Sreya Ghosh, Electrical & Computer Engineering Alum

Degrees
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2011)
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2015)

Current Residence
San Francisco, California

Current Employer
OpenStore

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
My decision to attend Herff College of Engineering was influenced by its strong graduate program in Electrical Engineering, which offered significant opportunities for research in signal processing, an area I was particularly interested in. Additionally, as an international student, the cost of the program played a role in my decision, as it provided a balance between academic rigor and affordability.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
My career involves solving complex problems with data-driven solutions, and my time at Herff College of Engineering taught me how to effectively approach and solve these challenges.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
During my time at Herff College of Engineering, I learned to make sense of ambiguity through data, which has been foundational in my work as a data scientist. While my corporate aspirations differ from my research in computational microscopy, the program equipped me with first-principles thinking that I regularly apply to build data-driven solutions. I still use a lot of my coursework, particularly the material from 'Random Signals and Noise,' almost daily in my current role.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Chrysanthe Preza had a profound impact on my life. Working closely with her for six years instilled in me a strong work ethic, sharpened my technical skills, and gave me the confidence to tackle difficult problems. Most importantly, she taught me to be unapologetic about being the smartest person in the room when necessary

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?

I was a part of the IEEE and SWE. I was also a part of the Indian Students Association.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?

I had a lot of support during my time at Herff College of Engineering, from my lab and advisor to my friends and family back in India. I was fortunate to be immersed in an environment where everyone was goal-oriented, and there was no sense of despondency.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
Of the many wonderful memories of publications, graduations, I warmly remember hosting the Women Experiencing Engineering Sessions. Getting to talk to high schoolers, especially inspiring girls to join engineering will always be one of my best memories.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
My advice to those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering is to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it. You’ll find mentors, like I did, who will push you to grow, and peers who are just as goal-oriented.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
Discomfort is growth.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely! One key piece of advice is to identify your areas of weakness early on and focus on building a solid foundation before diving into more complex coursework. Herff College of Engineering offers plenty of resources to help you strengthen those areas, and doing so will set you up for success. Be proactive in filling those gaps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—the supportive environment is one of Herff’s strengths.