Jenessa Lu
I’m a first year M. Eng. Cybersecurity student. I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Western University in Canada, and spent over a year interning at TC Energy, where I worked in data engineering and data science.
My academic interests lie in the applications of cybersecurity in machine learning systems, particularly in building resilient and robust models that can withstand adversarial attacks. Outside of academics, you can either find me scaling up a mountain with friends or cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea (unfortunately, I’m not a coffee person), or wandering around campus catching Pokémon on Pokemon GO.
I joined the Student Advisory Board because I care about building community and ensuring student voices are heard. Having worked in virtual and in-person settings, I know how important it is to feel safe and included, especially for those who are far away from their support systems. I hope to contribute by supporting initiatives that foster collaboration across different engineering programs, and helping create spaces where students can build meaningful connections of their own.
Shreya Menti
I’m super excited to be joining Duke’s Meng AI program this Fall 2025. I completed my undergrad in Electronics and Communication Engineering from India, and before coming here, I spent two years as a DevOps Engineer at AssetMantle, a cool blockchain startup. I’m keen to get involved in projects that push the boundaries of AI applications and collaborate with brilliant minds and the vibrant tech community here.
When I’m not diving into AI concepts, you can usually find me out on my motorbike, exploring new spots while traveling, or capturing moments through my photography.
I joined the board because I’m all about connecting with people and contributing to our community here making our time at Duke even more awesome! I’m super excited to team up with my fellow board members to brainstorm fun events and initiatives that bring us all closer, spark new friendships, and make our campus community feel like one big, happy family. Let’s make some great memories together!
Clare Meyer
I’m from Houston, Texas, and I am a second-year Master of Engineering student in Video Game Development, Design, and Innovation. Before attending Duke, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where I studied Arts & Entertainment Technologies and Dance. I love using video game technology to tell meaningful stories, create immersive 3D worlds, and build experiences that bring people together. My goal is to apply real-time 3D game technology to product visualization and building interactive digital twins that help solve problems.
I love serving as a member of SAB because I get to build community, serve as communication between school and leadership, and make sure students feel valued and heard. I’m so excited to contribute to our SAB this year, and please don’t hesitate to reach out!!
Steven Nuzzolo
Steven is in his first semester at Duke University, pursuing a Master of Science in biomedical engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with majors in chemistry and neuroscience, graduating in the first cohort of the pharmaceutical sciences minor program. His research at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has spanned three divisions, focusing on drug development, drug delivery, and pharmaceutical outcomes and policy, with additional interests in chemical approaches for biomaterials and biomolecular synthesis. He is also interested in the intersection of law and the biosciences, including intellectual property, patent development, and venture capital in the life sciences and biotechnology. Steven joined the Engineering Master’s Programs Student Advisory Board to broaden his graduate experience at Duke by connecting with students from other engineering disciplines.
Saundarya Pathak
I am an incoming Master’s in Engineering Management student at Duke University, beginning Fall 2025. My journey began at SRM University in Chennai, India, where I graduated in 2021 with a Computer Science Engineering degree. After a brief stint at Dell Technologies right after college, I joined Amazon Web Services as a Business Intelligence Engineer, diving deep into the world of data analytics and visualizations.
College life taught me that the best memories come from the connections we make along the way. I was actively involved in organizing social events and fundraisers, teaching kids at local NGOs, competing in table tennis tournaments, e-sports competitions and coordinating tech fests. Each of these experiences showed me how much richer life becomes when we step outside our comfort zones and engage with our community.
Moving to a new country has been both exciting and challenging. I know firsthand what it feels like to miss home, to navigate unfamiliar systems, and to search for that sense of belonging. That’s exactly why I’m passionate about creating spaces at Duke where every student, especially those far from home, can find their home away from home and feel genuinely welcomed.
I joined the board because I believe in showing up for people. My philosophy is simple: we’re all learning and growing together, and I want to be that person who helps make Duke feel a little more like home for everyone.
Pranav Gopal Singh Thakur
I’m a graduate student in the Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) at Duke University, starting Fall 2025. I completed my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology, India, where I focused on structural mechanics, aerospace systems, and materials innovation.
My professional and academic journey includes working with research teams on aerospace payload mechanisms—such as vibration-dampening systems and parallel manipulators that were on board on the sounding rockets launched at the Spaceport America Cup 2022, 2023. I have completed internships at DRDO and BCT Group, where I engaged in satellite propulsion testing and precision CNC manufacturing. These experiences provided me with a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a passion for applying engineering to address real-world challenges.
At Duke, I’m eager to contribute to the dynamic community within the Pratt School of Engineering by engaging in cross-departmental initiatives focused on sustainability, robotics, and smart materials. I also look forward to participating in student-led innovation projects and collaborative research across disciplines.
Joining the Pratt Student Advisory Board (SAB) allows me to give back to the Duke community by serving as a bridge between students and leadership. I hope to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive environment for graduate students, especially those transitioning from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. My focus areas include improving onboarding for incoming students, enhancing peer mentorship structures, and ensuring that student voices are heard in shaping both academic and community life.
I’m honored to be part of a board that actively works to elevate the student experience across all engineering programs, and I look forward to contributing to the development of a collaborative, innovative, and globally aware Pratt community.
Anna Tu
I’m in my first semester pursuing a Master’s in Financial Technology. I did my undergrad in Economics and Mathematics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and also spent a wonderful exchange year at the University of Virginia.
Outside of academics, I love writing and watching TV series (Fleabag is my favorite!). I also enjoy hiking, even if I’m not the best at it.
Being new to Duke, I’m excited to dive into southern life and meet new people. I joined the board to help make sure ideas don’t go unheard and to bring community a little closer.
Alok Raipure
I am an incoming graduate student in the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at Duke University with a background in product strategy, innovation, and cross-functional leadership. Over the past two years, I have worked as a Product Owner in the automotive industry, where I led the development of seating systems for global OEMs including BMW, Rivian, and Yanfeng. My work focused on translating customer needs into technical requirements, managing product backlogs, and driving collaboration between engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to deliver high-quality solutions on time.
My professional background lies in product lifecycle ownership – concept development, stakeholder engagement and production implementation. I bring experience navigating complex program timelines while balancing quality, cost, and feasibility. These experiences have shaped my analytical thinking and customer-first approach to product management.
At Duke, I am excited to engage with the MEM community to explore opportunities in product and program management across the technology and mobility sectors. I’m particularly drawn to experiential courses, entrepreneurship initiatives, and collaborative innovation challenges.
My motivation for joining the board from a desire to represent and support my peers while helping enhance student engagement. I also want to help fellow international and engineering students navigate opportunities—both academic and professional—at Duke. Through this platform, I hope to create impact, share ideas, and be a voice for my community.
Shreyash Singh |
I am currently pursuing a Master of Engineering Management at Duke University, with a focus on product management, data analytics, and sustainable operations. My academic journey is backed by a degree in mechanical engineering, and I bring over four years of professional experience across the automotive and energy sectors, having worked with industry leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Adani Total Gas. In these roles, I managed large-scale sourcing and product development projects, specializing in cost optimization, supply chain strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.
At Duke, I serve as a Teaching Assistant in the Mechanical Engineering department. I recently worked on an interdisciplinary project to develop an at-home breast cancer screening device in collaboration with the Biomedical Engineering department and P&G. I’m also interning with Schneider Electric as an Product Intern, gaining hands-on experience in energy management and sustainable technology solutions.
Joining the Engineering Master’s Programs Student Advisory Board is a way for me to give back to the Duke community. I want to advocate for a collaborative, inclusive, and globally engaged student experience. My goal is to represent the voice of engineering management students, contribute to the planning of professional and cultural events, and support initiatives that enhance student well-being and academic success.
Through this role, I also hope to grow as a leader, expand my professional network, and contribute to shaping a community that celebrates diversity, innovation, and purpose-driven careers.
Ximan Zhang
Program and Year: M.S. MEMS program, 1st year, class of 2025
Background: currently pursuing MS degree in robotics
Interests and Involvement: animal welfare, hiking, DukeCEO
Goals/Reason for Joining the Board: I think this is a good opportunity to realize my own value.
