Grand Challenges Scholar, Spring 2024
Rini Jain
Rini Jain says she chose to attend Arizona State University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering due to the wide range of academic programs, commitment to research and vibrant community at ASU.
“I’m deeply passionate about my major in computer science because it immerses me in the fascinating realm of computers and mathematics, offering a comprehensive foundation for understanding and shaping the tech world,” Jain says.
Throughout her undergraduate journey at ASU, Jain fully engaged herself in campus life and took on numerous leadership and participatory roles, including in the Fulton Schools Grand Challenges Scholars Program, or GCSP.
In addition to GCSP, she was an ASU Barrett, The Honors College student, an undergraduate teaching assistant, a Fulton Ambassador and served as a camp counselor for E2, the consummate welcome experience for first-year Fulton Schools students. She was an undergraduate secretary of the Bridges Internationals club, was a community outreach manager at Sun Devil Birdies and was appointed as a vice president at Research Devils club. Jain was also a student success coach at the Student Services Center at ASU.
In addition to being involved on campus, Jain gained practical industry experience through two internships, most recently serving as a software engineer intern at Microchip Technologies Inc. in Chandler.
“This blend of academic involvement, community service and professional experience has been pivotal in shaping my personal and professional growth,” Jain says.
One professor who Jain says was particularly instrumental in her growth as a student at ASU is Associate Professor Heni Ben Amor.
“His unique teaching style and enthusiasm for innovative research in robotics and artificial intelligence ignited my passion for these fields, pushing me to explore beyond the coursework,” Jain says. “This impact on me was profound, shaping not just my academic journey but my personal development and future aspirations in the field of computer science.”
After graduation, Jain will be pursuing early career opportunities in data science in Phoenix and across California.
“In the long term, I aspire to build a solid foundation in data science, leveraging this expertise to pursue a master’s degree and eventually launch my own startup,” Jain says. “My dream is to contribute to breakthroughs that not only advance the field of technology but also address societal challenges, making a lasting difference in the world.”
Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2024 class here.
More exceptional graduates from Spring 2024

Sushrut Ghosal
Grand Challenges Scholar

Vishnu Kotta
Outstanding Graduate

Jacqueline King
Outstanding Graduate

Deepit Arora
Grand Challenges Scholar

Emily Williamson
Outstanding Graduate

Connor Williamson
Grand Challenges Scholar

Coben Bourguet
Outstanding Graduate

Devin Nikjou
Outstanding Graduate

Asher Baptista
Grand Challenges Scholar

Grace Billingsley
Impact Award

Priyati Sharma
Grand Challenges Scholar

Sashrik Rajesh
Grand Challenges Scholar

Peter Vargas
Outstanding Graduate

Kyle Selasky
Grand Challenges Scholar

William Noll
Impact Award

Taman Truong
Impact Award, Outstanding Graduate

Shane Tokishi
Outstanding Graduate

Justin Crawford
Outstanding Graduate

Aryzema Urrutia
Outstanding Graduate

Alan Dupre
Outstanding Graduate

Sreenithy Chandran
Palais Outstanding Doctoral Student Award

Adianne Alamban
Outstanding Graduate

Lucas Barduson
Impact Award

Cameron Morgan
Grand Challenges Scholar

Anant Rastogi
Grand Challenges Scholar

Ragde Chaira-Gouzounis
Grand Challenges Scholar

Kayshavi Bakshi
Grand Challenges Scholar

Frank Wencheng Liu
Convocation Speaker

Hunter Mantle
Impact Award, University Outstanding Graduate

Era Joy Padilla Agus
Grand Challenges Scholar

Lilli Offenberger
Grand Challenges Scholar

Khushi Pandey
Grand Challenges Scholar

Neha Balamurugan
Grand Challenges Scholar

Malak Rabuck
Outstanding Graduate

Shrey Garg
Grand Challenges Scholar

Ryan Bastuba
Outstanding Graduate

Nicholas Rodian Peterson
Grand Challenges Scholar

Joshua Kim
Convocation Speaker, Impact Award, Outstanding Graduate

Allysa Hayden
Outstanding Graduate

Emily Aragon
Impact Award

Sophie Nguyen
Impact Award, Outstanding Graduate

Nabhan Fakrudin
Grand Challenges Scholar

Kyle A. Butler
Impact Award

Rishik Kolli
Grand Challenges Scholar

Hailey Petsch
Grand Challenges Scholar

Meagan Barnhurst
Outstanding Graduate

Cameron Rennacker
Impact Award, University Outstanding Graduate

Jake Okun
Grand Challenges Scholar, Outstanding Graduate

Riley Seminara
Grand Challenges Scholar

Ivy Shockley
Outstanding Graduate

Dominik Croci
Outstanding Graduate