Raj Pravinbhai Bhakta, an alumni of The University of Texas-Austin, completed his undergrad with a B.S. in Physics, with a concentration in Radiation Physics, Nuclear Engineering, and Philosophy of Physics. He is currently a first-year graduate student at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. At NCSU, he is in Nuclear Engineering but is actively trying to switch to Materials Science and Engineering. This change reflects his interest in research. After he graduates, he wants to pursue a career in technology entrepreneurship because start-ups really excite him and that’s where he believes his skill-set and interests overlap. He hopes to launch a high-tech start-up after he graduates or works at one. He says, "Start-ups are very much like running a competitive dance team; as you’re constantly trying to fundraise, try new dance concepts (R&D), and polish your dance routine (product), so that it appeals to the judges and audience (market), while meeting like-minded people and being a part of a small-knit and innovative community."
Rutgers University’s incredible fusion dance team, Ehsaas, was co-founded by Suchi Gulati and Chandni Patel towards the end of Spring 2009. They started performing on campus the following fall and finally started competing on the collegiate level in 2011. The reasons why they are so successful are because of their dedication and their ability to problem solve given any issue.
Gautamraj Murali, also known as Gautam and G-tam, is currently a graduate student at Purdue University. He has a masters degree in Industrial Engineering and chose this field because he was involved with supply chain managements, procurements, risk managements, and logistical work during his tenure as a quality engineer. His interest in process optimization and operations research also guided him towards that profession. After he graduates, he plans on entering the corporate world to pursue a career in managerial consulting or supply chain management. He also enjoys traveling, so any job that allows for that to happen would be ideal.
Cal Bhangra, established in 2009, was formed to promote awareness of the Punjabi culture at the University of California, Berkeley. They compete year-round in hopes of spreading Cal pride to all areas of the United States and aim to teach all audiences the art of Bhangra, so their passion can spread and their legacy can carry on.
Elliot YJ You, a senior at North Carolina State University, is an Arts Studies major with a concentration in music. He chose this path because he is passionate for music and felt that it would be something that he would thoroughly enjoy. After he graduates, he plans on moving to North Hollywood, California to pursue a career in dance. His goal is to get signed, by an agency, and work in the professional dance industry. One day he dreams to dance on tour, with artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce, and travel the world to teach dance workshops.
