BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2026: Shreenithi Lakshminarayanan

What is your name, age, classification and major?

My name is Shreenithi Lakshminarayanan, and I am 21. I am currently a senior in Chemical Engineering.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

I began studying at MSU in August 2022, and I am graduating this year–May 2026

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

When I was choosing where to begin college, I found it very difficult at first to decide between universities that all had a variety of degree options, extracurricular opportunities, and accolades to their names. I had not decided on my major then, having three options I was heavily considering, one being engineering and the other two being non-engineering. I was invited to tour the university, and the staff were helpful in arranging one-on-one visits to all three of the departments I was deciding between, which left a positive impression on me from the start.

When I toured the chemical engineering department, I could see collaboration in the study lounge. All the people and faculty there spoke of the challenges as a matter of fact, and they said that the difficulty is a constructive influence. I really admired their outlook. I made the decision to attend MSU and the decision to study engineering together after that tour: I wanted to go to MSU specifically to study under the Bagley College of Engineering–specifically to study within the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

I enjoyed being a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader during my time here. It was the first campus organization I had an involved, longitudinal commitment to, week in and week out. One part is that it provided me with an opportunity to challenge myself, and I appreciated being trusted with responsibility that came with the role. The other part is that SI, along with other campus events and organizations, introduced me to classmates and friends that embody traits I hope to develop in myself. Having the opportunity to collaborate with other incredible students underscores the lasting impact of campus involvement during my time at MSU.

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

My favorite courses at MSU have been the ones that were interdisciplinary. I enjoy being able to connect what I am familiar with to what I am not yet familiar with. I took “Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy” within the College of Engineering my first semester. It was a much-needed change of pace from math-oriented classes, instead focusing on written and oral communication. I also have enjoyed discussion classes with the Honors College for a similar reason, with an honors seminar on science fiction being another course I liked.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?

I have found myself particularly challenged by courses that have a larger workload and require planning in advance. One that comes to mind was Chemical Engineering Lab I, which required a lot of report writing, troubleshooting, and justification of outcomes. While it was difficult, it is something that I am happy to have done, because I can look back on the work I did for motivation during future challenges.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at the Bagley College of Engineering?

Communication is key. While technical expertise does matter, it serves no purpose if the audience does not find it relevant, important, or understandable. Tailoring information to the professor, audience, or setting is critical to succeeding in getting a point across.

How has MSU and, specifically, the Bagley College of Engineering prepared you for professional life after college?

The Bagley College of Engineering has prepared me for professional life by rewarding initiative, which makes me eager to continue seeking out opportunities for growth and success in my career. Building a valuable network here also gives me the confidence continue exploring, knowing that there will always be support from MSU in some shape or form.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending medical school in the fall to continue my education.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

I will miss many of the little things I have gotten accustomed to. I take a lot of the same paths walking to classes, so it will be different not seeing the landscape I am used to. I never know what to expect in a day here with so many random events and interactions, so I will miss the spontaneity of being surrounded by so many people. And, of course, the friends, classmates, and faculty that I have grown used to seeing each day.