Saroj Khanal

Saroj Khanal MS ‘19 Hometown: Hetauda, Nepal Current Job: Graduate III - Electrical Engineering, US Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory MS Program: Electrical Engineering

Why did you choose UTC CECS?

The main reason for choosing UTC CECS was its close collaboration with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and, of course, the power systems focused research, which I rarely find these days in U.S. universities. I came for my Master's from Nepal, the country of the Himalayas, where we have abundant hydropower resources. TVA's hydropower infrastructures and its footprint have always fascinated me. While browsing UTC CECS website, I saw power system labs funded by TVA, adjunct faculties from TVA, and of course, well-established professors, which attracted me to apply to UTC CECS. Last but not the least, the generous graduate assistantship I got helped me come to UTC CECS without any second thought.

What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?

I aspire to be an energy analyst. The wide array of coursework and research experiences that I had during my M.S. helped me get an internship at U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory at Golden, Colorado. My internship helped me broaden my perspectives, knowledge, and skills in the field of energy systems that are fundamentals to being an energy analyst.

What have you liked about the MS program?

I really liked the one-to-one guidance that UTC CECS provided me, be it in classrooms or in the labs. 

What opportunities have you had during your degree to gain other skills?

I got multiple opportunities at UTC CECS. First, I got the graduate assistantship to support my education; so, I had an opportunity to be a teaching assistant in multiple labs. In the final year of my M.S., I got a research assistantship which helped me reinforce my coursework experiences and shape them into solid research works. Finally, I got an opportunity to do my internship at a national lab.

Have you had support from CECS faculty/staff?

CECS faculty/staff have always made me forget several thousands miles of distance from my home. I would like to first remember Dr. Raga Ahmed who has always been a source of continuous help. She helped me from the very first day I came to UTC till the last day of my thesis defense. She always gave me great advice on courses, careers, and other administrative works. Second, Dr. Vahid R. Disfani was kind enough to support me through his research grants. He inspired me into the research as my graduate advisor, thesis advisor, and research advisor. In addition, excellent instructors like Mr. Gary Kobet, from TVA, and Dr. Abdelrahman Karrar were sources of great knowledge for me.

How has the program helped you?

Basically, the rigorous courses and research experiences unlocked many avenues of my future interests.

What has been the best part of your experience?  

Studying, collaborating with students, faculties from all over the world were all the best part of my experience.  
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