Belltower shot
June 6, 2018

Engineering a better future

Souradeep Bhattacharya aims to make an impact where the needs are greatest

Author: Brittney Carolina
June 6, 2018

Souradeep Bhattacharya

Souradeep Bhattacharya

When Souradeep Bhattacharya began his studies at UCR, he did not know the kind of impact he wanted to make on the world.

Bhattacharya, a double major in bioengineering and electrical engineering, came to UCR from the San Francisco Bay area. In his first year, he had trouble adjusting to his newfound freedom, and was placed on academic probation.

“I had a heavy course load, I volunteered as a campus safety escort, and spent time with friends. Being put on academic probation was a wake-up call,” Bhattacharya said. “My entire life, I looked forward to becoming an engineer, and for the first time, that was in jeopardy.”

After getting back on track, Bhattacharya joined the Electrical and Computer Engineering department’s information technology team as a systems administrator. This position propelled him into becoming a data programmer in Assistant Professor Zak Kassas’ research group.

In his final year at UCR, Bhattacharya co-authored a peer-reviewed article about ways to improve navigation systems on long-term evolution, or LTE receivers, calculation, and performance. His article, “Computationally Efficient Receiver Design for Mitigating Multipath for Positioning with LTE Signals,” was written for the Institute of Navigation’s Global Navigation Satellite Systems conference.

As a member of UCR’s chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Bhattacharya participated in hackathons and workshops to develop technical, social, and professional engineering skills. He is also part of the institute’s honor society and UCR’s Biomedical Engineering Society.

“I really want to enjoy what I do and help others. My double major has prepared me to solve the challenges of the future,” Bhattacharya said.

Bhattacharya taught the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence R’Course, during which he aimed to help students who did not have a computer science background to gain an understanding of these concepts.

“My mom has motivated me to get involved on campus and teach others. In the IEEE’s solarium, I help students who are stuck and need support. If I don’t know how to help, I point them in the right direction,” Bhattacharya said.

“My dad has inspired me to keep pushing myself. He knows everything, and I want to be like that – the person people turn to if they need help.”

This year, Bhattacharya won the Outstanding Achievement award for the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.

“If you would have told me when I started, that I would win this award, I would not have believed it. I enjoy what I do, and it shows,” Bhattacharya said.

After graduation, Bhattacharya wants to work for a technology company, pursue a graduate degree, and explore a career that straddles biomedical and electrical engineering.