Interview with Gayathry Krishan – Recipient of the Bosch Fellowship at Clemson ICAR

The Bosch fellowship Endowment at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (ICAR) supports fellowships for women and underrepresented students in the ICAR Automotive Engineering Master’s program. Each year, recipients receive a scholarship award based on academic performance and need. Fellows also work with students at the middle school level to emphasize and interpret the benefits of STEM (science, math, engineering and math) education and careers.

When Gayathry Krishan was about ten years old, she became fascinated with Formula 1® racing. She noticed the sport consisted mostly of men and wondered why. After a Google search, she found Leena Gade, the first female race engineer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans – a rarity among male dominated motor sports. Gayathry closely followed Leena’s career. She is inspired by the renowned female driver to follow her dreams into the automotive industry.

During her academic career, Krishan pursued a STEM path and attributes her education to interest in automotive engineering and design. Her favorite subject was physics, which came easily to her and allowed her to think outside the box.

While becoming an automotive design engineer was always her main focus, she decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering as well to gain a better understanding of the entire interworking of the car. Before pursuing her graduate degree, Krishan gained real-world experience as a design engineer at an oil company in Dubai. The position helped her understand the design process and supported new ways of thinking in the field. 

Krishan feels it has never been more important for young students to get engaged in STEM education and a potential STEM career. She hopes more students, including females, try engineering, as there are many problems to be solved and not enough people to find the corresponding solutions. Krishan feels the more diversity there is in STEM education and associated professions, the better our society will be poised to find effective and potentially life changing outcomes.

Krishan believes it’s important to have a positive mindset and to not second guess one’s major or profession based on gender. Everyone can add their unique perspectives and skillsets. She expressed that “while you may not see someone like yourself in a certain situation or occupation, don’t believe the perception that you don’t belong – because you do.” To help navigate academic or professional endeavors, Krishan recommends finding a mentor. Additionally, she stresses it’s important not to be afraid to share opinions or thoughts, because you may fail to make a mark or may lose opportunities by not being vocal.

Gayathry credits putting her own advice to good use when she was awarded the Bosch Community Fund supported fellowship at Clemson University. It has been a great motivator and experience to work on the autonomous race car program, which perfectly aligns with her goal of being a motorsport design engineer.