My journey to Purdue’s MSE PMP began in an unexpected place—working on fire alarm systems and metal fixtures at large projects like the world’s largest cricket stadium in India. Coming from a mechanical engineering background, I found myself fascinated by how different materials behaved in real-world applications. That curiosity, combined with my long-standing interest in chemistry, ultimately led me to Purdue.

 

The Professional Master’s Program stood out for its flexibility, letting me take both advanced courses in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials and electives in management—something I knew would be valuable as I aspire to one day lead my own manufacturing company.

 

At Purdue, courses like Materials Processing in Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing gave me the technical foundation I needed, while electives like Engineering Leadership helped me develop communication and leadership skills, I never imagined I’d practice in a classroom. By pushing me beyond my comfort zone, the course enabled me to develop confidence in both public speaking and team leadership.

 

One of the biggest strengths of the program for me has been its blend of coursework and research. At the Bindley Bioscience Center, I worked with Professors Lia Stanciu and Amit Barui on MXene-based biosensors, exploring applications in neuron growth and biocompatibility. This hands-on experience not only expanded my technical expertise but also gave me industry-relevant lab exposure that strengthened my profile with recruiters.

 

Equally important has been the guidance and support from faculty and advisors like Dr. Elsner. From course selection to preparing for career fairs, I always felt I had someone to turn to for direction. For future students, my advice is simple: come with an open mind, explore widely, and take advantage of every opportunity—because this program can truly shape your career in ways you might not expect.