This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read our other stories.
Four international students who study four different disciplines share their professional goals, aspirations and how they are building the foundations of their careers at Rowan University. Today we hear from:
Pavan Goud Juluri, a graduate student from Hanamkonda, India in the master of science pharmaceutical science program
Dikeshkumar Kanani, a graduate student from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in the master of science mechanical engineering program
Evangeline Li, a graduate student from Beijing, China, continuing her studies at Rowan University with a master’s in business administration, after earning a bachelor’s degree here
Guruprasanth, a graduate student from Tirupati, AP, India in the master of science in electrical and computer engineering program
Are you involved in internships, clubs, networking, etc. here at Rowan? If so, please share what they are and how they support your goals.
Pavan Goud Juluri, pharmaceutical sciences: “I am a research fellow under Dr. Subash Jonnalagadda (Department head and Professor Chemistry and Biochemistry). My research was based on synthesis and development of cancer analogues for triple negative breast cancer. I enjoy and learn definitive things that help in improving my knowledge, project handling techniques which are very important in research and development. I also work as an intern under Dr. Omar Tliba (Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies – Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University). Here I work with the ongoing mechanism of actions in airway smooth muscles. This helps me in getting a grasp of how the receptors function and their pharmacology which plays a vital role in developing a drug mechanism. By these both I had the opportunity to synthesize and understand the action of the drug. I also got to know great connections that helps in reaching my future goals. Apart from the professional side I did as a fundraiser for International Club E-Board. It was fun meeting more international students and connecting with them while conducting games, quizzes etc.”
Evangeline Li, business administration: “As an international student who earned a bachelor’s degree at Rowan University and continued my education in the same institution, I love getting involved on campus. I was one of the e-board members of the International Club, worked part-time for Leadership Rowan, and served as an Orientation Leader. The friends and connections I made throughout the years made me believe that coming to Rowan was the right decision. Currently, I am a second-year graduate coordinator for Rowan After Hours (RAH) & Special Events in the Department of Student Center & Campus Activities. This assistantship position provided me with various experiences including planning, organizing, and executing weekly late-night events for students. It not only enhanced critical working skills such as internal and external communication, decision-making, staff management, and risk management but also allowed me to better understand why Rowan has such a great sense of community. It is definitely a competitive position that trained me to have all these transferrable skills that can apply to become a reliable and successful business leader.”
What Rowan professors or Rowan classes have been most helpful and enlightening to you, and how?
Pavan Goud Juluri, pharmaceutical sciences: “Kandalam Ramanujachary (Professor Chemistry/Biochemistry & Research) taught Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. It had a different mode of correspondence with all other chemistry. Before joining the class, it was like another simple chemistry which i already studied in my bachelor’s but after the class more doors have opened in accordance with understanding not only inorganic chemistry but also organic and medicinal chemistry. This changed the way I go through things in my work.”
How will this degree support your dreams and goals?
Guruprasanth, electrical and computer engineering: “Earning my degree, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, will provide me with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in chip design, while the insights gained from Professor Mark Roman’s Advanced Cybersecurity class will also equip me to address critical security considerations in modern chip design and technology, supporting my aspirations for innovative and secure advancements in the field.”
Dikeshkumar Kanani, mechanical engineering: “In order to succeed in my chosen field and meaningfully contribute to my dreams and goals, whether they involve advancing in my career, carrying out ground-breaking research, or having a positive impact on society through engineering solutions, my Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering has given me the skills, knowledge, and personal growth necessary.”
Could you share your thoughts on the international student community here at Rowan? Were you able to connect with people from home? Meet new friends? How?
Pavan Goud Juluri, pharmaceutical sciences: “The international community at Rowan University is nothing but home. I have connected with many people from home and had a subtle change in foreign environment.”
Evangeline Li, business administration: “When I first started here, unlike nowadays, the international student population was very small back then. However, I was provided with contact information of students who are from the same country and understand the challenges. I personally love to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people, so I took the initiative to get involved on campus by joining student clubs and seeking out part-time employment opportunities. This made me feel more connected to the campus as a whole, and I made amazing friends along the way.”
What is your long-term professional goal or dream career?
Guruprasanth, electrical and computer engineering: “My dream career is to excel as a chip designer”
Dikeshkumar Kanani, mechanical engineering: “Being successful in the mechanical engineering field. I want to achieve goals in designing as well as the manufacturing area.”
Why did you choose Rowan?
Guruprasanth, electrical and computer engineering: “I choose Rowan because of its renowned Electrical and Computer Engineering program, the faculty’s expertise, and the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment that aligns with my academic and career goals.”
Dikeshkumar Kanani, mechanical engineering: “Graduate students at Rowan have the opportunity to participate in worthwhile research projects in a rapidly expanding research environment. Examine the university’s placement rates for jobs and career services. To help with internships, job searches, and career advancement, Rowan provides a dedicated Career Advancement Center. There are several academic programs available at Rowan University in a variety of subject areas, with a heavy emphasis on engineering.”
Evangeline Li, business administration: “Rowan is one of the fastest-growing institutions in the country. The new business building just finished when I first started, so the learning environment is absolutely amazing. The class ratio is also a great advantage for me since it allows students to better focus on the lecture with a smaller class size. I can easily initiate a conversation with my professors for any questions that I have. Most importantly, I stayed at Rowan because of the strong sense of community and the student-centered services that made me feel important.”
Written by: Jordyn Dauter, junior double major in dance and elementary education