Venkata Abhishek Sakleshpur

I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Civil Engineering with specialization in Geotechnical Engineering at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. I hail from a small town of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, from a family of Civil Engineers. I vividly recall the fond memories of my school vacations where I used to accompany my grandfather, a Structural Engineer, to construction sites. The sight of various construction activities, processes and equipment, fascinated and kindled within me, the desire to become a Civil Engineer. I graduated in Civil Engineering from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India in 2014 and chose Geotechnical Engineering as my area of emphasis due to the diversity and complexity involved in the utilization of soil as a foundation and construction material. I intend to graduate from Purdue University in May 2016, and thereafter, pursue research and further my knowledge in Geotechnical Engineering through a Ph.D. Work experience as an intern with KELLER, the world's largest independent Ground Engineering contractor, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2013 and research experience as a research assistant with Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), New Delhi, India in 2012, contributed immensely towards my overall development. Apart from academic curricula and internships, I have participated in workshops, seminars, conferences and presented papers. So far, I have published 11 papers in referred national and international journals and conferences. The publications as well as presentations improved my communication skills and motivated me to pursue research as a career. After completing my Ph.D., I would like to establish myself as a professor, researcher and practitioner, contributing to the
growth and practice of Geotechnical Engineering. Having been a successful International Tennis Player, a former Junior Davis Cupper and the 2008 South Asian Games Gold Medalist, I believe that the 3D's that arise from sports, such as, discipline, dedication and determination, would enable me to achieve my goal.