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Nikhil Velagapudi, BSc Chemical Engineering

Passion, spreadsheets and a renewed focus sets student back on track to success

Learn About the Program

Like many Edmonton-based engineering students, Nikhil Velagapudi’s interest in studying engineering was sparked by a youthful participation in the U of A’s DiscoverE camps. It wasn’t until he enrolled in university that he pinpointed exactly which program best suited his interests, which, to his surprise, turned out to be chemical engineering. 

At first it wasn’t an easy road, but perseverance and passion, in combination with the strategic use of spreadsheets and a revamped list of priorities, helped Nikhil navigate the difficulties and get back on track.   

As he progressed through his program, his experiences in the classroom, the club rooms and in the field helped to further hone his interests. This included, in various roles, the and the , but it was the four years he spent with that Nikhil says was the most defining experience, both personally and professionally, of his time as a student.  

“I realized that we were a part of a very small group of people who could look up at the night sky and see something that we built, up there amongst the stars.” 

Now working as an industrial project coordinator with , there is no limit to where his talents will take him.  

Congratulations Nikhil!

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I've always been interested in engineering from a young age, and growing up in Edmonton I spent time at the U of A for DiscoverE camps and that solidified my decision to come here. I wanted to do mechanical engineering at first, but after learning more about the disciplines I got into chemical engineering and am happy it played out as such.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

Some of my favourite memories come from the long nights studying, working on and finishing up assignments a couple hours before they are due. Being on campus, admiring its beauty and being with your friends, all while stressing over a deliverable is somewhat poetic and beautiful.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

I really enjoyed my capstone classes — creating an analysis on an ammonia plant as well as the second phase of the LNG Canada terminal — Canada’s biggest LNG facility and one my family has worked on in the past. It was amazing to finally see all the theories we spent years learning come together and work cohesively to make an entire plant function. This class was also really useful in exposing us to what chemical engineering looks like in the real world and how we can be effective engineers. 

I also really appreciate the professors that helped with my student project teams. They were very motivational and helped guide me in new leadership roles. They had a direct impact on my confidence and leadership abilities today and I wouldn't have accomplished as much as I have without their support and guidance.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student?

Yes! I was a team lead and manager for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥Sat for four years and I was the director of project group services for the (ESS). After moving to the ESS, I was able to support all the student project teams and help them grow and support them in achieving their goals. 

Specifically, my time with was very rewarding and shaped who I am. I started as a team member and then became the team lead, then project manager, operations manager and program manager. The team and I grew together over that time, we launched three satellites, started our next big mission and had five very successful secondary missions as well. Managing and overseeing all these aspects was stressful at times but amazing when things worked well. I realized that we were a part of a very small group of people who could look up at the night sky and see something that we built, up there amongst the stars.                                               

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

My first two years were very rough — I failed math 100 and 101 twice each, and after my second year, I was required to withdraw. This was a really low point for me and some people even said maybe engineering wasn't for me since I kept failing. But I knew that this is what I wanted to do and what I am passionate about. I successfully appealed the withdrawal and, like I do on my projects, I made a spreadsheet. I analyzed my situation and learnt how to better prioritize my time while still doing all the things I love. I planned what exactly I needed to do to get back on track and finally I made an achievable action plan to successfully obtain my degree. 

Twenty-eight straight months of full-time classes and I have finally achieved my goal and will be graduating with a good GPA and a job. It was a struggle, from doing my appeal meeting in a broom closet at work, to the late nights studying to finally pass the math classes that beat me every time. But the skills, habits, people and memories along the way were 100 per cent worth it. I am happy I didn't give up and that I continued to pursue my passion. Now I spend time talking to younger students and telling them my story so that they can feel empowered and motivated to pursue their dreams — that if someone like me, who failed three classes twice each can do it, they absolutely can as well.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Keep going no matter what. It will be hard at times, actually most of the time, but don't lose sight of why you are doing this. Everything you have done so far has brought you here, to follow your dreams, keep taking on challenges, learning and growing from them and ultimately make your dream a reality. 

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

Spending time with my friends and family before starting work.

What's next after graduation?

I will be working in my field as an industrial project coordinator for PCL Construction. I've always enjoyed management and leadership and playing a role in bringing projects to life and this opportunity is perfect for that.