Anand Ramesh, Ph.D. ME 2002, chief technology officer of Verrus, a hyperscale datacenter provider, looks back on his years at Tech as “a magical time.” He also credits the graduate education he received here with launching him on a successful and rewarding career. “I owe a lot to Georgia Tech,” he said. “Tech opened doors for me I didn’t even know existed.” Ramesh’s gratitude toward his alma mater has inspired his generous support of graduate students in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

Ramesh wants to offer “some measure of financial security to these amazing young people, to free their energies for problem-solving and innovation.” This is particularly important in helping to enable the exciting research and professional development of students whose families may be far away or otherwise unable to offer the financial and emotional assistance crucial to success.

Mechanical engineering Ph.D. student Sai Kuchibhatla came to Tech from India. He was drawn by Tech’s prestige, especially in his field of acoustics and dynamics. Fellowship support has enabled him to focus on his research into wave propagations and vibrations without the added worry about tuition and living expenses. “I am grateful to my advisor and the Woodruff School for ensuring such uninterrupted support,” Kuchibhatla said, and for fostering “an environment conducive to professional growth and personal fulfillment.”

Sara Bitarafan, a graduate student studying biometrics and the brain, shares Kuchibhatla’s appreciation for the tight-knit Woodruff community. Bitarafan said the fellowship support she receives allows her “to focus that mental energy on something productive.” 

She works at the intersection of engineering, mathematics, and biology to understand the complexities of neural systems and improve treatment for people with Alzheimer’s.

Prathik Gunreddy specializes in the study of noise, vibration, and harshness reduction in electric cars. Gunreddy came to Georgia Tech specifically because of its commitment to advancing technology in the field of electric vehicles. For him and other graduate students, fellowship support means not having to “rely on our families back in a different county for living expenses and tuition.” He said that alleviating these financial burdens allows him to concentrate on his research, which includes advancing EcoCAR technology.

Endowed fellowships such as these help strengthen what Devesh Ranjan, the Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. Chair in the Woodruff School, identified as the School’s “commitment to supporting students across three key areas — access, success, and academic well-being.” And that support helps Georgia Tech develop the kind of innovators who advance technology and improve the human condition.

“The role that graduate schools play in training the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers cannot be overstated,” Ramesh said. “I want to emphasize how grateful I am to Georgia Tech and the Woodruff School.”

To make a gift or commitment to the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, contact Senior Director of Development Jaimie Hayes at jaimie.hayes@me.gatech.edu.