Student Spotlight: Kapil Manicka
Meet Kapil Manicka!
Kapil Manicka, a senior in Purdue’s Industrial Engineering (IE) program, has discovered a fulfilling path in data analytics and data science, thanks to the flexibility of Purdue’s IE curriculum. His interest in industrial engineering stemmed from its broad applicability, which was complemented by Purdue’s unique approach to offering students a customizable academic experience. Drawn to courses like IE 490: Machine Learning and Its Applications taught by Professor Estrada-Gomez, Kapil says the class opened his eyes to the seamless ways that optimization in IE can overlap with the computing field. Reflecting on his journey, Kapil shares, “That ability to tailor my focus within IE really allowed me to dive into areas I didn’t anticipate, helping me develop a strong foundation that now shapes my future goals in data science.”
For Kapil, Purdue has also provided an environment rich in innovation and camaraderie. He values the university’s large, spirited community yet finds that the smaller, close-knit IE department has offered a unique space to connect deeply with peers and faculty alike. This supportive environment led to one of Kapil’s most memorable experiences when he was invited to attend a tech diplomacy conference in Washington, D.C. While the conference offered housing and travel assistance, additional expenses presented a challenge. Turning to his IE network, Kapil reached out to Professor Yih, who suggested he contact Department Head Dr. Son. To Kapil’s surprise, Dr. Son not only helped secure the necessary sponsorship but showed genuine enthusiasm for Kapil’s participation. Kapil reflects, “It was a defining moment—I felt truly valued and supported by my department.” The conference, an eye-opening immersion into discussions on cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing, 5G networks, and semiconductor manufacturing, allowed Kapil to bring his engineering perspective to a space typically occupied by students from global affairs and policy studies. This rare opportunity, he notes, gave him a sense of confidence and pride as an industrial engineer in a unique interdisciplinary field.
Kapil Manicka
Much of Kapil’s growth has come from hands-on experience. As a member of Purdue’s Data Mine, a program that promotes data science across all majors, Kapil has spent three years honing his skills in R, Python, SQL, and Unix, each year advancing his expertise through corporate-sponsored projects. Initially, he worked with Merck on pharmaceutical analytics before joining Raytheon to tackle data classification tasks. By his second year, he became a project manager and teaching assistant, guiding students on real-world problems and building a professional network. Kapil likens the experience to a year-long internship that’s allowed him to put theory into practice, all while strengthening his resume. He explains, “The Data Mine has been more than a program—it’s been an incubator for skills that I now use in every internship and project.”
Kapil’s passion for applying IE principles to real-world challenges extended into his summer internships with Booz Allen Hamilton. Working in national security and government consulting, he leveraged his industrial engineering background to manage complex projects, including fraud analytics for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and generative AI initiatives. “The work gave me a unique insight into how IE skills can translate in a computing-driven setting,” Kapil explains. In interdisciplinary teams, his efficiency-focused perspective as an IE major often proved invaluable, enabling the group to streamline workflows, utilize existing resources, and save valuable time. Through these experiences, he’s developed an appreciation for the “resourceful mindset” that defines IE, allowing him to approach technical challenges with a practical, solution-oriented perspective.
Kapil’s journey hasn’t always been straightforward. Starting out, he occasionally felt unsure if he was cut out for engineering. Finding himself spending extra time in office hours and with professors, he questioned his capabilities when compared to classmates who seemed to grasp concepts more easily. However, over time, Kapil came to understand that engineering is “a race within yourself,” where progress is measured not by comparison but by personal growth. “It’s not about how quickly you get there but how you feel at the finish line,” he reflects. He encourages other students to ask for help, learn from peers, and embrace the journey with its ups and downs, knowing that every step forward, however small, contributes to a larger sense of accomplishment.
Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Kapil loves to explore different food cultures. For instance, every time he goes to New York City, he enjoys going to pizzerias and trying the different NY style slices. Kapil also enjoys cheering on Purdue athletics and is an avid fan of Purdue basketball. Kapil sees these as great opportunities to take a break from school and professional life.
As he moves toward graduation, Kapil is grateful for the unique journey Purdue has provided, one that bridges data science, resourceful problem-solving, leadership and diplomacy. After graduation, Kapil looks forward to returning to Booz Allen Hamilton as a Consultant in the greater Washington D.C. area. He hopes that his experiences inspire others to approach challenges with an open mind and resilience, as his own journey proves that every hurdle along the way can lead to unexpected, rewarding destinations.
Author: Brenna Losch