Siddhardha Nanda

PI : Paul Sajda * Designed and executed controlled experiments comparing collaborative vs. non-collaborative AI teammates in a hide-and-seek task. * Collected synchronized eye-tracking (250 Hz) and behavioral data across multiple trial blocks. * Extracted gaze-based features (fixation allocation, gaze transitions, pupil dilation, path similarity) to analyze trust, coordination, and performance. * Evaluated outcomes using success rate, time-to-completion, and participant trust ratings. * Contributed to analysis framing for implicit human feedback and RLHF-oriented research.

PI: Andrew F. Laine Engaged in multidisciplinary research in biomedical image analysis, with ongoing exposure to projects spanning pulmonary, cardiac, pancreatic, and systemic disease applications. Gaining experience with NIH-funded studies on CT-based adaptive quantification and subtyping of pulmonary emphysema, involving unsupervised learning methods for lung texture pattern analysis in COPD characterization. Participating in discussions on advanced cardiac imaging, exploring machine and deep learning models for early detection and phenotypic classification of AL amyloidosis from cardiac MRI data. Observing early-phase work on pancreatic cancer imaging, including murine-model trials aimed at developing automated tumor detection and segmentation pipelines.

1 among the 31 nominated students. (Spring 2026 PDL Cohort) the PDL Team invites students who would be excited about continuing with an expanded set of PDL offerings to join a small community of MS students who exhibit the spirit and characteristics of Professional Development and Leadership as PDL Fellows. The Program aims to provide this group with more experiential education in PDL topics. We hope this program will support our great students to excel! The goal of the PDL Fellows is to further enhance your educational and professional experience through hands-on experience with our professors and staff.

PI: Elizabeth Olson Implantable microphone With colleagues from Mass Eye and Ear, MIT, and Columbia, the Fowler lab is developing an implantable microphone with the goal of integrating it into a totally implantable cochlear implant, eliminating the need for an external component. Sensor design This microphone contacts the umbo, the portion of the manubrium (arm) of the malleus which vibrates along with the tympanic membrane. Benefits to this design include natural amplification from the ear canal. The microphone is a sensor with dual layers of PVDF, a piezoelectric material, coupled to titanium electrodes. Future studies Future steps include conducting a live study using sheep as a large animal model. In addition, the lab is developing a fixation device to stabilize the microphone in the middle ear.

Observed interventional radiology procedures and gained exposure to patient care, imaging techniques, and procedural workflows. Learned from attending physicians and residents about clinical decision-making and the integration of medical technology in patient treatment.

semifinalist of Nucleate’s 2025-2026 Activator program

Assisted the instructor in delivering lectures, labs, and course material for Security I. Graded assignments, quizzes, and exams while providing constructive feedback to students. Held office hours and supported students in understanding core concepts of cybersecurity, cryptography, and security protocols. Collaborated with the teaching team to improve course structure and learning materials.

Represented the student body as the only senior student member on the university-level Anti-Ragging Committee, collaborating closely with the Dean of Campus Life, police officials, parent and media representatives, and administrative heads. Coordinated anti-ragging awareness efforts during orientation, reaching hundreds of new students to reinforce GITAM's zero-tolerance policy. Liaised with committee members to monitor compliance with UGC anti-ragging regulations and escalate concerns through proper channels. Amplified student voices in policy discussions, ensuring perspectives were reflected in measures to uphold campus safety and well-being.

Advised 200+ peers on alternative career paths, including UPSC, higher studies in India, and Master's programs abroad, beyond traditional campus placements. Organized 3+ on-campus career fairs and workshops with national and international university representatives to provide guidance on academic and professional opportunities. Assisted students in preparing applications, refining CVs, and strategizing career plans for diverse academic and professional paths. Collaborated with the Career Guidance Center to develop programs enhancing student employability, skill development, and informed decision-making.

Appointed to the Equal Opportunity Cell by the competent authority to provide guidance and counseling on academic, financial, social, and other matters, enhancing diversity within the university. Collaborated with senior administrators and faculty to implement policies promoting equal opportunities and inclusivity across all campuses. Supported marginalized and underrepresented groups by facilitating access to resources, scholarships, and support services.

Nominated for the flagship student leadership development program organized by the Career Guidance Centre. Recognized as part of a select cohort of students identified for leadership potential.

• Oversaw the operations and guided the processes of the robotics society at IEEE Student Branch GITAM.

Led planning and execution of 15+ student engagement programs, workshops, and cultural events, reaching over 1,000 students across campus. Coordinated with the Student Life Officer, directors, and committee heads to ensure effective program management and project control for all student initiatives. Facilitated peer mentoring, skill development sessions, and leadership activities to enhance student engagement and campus life experience. Supervised records, event documentation, and reporting to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with CYSEC objectives.

Managed 50+ student programs, workshops, and seminars, engaging 1,000+ students and enhancing campus participation and leadership development. Facilitated issue resolution between students and administration, ensuring student concerns were addressed effectively and campus initiatives ran smoothly. Organized peer mentoring and skill development sessions to strengthen student engagement, community building, and professional growth. Supported strategic program management and development initiatives in collaboration with the Student Life Officer to improve overall student welfare.

Planned and executed 15+ student engagement programs, workshops, and cultural events, reaching 1,000+ students across campus. Collaborated with the Student Life Officer, directors, and committee heads to ensure effective program management and project control. Facilitated peer mentoring, skill development sessions, and leadership initiatives to enhance student engagement and campus life. Supervised documentation, reporting, and tracking of events to maintain transparency and support strategic decision-making.

Led 20+ club events, managing 30+ board members across seven service avenues and coordinating with district and partner clubs to ensure effective program management. Supervised project execution and maintained proper records management and record keeping, applying strong project control to ensure timely and successful completion of initiatives. Coordinated with directors, committee heads, and executive members to track progress, provide support, and optimize team performance. Acted as President in their absence, ensuring operational continuity and alignment of club programs with overall goals.

Managed club communications with members, Rotary sponsors, external agencies, and other Rotaract clubs, ensuring smooth information flow and visibility. Maintained detailed records, meeting minutes, and documentation for all board and club activities to support transparency and reporting. Supervised project execution across multiple service avenues, ensuring proper planning, execution, and alignment with club goals. Coordinated with Presidents, Vice Presidents, and committee heads to track progress, provide support, and ensure timely completion of events and initiatives. Oversaw content creation, public relations, and recruitment processes, including PR material circulation and onboarding of capable members. Facilitated student engagement, event planning, and administrative operations, supporting leadership and operational continuity within the club.

Maintained discipline and ensured adherence to the club's code of conduct during meetings, events, and official ceremonies. Assisted the President during official meetings and ceremonies to guarantee smooth operations and protocol compliance. Oversaw collection of fines and enforced disciplinary actions when rules were violated. Conducted and announced meetings according to the club schedule, ensuring active member participation. Coordinated with board members to track attendance and engagement, leveraging calls and messages for follow-ups. Reported disciplinary concerns to the President and Executive Body to support governance and operational integrity.

Appointed as one of 4 Coursera Campus Ambassadors at GITAM Visakhapatnam under Strategic Initiatives, representing student leadership in strategic planning and digital learning management. Co-founded the Pioneer Club with ambassadors from Bengaluru and Hyderabad campuses to drive peer engagement, skill development, and online course adoption. Organized awareness sessions, workshops, and mentorship for 500+ students to integrate Coursera professional courses into academic and career growth plans. Collaborated with Strategic Initiatives leadership and cross-campus student ambassadors to implement development initiatives and enhance campus-wide skill development.

Credits Earned: 185 ΣC = 161 Honors & Distinctions : - Graduated with Summa Cum Laude - Department Rank(EECE): 4th | Institute Rank: 37th out of all B.Tech programs on campus Relevant Coursework: * Digital Signal Processing • Wireless Communications • VLSI Design * Microprocessors & Microcontrollers • Antenna Analysis & Design • Control Systems