Rohan Kansagra

Are you performing any research in a lab?
Yes, I am a part of Dr. Zhen (Jason) He's lab. My current research is focused on treating pollutants in wastewater using advanced oxidation processes. I'm helping a local wastewater treatment plant with a pollutant that's affecting their treatment process, and I'm trying to prove a method they can use to degrade the pollutant and return to normal operation.

Why did you pick WashU?
I picked WashU because of its focus on the undergraduate experience, as well as the inspiring campus and opportunities to grow that come with it.

What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course has been Introduction to Environmental Engineering. It was my first real taste of what environmental engineering is like and made me excited for the potential going forward.

Who is your favorite instructor and why?
My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Daniel Giammar. While I've only taken the introductory chemical/environmental engineering course with him, he was a great person to get us all acclimated to the type of material we could expect over the next four years while simultaneously challenging us and having fun.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Make sure to budget time for yourself every week. It can be easy to get caught up in the intensity of engineering, but joining activities that you genuinely enjoy, making friends in other schools, and continuing/finding new hobbies can help take the pressure off.

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
My favorite thing about St. Louis is the culture of the city. While it often gets a bad rap elsewhere, there's a lot to appreciate — from sports to food to any number of activities there's definitely much to enjoy if you're willing to seek it out.

What campus activities or groups would you recommend to a new student?
I'd encourage them to join Net Impact and WashU Club Gymnastics.

What are your plans for the future?
Currently, I'm unsure. I've considered and am open to most options, but regardless I'm excited for whatever I pursue after undergrad.