
A
The most unique thing about me is - sit with me for 15-20 minutes and I would leave an ever-lasting impression on you. I am a fun-loving person and can make anyone and everyone my friend.
