Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Why she chose Behrend: It felt like the perfect fit for me. I attended high school in Erie, so Behrend was close to home. I liked the small class sizes and opportunity for one-on-one interactions with faculty members. Also, the campus is beautiful and the trails in Wintergreen gorge are great.
Why she chose her major: I developed an interest in programming after taking a class in high school. I enjoyed learning new programming languages and making fun projects. Computer science is constantly evolving. These changes keep the field interesting. There’s always something to learn or discover.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Contributing to student organizations in leadership roles while managing my academics and making the Dean’s List has been both challenging and rewarding. A highlight for me was helping to restart the South Asian Student Organization (SASO) during my first year.
Campus involvement: I was the president of SASO, a Global Ambassador, and served as an International Student Orientation Leader. I’m a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’ve also done undergraduate research work.
Highest priority in the coming years: Obtaining a master’s degree and getting into a field that focuses on both robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Global-minded: I’m passionate about learning about diverse cultures, which is why I was part of Global Ambassadors and other cultural organizations. Through my active participation in the multicultural clubs on campus, I’ve been able to help international students connect with fellow students, experience their own culture despite being far from home, and provide a platform for them to share their culture.
Advice for first-year students: Join organizations, go to club meetings, and attend events. Building connections will improve your experience at college, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
After her graduation in May, Tanvi plans to pursue a master’s degree in AI or robotics.