Vishnu Mallapragada (expects to obtain Ph.D. in August 2008)

Research area: Medical robotics and robotic rehabilitation. I am working to develop robotic devices that can help aged and disabled people during therapy sessions. I am also working on ultrasound imaging technology that can guide needle insertion during breast tumor biopsies to increase precision and decrease pain and tissue damage.

Undergraduate degree from: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

Outside interests/activities: Golf, hiking, crossword puzzles, non-fiction

Why Vanderbilt: The doctoral program in Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt allowed me to get into research quickly without having to do a lot of coursework. The department also has excellent research facilities and top-notch faculty. My research interests meshed well with the research being done in the department.

Likes best about Vanderbilt Engineering: The School is a great community of students and faculty. It offers a very good graduate program that includes research opportunities in diverse fields. Also there is a lot of interaction between various departments and research groups, which fosters a stimulating, creative atmosphere.