Meet with our Graduate Student Ambassadors
Our students are the heart of our campus and they are the best way to learn about what graduate life at Illinois Tech is all about! When you visit our campus or attend an event, our Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSAs) are there to give you an authentic student perspective.
Looking for the insider’s perspective on what it's like to be a graduate student at Illinois Tech? Meet with our graduate students via a fun and interactive virtual session.
Stay tuned for future webinar dates!
Learn More About Our Student Ambassadors
Program Current Enrolled In
MAS Cybersecurity
Hometown
Hyderabad, India
Language(s) I speak
Telugu,Hindi,Tamil,English
Why Illinois Tech?
Illinois Tech’s location and curriculum matches with my interest.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Information and Security, Introduction to Machine Learning
Academic Research interests
I'm currently working in Threat Detection, Vulnerability Analysis using various tools like Metasploit, Nessus etc.
Best place to hang out on campus
I love the John T. Retalliata Center for studying, the MTCC for various activities, along with the BOG in Hermann Hall.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
Gym, Dance, Singing, I’m a member of Illinois Tech’s Fencing Club
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I love eating at the Nutella Cafe for breakfast, then touring downtown Chicago. I especially like spending time along Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the bean sculpture at Grant Park. At lunchtime you can find me at Ramen San located near Michigan Avenue and then visit the shops along State street. I would end the day with a movie at AMC.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Smile always! A smile can go a long way; always try to greet and meet people with a smile. It can be subtle but you should try to do it often and be always aware of your surroundings.
Program Current Enrolled In
MAS Data Science
Hometown
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh,India
Language(s) I speak
English, Telugu, Hindi
Why Illinois Tech?
I chose Illinois Tech due to its reputation. Alumni are regarded as highly prepared and sought out by employers. Additionally the Data Science program gives me the opportunity to work with new and exciting technology in the field of finance and data.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
DPA, Stats, DBO
Academic Research interests
As a graduate student I’ve had the opportunity to conduct an analysis of the Chicago Transit Authority. I’ve looked at ridership trends based on the time of day, and variation throughout the year as well as the impact COVID had on overall ridership.
Best place to hang out on campus
My favorite place on campus is the Bog located in Hermann Hall. It has a bowling alley and is always a great way to reduce stress and spend time with friends.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I enjoy bowling, cricket, chess, and video games. I’m a member of the Bridges and Kaplan organizations at Illinois Tech.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I enjoy walking the lake trail when I’m free. It gives the best views of Lake Michigan and downtown. I also like checking out new restaurants—there are a variety of cuisines to choose from.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Our public transit is good and gets you to any part of the city. Take advantage and explore Chicago but remember to plan your day ahead.
Program Current Enrolled In
Master of Science in Marketing Analytics
Hometown
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Language(s) I speak
English, Hindi
Why Illinois Tech?
I chose Illinois Tech for its prime Chicago location, offering abundant opportunities for cultural immersion and networking. Its renowned STEM programs ensured top-tier education and career prospects in my field.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Analytics for Decision Making, Database Design and SQL, Social Media Marketing Analytics
Academic Research interests
In the Database Design and SQL class, we undertook a highly stimulating project, constructing a database structure from scratch and crafting SQL codes to extract the data.
Best place to hang out on campus
My favorite place on campus is the Keating Sports Center—the pool, courts and gym are perfect to wind down after classes.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I enjoy yoga, reading, and working out. I’m also a volunteer with PAWS Chicago—an animal welfare organization in Chicago.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I'd start with breakfast at the Wildberries near Water Tower Place, then take a walk through the city and head to either Lincoln Park, Oak Street Beach or Adler Planetarium for the iconic Chicago skyline and end the day at the Riverwalk for dinner and drinks!
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Don't overpack or overthink, just go with the flow and be open to the amazing opportunities in this city!
Program Current Enrolled In
MAS in Data Science
Hometown
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Language(s) I speak
English, French, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu
Why Illinois Tech?
I chose Illinois Tech for its Chicago location, offering abundant opportunities for cultural engagement and building professional connections. Illinois Tech’s distinguished STEM programs, its high quality education and its reputation within my chosen field were a significant factor in my decision to attend. Moreover, what truly attracted me to the university was its robust commitment to hands-on learning and research possibilities which aligns with my future career goals.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
CSP 571, SCI 522, SCI 511
Academic Research interests
My current research interests are in the Data Science domain mainly focusing on ML, AI, and NLP.
Best place to hang out on campus
My favorite spot is the Galvin Library, I love the individual study rooms that we have and the calmness really helps me focus. I also love the patio at Kaplan to hang out with my friends. Another constant spot where me and my friends are is the Bog in Hermann Hall.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
Besides working as a Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions, I also serve as a senator on the Student Government Association. I also volunteer as a LinkedIn mentor via our Career Services office. I’m also the graduate student representative for the student council within the College of Computing. Outside of school I enjoy reading, painting, and playing badminton, volleyball, softball, and lacrosse.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
One of my favorite spots is the Winter Garden at the Harold Washington Library Center. The atmosphere is such a good one there and it is super beautiful. Sometimes I bike all across downtown and walk by the river trail. I absolutely love Aurelio's, and it has become my favorite spot for grabbing a good deep-dish pizza.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Keep your heart open! To experiences, to places, to cultures, and most of all, to people. Live these moments to the fullest because you will never get this time back. Welcome to Chicago. Welcome home!
Program Current Enrolled In
MS in Information Technology and Management
Home town
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Language(s) I speak
English, Hindi, Marathi
Why Illinois Tech?
One of the primary reasons I chose Illinois Tech was its exceptional faculty. The professors here are experts in their fields, and their real-world experience and innovative research align perfectly with my interests. I knew that learning from such accomplished professionals would provide me with valuable insights and practical knowledge that I could apply in my future career. The curriculum offered by Illinois Tech is another aspect that drew me in. With a specialization in Data Analytics and Management, I am immersed in advanced courses covering everything from database management and data visualization to machine learning and data mining. This comprehensive approach ensures that I am equipped with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of data analytics. Illinois Tech's location in Chicago, a thriving tech hub, is a huge advantage. It opens up numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and collaboration with industry leaders. Being in such a dynamic environment means I can stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the IT and data analytics industry, giving me a competitive edge in my career.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Data Security, Programming for Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, Advance topics in Database management system.
Academic Research interests
My current research interests encompass the fields of data analytics, data security, and database management systems. I am intrigued by the development of innovative techniques for efficient data analysis, ensuring data privacy through robust security measures, and optimizing database management for enhanced performance and scalability. My focus also extends to exploring the intersection of these areas to address real-world challenges in data-driven decision-making while upholding data integrity and user privacy.
Best place to hang out on campus
My favorite location on the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) campus is the "Innovation Space." This vibrant and multifunctional area embodies the university's dedication to encouraging creativity, collaboration, and innovative thinking. The Innovation Space, in the heart of campus, is a hive of activity where students from diverse disciplines come together to brainstorm, cooperate, and work on creative initiatives. It provides a setting that promotes both focused study and lively interactions. Furthermore, the Innovation Space frequently conducts seminars, guest speakers, and brainstorming sessions, making it a great place to network and learn from industry leaders. By participating in these events, students are exposed to real-world insights and problems, which improves their overall educational experience.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I love dancing! I’m a trained Salsa dancer and am involved in the dance group at Illinois Tech. I am also involved with the International Student Association. There are various clubs that you can join as a graduate student here at the university. Besides dancing, I also enjoy reading books, exploring new places, and meeting new people.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
On a free day from school, you can find me starting my day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes near campus. My favorite breakfast meal is a Chicago-style breakfast that features a deep-dish pizza omelet with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Afterwards, I head over to Millennium Park and enjoy the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean”. If there is a live performance at the nearby Jay Pritzker Pavilion, I would definitely stay to enjoy some music. Afterwards, I would head over to Devon Avenue, also known as "Little India," to indulge in a sumptuous Indian meal. I opt for a mouthwatering thali at one of the local restaurants, savoring a variety of curries, biryanis, and freshly baked naans. With a satisfied appetite, I continue my exploration by strolling along the Magnificent Mile. I window-shop at the upscale boutiques and maybe pick up a souvenir to remember my day in the Windy City. Then I continue my day by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
To thrive at Illinois Tech and to adapt to life in Chicago, it’s essential to embrace diversity and engage with fellow students from various backgrounds. Participating in campus activities and organizations can help you to forge connections and develop new skills. Take the time to explore the city’s cultural and recreational offerings to truly experience the city’s vibrancy. Effective time management will allow you to balance academics, social life, and personal well-being. Start building your professional network early! Embrace Chicago’s winters, practice self-care and maintain an open mind to new experiences. Your journey at Illinois Tech and Chicago is a transformative one- make the most of it by immersing yourself in all that both have to offer.
Program Current Enrolled In
MS in Computer Science
Home town
India
Language(s) I speak
English, Hindi, Telugu
Why Illinois Tech?
I chose Illinois Tech because of its curriculum. The MS in Computer Science program matched my interests. Additionally you can’t beat the location- Chicago!
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Online social network analysis, software engineering, Advanced database organization
Academic Research interests
I’ve had the opportunity to work on a student project for a student assistant application as part of one of my software engineering courses. The app allows students to manage various tasks, appointments, etc.
Best place to hang out on campus
My favorite spots are the MTCC and the Bog.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I enjoy reading and binge watching.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I enjoy spending time at the Chicago Riverwalk, shopping on State Street and enjoying the variety of Indian restaurants found throughout the city.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take every opportunity you get and most importantly have fun!
Program Current Enrolled In
MS in Computer Science
Home town
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Language(s) I speak
English, Hindi, Telugu
Why Illinois Tech?
I chose Illinois Tech for my graduate studies because of its rigorous academic program with a strong focus on real-world application. The university's computer science program is well-respected and offers a variety of specializations. The Master of Science in Computer Science program met my interests and career goals. I was also drawn to Illinois Tech's vibrant and inclusive campus community, where I knew I would be able to make connections with diverse peers and learn from some of the brightest minds in computer science.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Online social Networking analysis, Intro to Algorithms, Software Engineering
Academic Research interests
I’ve developed a robust machine learning model that accurately classified news articles into three categories in an effort to combat the dissemination of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms.
Best place to hang out on campus
My go-to spot on campus is the library. It's a peaceful place to study, read, or just relax. The quiet atmosphere and all the resources available there make it a great place to focus and enjoy some downtime.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I enjoy traveling, sports, music and cooking
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I enjoy going to the beach to watch the sunrise and then grab a cup of coffee while I make my way to take the architecture tour on the Chicago river. Afterwards, I would visit the Willis Tower and the Chicago Sky Deck and take a casual walk on the riverwalk. I would end my day by enjoying some pizza at Giordano’s.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Dive into campus life by joining clubs and connecting with others. In Chicago, explore neighborhoods and try new foods. Step out of your comfort zone for a fulfilling experience.
Program Current Enrolled In
Master’s in Computer Science
Home town
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Language(s) I speak
English, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi
Why Illinois Tech?
Illinois Tech's curriculum and teaching approach align perfectly with my hands-on learning style, offering real-world projects that develop practical skills for industry challenges. The Chicago location, a vibrant tech hub, is enticing for networking, industry connections, conferences, and internships—matching my career goals and tech passion. The program's blend of practical learning, esteemed faculty, diverse community, industry ties, and support solidifies it as my top choice for advanced studies.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Big Data and Technologies
Academic Research interests
My current project is a fitness application that connects users in their neighborhood, generating walking groups based on location, fitness level, and hobbies. The app utilized proximity data to match users and enhance community engagement. Designed and implemented key features such as radius route identification, enabling users to find nearby individuals within a specific range, fostering connections and potential walking companions using various graph algorithms.
Best place to hang out on campus
The best spot to hang out in college is The Bog, it's a stress relief place and we can have some fun and play for a bit and also connect with other students in the college.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
I enjoy reading, cycling, badminton, and traveling.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
My perfect free day in Chicago would start by cycling on the lake shore drive all the way from 31st lake shore beach to Navy Pier and have my brunch at Eggies. Later I would visit one of the museums and spend the time exploring. Later, I head towards the Chicago 360 and would look at the sunset and city welcoming the night and enjoy a drink in the 94th Rooftop. I would end my day by having dinner at the cheesecake factory and enjoy a slice of my favorite cheesecake- red velvet! I would end the day with a drive on Lake Shore Drive before heading home.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
I would suggest students to be prepared for everything and enjoy each and every single moment. Make good connections and have an open and accepting mind.
Program Current Enrolled In
Master of Science in Autonomous Systems and Robotics
Home town
Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Language(s) I speak
English, Idoma
Why Illinois Tech?
I decided to pursue my graduate degree at Illinois Tech because, after carefully considering all available options, I concluded that it was an ideal fit for me. Illinois Tech boasts all the essential resources and a skilled faculty required to nurture students and equip them for a prosperous future. The university is well-equipped with the necessary facilities and experienced educators who are dedicated to bringing out the utmost potential in students and guiding them towards a path of achievement in their careers.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Dynamics, Modern Control Systems
Academic Research interests
The focus of my ongoing research is the creation of a therapeutic massage machine. This endeavor entails applying the knowledge I've accumulated to develop a functional prototype that is both effective and economically viable. We have already constructed an initial prototype and are actively refining the design to address the shortcomings observed, aiming to enhance its functionality substantially.
Best place to hang out on campus
The best spot to hang out is the MTCC. It's a great place to meet new people!
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of:
I enjoy dancing, gaming, movies, and singing. I’m part of Illinois Tech’s Limitless Dance Crew and the Robotics Club.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
On my free days, I usually enjoy a movie at a local theater and then head to Chinatown for a meal.
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Utilize the resources offered by the school to their fullest extent. Forge friendships and consider creating a study group to alleviate the pressure of academic tasks.
Program Current Enrolled In
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Home town
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Language(s) I speak
Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, English, Japanese
Why Illinois Tech?
I decided to pursue my graduate degree at Illinois Tech because I have a strong passion for research. The graduate program offered at Illinois Tech provides a variety of courses and special projects that actually are collaborations with some of the country’s top semiconductor companies. Additionally, the guidance and mentoring you receive places you in contact with alumni and other contacts that allows you to make connections and step into industries you are interested in.
Favorite Illinois Tech course(s) I’ve taken so far
Introduction to VLSI Design, Advanced VLSI Systems Design, Hardware Acceleration for Machine Learning, Computer Organization and Design, High Performance VLSI IC Systems
Academic Research interests
I’m currently a research assistant with Prof. Ken Choi. My current research focuses on working on low power SRAM cells for power optimization using FinFET based Technology Nodes and leakage power optimization strategies at the system and circuit level power optimization using CAD tools and RTL coding.
Best place to hang out on campus
Keating Sport Complex and the library are my favorite places on campus. Keating holds a special place since we have won a lot of games there! The library is the best place to go for a quiet and peaceful stop to study and get my projects completed.
Hobbies and interests, Organizations I’m a member of
Volleyball is my hobby and I play on the college team. Which helps me to put all my stress into a mind game and gives me some energy and freshness for the next end of the day in an active mode. I like to be involved in extracurricular activities at college events where I do food service help which gives me more happiness and satisfaction with talking to people and making them joyful throughout the time. I am also a member of IEEE, and board treasurer for the ETA Kappa Nu Delta Chapter.
What I like to do in Chicago during my free time
I enjoy visiting Six Flags Great America, a local amusement park in the Chicago area. I also enjoy eating at Portillos- they have the best chocolate cake shake!
My words of wisdom about studying at Illinois Tech/living in Chicago
Everyone can enjoy and expand their mindset once you reach Chicago. Chicago has a lot of spaces to explore and create memories at. There is no place like Illinois Tech!