Neeharika Vemulapati, ‘22 MS

One of my most cherished memories from my time at Arizona State University was working on various IT projects, especially those led by Tatiana Walsh. Her mentorship and the hands-on experience I gained from her projects were invaluable. They challenged me to think deeper, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a developer. That guidance played a direct role in my professional success, including winning Best Python Agent at Microsoft’s AI Agents Hack 2025. The foundation built at ASU has helped me thrive in every job I’ve had since.

But my time at ASU wasn’t just about academics. Some of my favorite memories involve playing badminton with friends, often late into the evenings, laughing and competing after long days of classes and project work. I also loved attending the many events happening on campus from cultural festivals to tech meetups, which made every week feel exciting and full of opportunity. The campus was always buzzing with energy, and doing all of this alongside friends made it even more special.

ASU was more than just a university, it was a vibrant community that helped me grow professionally, personally, and socially. It gave me not only the technical skills I needed to succeed, but also the friendships, confidence, and unforgettable experiences that continue to shape who I am today.