Shivani Sunkireddy | Materials Science and Engineering

“The MSE department has so many professors willing to give students opportunities in their research groups and closely assist them because of how tightly knit the department is.” –Shivani Sunkireddy  

Materials science and engineering major Shivani Sunkireddy has gained research experience by working with MSE Professor Ashutosh Goel in the department’s Corning Lab on bio-active glass research since 2022 and has studied the dissolution kinetics of antimicrobial glasses for her senior lab project. She has been active on campus, serving as a School of Engineering student ambassador and holding leadership roles in the Material Advantage club and the school’s Engineers Without Borders chapter. 

Why Rutgers? 

I chose Rutgers for its engineering program. I loved that we are an R1 research school and that there are so many academic opportunities and extracurricular activities in the school. Through SoE, I was able to join the Goel Lab group – and join wonderful clubs like Material Advantage and Engineers Without Borders. 

What do you like best about your MSE major? 

My research group, which was one of the best opportunities given to me, as well as my involvement with the department itself. I like that the MSE department has so many professors willing to give students opportunities in their research groups and closely assist them because of how tightly knit the department is. So many of us were able to learn and grow so much because of how hands-on we could be in synthesizing and characterizing materials. 

Do you have a favorite professor? 

My favorite professor is my research professor, Ashutosh Goel. I truly believe he pushes all his students to do their best and take advantage of the opportunities in the lab. He wants us all to succeed.  

What surprised you the most about Rutgers Engineering? 

What surprised me was how easy it was to make a big school feel like a small school. I’ve loved how much I was able to be involved in both academia and extracurriculars. 

What were your extracurricular leadership roles? 

I was previously the Engineers Without Borders treasurer and Project Guatemala co-lead. I handled finances over $110,000, fundraised through food services, tabled events, and social media that contributed to the construction of two classrooms for children in Guatemala.  

I’m also the president of Material Advantage, where I host weekly club meetings, manage its industry company tours, plan events and documentation for national conference preparation, and have developed outreach practices to increase materials science awareness. 

Have you had any internships? 

This past summer, I was an optical fiber engineering intern at Corning Incorporated. I worked alongside the product and process development teams to conduct experiments on current manufacturing technology to explore the most efficient method for future product capacity expansion.  

What will you miss most about SoE? 

I’ll miss the MSE department overall and am grateful for the research opportunities, the industry networking opportunities, and the conference I attended, which all helped me develop professionally so much.  

What are your post-graduate plans? 

I’m moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in June and will be working as a field engineer for Corning Incorporated. 

Do you have any advice for new students? 

I would tell all SoE students to take advantage of their opportunities, network in research or industry, and find their own niche. 

What three words best describe your SoE experience? 

Versatile. Efficient. Enjoyable.