Celebrating the graduates of May 2025

My first academic year at NJIT comes to a close, and I am very excited to see two of my students walk the stage during commencement: Ramita Deshmukh and Sri Gannamaneedi.

Ramita Deshmukh has earned a master’s degree in Information Systems. While working with me, Ramita demonstrated a deep commitment to using data to address pressing social questions. I enjoyed working with her on a project analyzing the causal impact of Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws on firearm deaths in the state of New York. Her curiosity and eagerness to learn new methods and thoughtful interpretation of data produced interesting results on the influence of policy on real-world outcomes. I am confident she will continue to make meaningful contributions in her future endeavors.

Sri Gannamanedi graduated with a master’s degree in Biological Sciences. Sri’s work focused on the intersection of health, behavior, and technology, where she designed a comprehensive survey aimed at informing the development of social fitness applications for persons with visual impairments. The survey is taking shape and will be deployed in the coming weeks. Sri has brought an interdisciplinary perspective and genuine care to the project. I know these skills and traits will serve her well in her next chapter.

In addition to Ramita and Sri, I would like to congratulate Oscar Zamora, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a top student in his class, Oscar has already demonstrated remarkable potential and I am thrilled to share that he will be joining the PID Lab as a PhD student (more details will be shared in a future post this summer).

Congratulations to all three on their achievements! You have worked incredibly hard, and you deserve to enjoy these special days. I wish you the very best!!!