By Elijah Mckenzie
During a recent visit to the Digital Media Suite portion of the REACH computer lab. Sumalatha Santapuram, who sometimes goes by Suma, was kind enough to not only welcome me into her office space but allowed me to pick her brain for readers, as well. Santapuram told how she traveled to the city of Louisville from India because of this university’s reputation in the field of engineering.
Why did you choose to go to the University of Louisville?
I heard about the nanotechnology research program here and all the things that were being accomplished and it really appealed to me. So I enrolled, and later I decided to major in electrical and computer engineering at the Speed School.
If you weren’t an electrical and computer engineering major, what other major would you pursue?
That’s a good question. You know, I think I would choose business, so I could start my own company.
What kind of company would you start?
Probably a software company. I know it’s competitive, but that’s what I like doing. And I know it takes time and a lot of patience to start a business, but if I had to do anything besides engineering, this would be it.
If there’s one thing about the University that you could change, what would it be?
Well, if it were possible, I would like to have tuition fees decreased for international students. I know the price is high, even for in-state students, and I know it’s for taxes and everything, but if I could, I’d make it more affordable.
You’ve been here at U of L for a while now, so when finals week rolls around, what do you typically do to prepare for the exams?
Well there are two different scenarios. If it’s a week before the test, I wouldn’t mind studying with a group. We can have discussions and talk about the course and still have time left to really study. But if it’s the day before the exam, I’d much rather study alone. Just lock myself in a room and concentrate on the material.
In your experience, have you ever found those study groups beneficial?
Yes, very much. But the only problem with group discussions is that it often leads to debates, which takes up a lot of time. I like the interaction I get with other students in those sessions, but if you’re a student who maybe missed a lot of classes, those groups might not be very helpful for you.
What exactly is your position here with REACH?
I work as a Graduate Student Assistant for the Computer Resource Center. If students have questions about software programs and technology, I’m here to help.
Besides REACH, what other organizations have you been involved in on campus?
I was involved in ISA, which is the Indian Students Association. I wasn’t an officer or anything, but I helped organize social gatherings for the group. I was just basically a volunteer.
Upon graduating, what do you think you’ll miss most about the University?
Oh wow, just everything, really. I would miss student life. Walking to campus, or sometimes taking the TARC. Meeting new people, the diverse group of students I get to work with, just everything. From the moment I wake up to the moment I sleep, I love it all. I’ll really miss it when I leave.
