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Vipul Chaturvedi
Graduate Student
Chemical Engineering & Material Science
University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, USA

The work ethics, communication, and leadership skills I learned from him gave me a unique advantage as a Ph.D. candidate

I first met Prof. Nangia during my sophomore year at IIT Roorkee 7 years ago and I have been fortunate to have Prof. Nangia as my mentor since then. He has constantly guided me in my pursuit of an academic career and his teachings have shaped the very person I am today. Even though I was a science major, his thoughts and views have been instrumental in my professional and interpersonal development. I learned a wide range of interpersonal skills from him ranging from writing effective emails to delivering influential talks. During my undergraduate years, he constantly encouraged me to gain exposure to the research world, supporting my applications for foreign internships that led me to develop a deeper sense of scientific research. He has been a pillar of strength for me during times of personal crises and he has been supportive of me not just as a mentor but also as a friend. I realized the true value of his teachings once I graduated from IIT Roorkee and started my graduate studies in US. The work ethics, communication, and leadership skills I learned from him gave me a unique advantage as a Ph.D. candidate. Prof. Nangia’s vast experience in corporate, government, and academic sectors combined with his candid and humble personality has helped me to develop a holistic view of life. He continues to inspire me to become a better student, researcher, and person and I hope to someday give back to society like he has by mentoring so many students. “Sir, if I could be half as happy at your age as you are today, I will think of myself as a successful person.” This is the toast I gave during his retirement event at IIT Roorkee and I still stand by these words.