Akshay Rao, a recent mechanical engineering graduate, is continuing his research work as a master’s student at Purdue. Akshay’s research is developing high-efficiency water technology on Earth and resource acquisition on other planets. Akshay says that he “began working on theoretical foundations as an undergraduate researcher participating in the OUR Scholars program and hope to continue in this research area through a PhD.”

“The funding and professional development resources from OUR-supported programs helped me realize what I want to do with my career, coached me through the graduate application process, and set me up for a smooth transition into graduate school.”

Akshay Rao

Akshay says that the OUR, ‘”sets undergraduates up to be successful and fosters a strong, research-focused culture at Purdue!”