Radhika Patel

Where did you graduate from high school?

Mithibai College, Mumbai, India.

Where did you graduate from college?

Bachelor in Electronics Engineering from Thakur College of Engineering & Technology, Mumbai, India. 

Masters in Electrical Engineering from UNCC,NC,USA.

What are your current UNC Charlotte academic majors?

PhD in Electrical Engineering major in controls and power.

Which GPSG goal are you most excited to help accomplish this year—and why?

I’m most excited to increase and maintain 95% usage of the Niner Engage Plus app, especially the Graduate Student Chat among organization leaders. Strengthening real-time communication can transform how we collaborate across departments, create inclusive dialogue, and address issues faster.

What’s one thing in your bag/backpack right now that you probably shouldn’t admit to  carrying around?

A stack of paper notebooks—even though I have an iPad, I still can’t resist the feel of pen on paper.

If you had to write your thesis/dissertation as a Netflix show, what would it be called?

“Current Control: The Ocean’s Code” — a techno-thriller where intelligent systems battle unpredictable waves to unlock clean power from the deep.

What is one important thing that you believe every graduate student at UNC Charlotte should know?

You are not alone—there’s a strong community and countless resources here, so never hesitate to ask for help.

What's your go-to response when grad school gets overwhelming? (e.g., song, snack, strategy, or meme.)

I turn to my playlist of songs by iconic Indian singers—it’s my instant escape, reset button, and source of motivation all in one.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before starting grad school at  UNC Charlotte?

That networking with peers and professors is just as important as your GPA—build those connections early.

In one sentence, what does “leadership” mean to you as a grad student?

Leadership means creating space for every voice to be heard while driving change with empathy and accountability.

Dream Job?

To work in the control systems domain—applying advanced control techniques to solve real-world challenges in energy, automation, or aerospace—and eventually build a company that pushes the boundaries of intelligent systems.