From a young age in Pune, India, Aniruddha Kulkarni approached life as a puzzle waiting to be solved, a curiosity sparked by the endless possibilities he saw within the realm of computers. This fascination led him to pursue a degree in computer engineering, but it was the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence that truly captured his imagination, prompting the decision to pursue a master’s degree. Drawn to NC State’s strong machine intelligence program, Aniruddha found himself on a journey that, in a serendipitous twist of fate, seemed destined by a childhood poster of a wolf. Now immersed in the “Think and Do” culture of NC State, his research interests lie in the innovative intersection of natural language processing, AI in autonomous systems, and the creation of intelligent supply chains, all fueled by a desire to build sustainable, high-impact solutions.
Tell us about your journey to graduate school and what led you to NC State.
I’ve always approached life with a problem-solving mindset, tackling challenges step by step. My curiosity about how things work grew when I first discovered what a computer could do. Even as a child, though my thoughts were limited by my understanding, I knew that computers and the technologies they could help create had the potential to solve real-world problems. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in computer engineering with an undergraduate degree at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology in Pune, India. There, I not only learned how computers work but also realized the limitless possibilities they offer. While I initially planned to pursue a career in software engineering after my undergrad, I saw Artificial Intelligence creeping into nearly every field. I could see its potential, and even in its nascent stages, I knew it would bring significant change. That’s when I decided to extend my education with a master’s degree. I found the program at NC State particularly appealing due to its strong focus on Machine Intelligence, and I felt it was the right place for me. But, if you ask me why I chose NC State, I’ll tell you it was the poster of a wolf that I had on my door back home—it turns out it was meant to be.
Tell us about your research and/or teaching experience.
As a master’s student in a non-thesis track, I haven’t had formal teaching experience, but my focus has always been on research and development. I’m passionate about creating projects and products that push boundaries, particularly in sustainability and innovation, using tools like Machine Learning and Algorithms. My research interests are centered around Natural Language Processing (NLP), the role of AI in autonomous systems, and developing data pipelines to help organizations build intelligent, self-correcting supply chains. I firmly believe in NC State’s “Think and Do” mentality, so I always have a project in the pipeline. I aim to create high-value, low-cost products that foster sustainability, constantly pushing the envelope in the genres of research and application.
How has the Graduate School and/or NC State helped you with your professional development?
Since arriving in the U.S., I’ve kept a close eye on professional development opportunities, knowing they would help me prepare for a successful career. NC State’s graduate school programs, such as A2i’s Job Search Strategies, Immersion Week, and the Career Readiness Programs, have been instrumental in preparing me for the corporate world. They provided valuable insights into what to expect in the workplace and tips on how to make the most of the experience.
Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of serving as both a Graduate Student Representative to the Indian Students at State and as Chair of the Teaching Effectiveness Committee with the Graduate Student Association (GSA). My role as chair allowed me to build meaningful connections and gain firsthand experience organizing events and meetups while receiving the graduate school’s support. These experiences have strengthened my professional skills and broadened my network.
What advice do you have for new or current graduate students?
Over the past year, I’ve been asked this question many times, and the answer is always the same: “Don’t ever give up.” This advice comes from my own experience searching for an internship. I felt optimistic after receiving my first interview, but a subsequent rejection made me question everything. There were times I considered quitting my search entirely. Looking back, I realize that had I persisted, I would have likely secured another interview or even an offer. More importantly, I would have felt better about not giving up. So, my advice is simple: Keep pushing forward because you never know when your application will be the one that goes through.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on exploring the corporate landscape that the United States has to offer, particularly in the fields of AI and Data. I’m inspired by the work being done here and believe my skills can contribute to developing products and features that enhance our understanding and use of these technologies.
I also see the U.S. as a melting pot of diverse cultures. I’m excited about the prospect of building connections, making new friends, and learning about different perspectives and experiences.
What does being an NC State graduate student mean to you?
When I first arrived at NC State, I noticed a quote at the entrance: “The strength of the wolf is the pack.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand it. But now, looking back on the past two years, that statement resonates with me more than ever. The relationships I’ve built, the connections I’ve made—it’s clear that my strength comes from the pack. The experiences I’ve had at State will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope to one day give back to this incredible institution.
Fun fact about yourself.
I’m a music fanatic with an insatiable curiosity for learning. I love buying new instruments and “trying” to learn them. So far, I’ve managed to collect about five different instruments, and I’m aiming to someday perform renditions of songs as a one-person band. Who knows, maybe I’ll even start a musical side project one day!
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