Q&A with Dominic

Tell us where you are from and what you are studying at Virginia Tech.

I am an international graduate student from Kerala, India pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech’s Northern Virginia campus since Fall 2025. I also serve as the Communications Lead for the Graduate Student Assembly and as an ECE Ambassador for all the Northern Virginia campuses. Outside the classroom, you can often find me hosting and supporting events that bring the campus community together.

Tell us about your research at Virginia Tech.

I joined Virginia Tech in Fall 2025 to pursue my Masters in Computer Engineering with a focus on Software and Machine Intelligence.

What you enjoy most about being a Virginia Tech student?

What I enjoy most is how much life there is beyond academics, from being part of the graduate student body to hosting and joining events on campus. That sense of community, along with the guidance from faculty, staff, and fellow students, makes navigating grad school so much easier. Seminars and events also provide a great opportunity to connect with Virginia Tech alumni working in industry, that can offer real guidance along the way.

What advice would you give current and upcoming ECE graduate students?

Don't hesitate to speak up. Grad school can be challenging, but everything here is built to help you succeed. Show up to events, ask for help when you need it, and network with your peers, since building a community goes a long way in life. Just make sure you're putting in the effort academically while still enjoying everything campus life has to offer.