Shivapriya Peram

As Talks Manager, my main goal is simple: give Design Engineering students access to the people and conversations that open doors, especially focusing on rapidly developing industries such as AI, robotics and design, which students have voiced as strongest interests.

Having worked in the DesSoc committee for the past year, I've gained experience in building connections with interesting people, including start up founders, and planning and executing events. As someone who understands our department, with connections in every year, I am confident that I can tailor this program to address everyone's interests and needs.

Often the greatest inspiration follows intellectual conversation and new discoveries are led by debate, discussion and intelligent questions. As Talks Manager, my vision is to design a program that balances panels that challenge current knowledge and conversations with people operating on frontiers. This includes niche interviews that focus on technical details, not generic advice, and panel guests with overlapping expertise, in creative cross-disciplinary ways that design engineering demands.

I plan on expanding this into providing concrete further opportunities for students such as internships and industry mentors, working with alumni to shed light on underrepresented pathways and connecting startups with skilled students. I will strive to use this position to provide access to opportunities and connections that match the unique ambition of Design Engineering students.