Swansea University
Arun Raaza, Master of Research, Photonics and Communications Systems, 2009
Why did you decide to study at Swansea University?
Because of the high profile staff, friendly atmosphere and wonderful research facilities available at the university
What are you doing now career-wise?
I am Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai, India. I also act as a consultant to various telecom firms across the globe and have acted as symposium chair in IEEE conferences worldwide.
What are the most rewarding parts of your job?
High profile job, worldwide recognition and the salary.
How has Swansea University and your course helped you with your chosen career path?
When I came to Swansea I was a ‘research kid’ who was eager to achieve something in life and mould my career. My supervisor Dr. Amit Mehta and my experience at Swansea University, taught me, moulded me and fed me with the knowledge I expected. I am now a scientist with nine patents to my name, forty publications and am Head of the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering at VELS University at the age of just 24. I am the youngest IEEE symposium chair at IEEE conferences, with much worldwide recognition made possible through my studies at Swansea University. I will always be grateful to my role model Dr. Amit Mehta and also thank fellow students Mr. Vijay Chengotarsappan and Dr. Yamini for their continuous motivation during my time at Swansea.
What advice do you have for new graduates and undergraduates?
Follow the advice of staff (academics) and work hard until you achieve what you want.
I was told Swansea University was the best University for research and it was right as I have achieved global recognition based on my research here.
What have you done that you are most proud of?
As I have mentioned, I am proud of achieving so much by the age of 24: I have nine patents; I am the youngest Head of the Department; the youngest IEEE Symposium chair, and act as consultant to several companies worldwide.
Having already achieved so much, what are your plans for the future?
I am going to be a Director of a Telecom firm
What are your favourite memories of your university years at Swansea?
I enjoyed each and every second at Swansea University. I would regularly stay at the lab conducting research for up to 20 hours. All the staff were encouraging and provided motivation: I remember Dr. Amit Mehta guiding me through work on a Sunday night at 11pm; my University-funded trip to IEEE APS Conference in Sandiego, USA; the second I made that 45 degree beam steering antenna Invention; and Professor Kyeong Soo Kim hugging me for all my hard work.
Trust my words, no place in the world can be so supportive and as friendly as Swansea was to me.
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