For SEE sophomore Rajan Joshi, his giant leaps are built from a passion for SEE’s mission and begin with his core values: becoming part of the solution to address environmental degradation.

Joshi, who is majoring in Environmental and Ecological Engineering with a focus on sustainability, renewable energies, and air quality control, chose SEE because of the opportunity to make an impact around the world.

“During my personal traveling experiences, I was exposed to the environmental degradation occurring around the world,” said Joshi. “I knew that I couldn’t watch the world change, I needed to be part of the solution. This has inspired me to innovate engineering solutions where they create long-term impacts on future generations. SEE is where I turn that ambition into ability, and I can apply engineering principles to create sustainable solutions.”

Rajan is currently working with Dr. Nadya Zyaykina to research sustainable electronics, which has been critical in shaping his interests within the circular economy. Under her mentorship, Rajan feels challenged to integrate sustainable practices with recycling high-valued metals found in electronic components.

“This experience has strengthened my technical skills and my ability to innovate viable recovery methods,” added Joshi.

Expanding his impact beyond the classroom, Rajan also serves as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and Project Manager for EPICS (Lakota team); he participates in the SEE Undergraduate Ambassadors, Engineers Without Borders, Boilers for Sustainable Dining, the Purdue Club Golf, and the Purdue EDM Club.

“My academic advisor, Tammi Thayer, has been a strong asset towards personalizing my SEE pathway. Through her guidance, I have been introduced to various new opportunities which have enriched my overall experience as a student.”

Building on these leadership experiences, Joshi’s future professional goal is to start his own company with a focus on renewable energy.

“I am interested in creating solutions that balance economic accessibility and public health to impact the world,” Joshi shared. “Specifically, I plan on developing new technologies that advance sustainable transportation and air quality control.”

Joshi is eager to use his future SEE degree to impact the world. “I will utilize my SEE degree not only to certify my engineering skills, but as a symbol of systemic change. The vast opportunities that Purdue offers allow me to be well-rounded in all facets of sustainability and engineering. I plan on applying this diverse background to optimize systems for maximum efficiency. By reducing our dependence on traditional fossil fuels, I believe that these innovations will help minimize our overall carbon footprint to further our journey towards a sustainable future.”

To other students who are considering joining SEE, Joshi encourages that becoming a part of SEE will provide a strong return on their education.

“[With SEE] you have significantly greater freedom to choose the courses and experience that align with your desires and interests. Be sure to embrace this and enter positions that allow you to work on a project that may feel unfamiliar or niche. Often, these projects may be the most important stepping stones to your success.”

To learn more about the Purdue School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE), visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE