Arnav Limaye

Arnav Limaye arrived at Arizona State University planning to study computer science, but before classes began, he realized he wanted to better understand how computing hardware and software work together.

That interest led him to computer systems engineering in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU.

“I was more interested in the hardware aspects of computing and how to develop software for it,” Limaye says.

He says people often misunderstand computer systems engineering as a field focused only on coding. Programming is important, he says, but the work also requires planning, diagramming, brainstorming, mathematical analysis and testing.

Limaye saw that process come together in CSE 325 Embedded Systems, a course in which students programmed robots to follow paths and complete sensor-based tasks.

“That class was very challenging, and I spent hours in the Brickyard lab, sometimes into midnight,” Limaye says. “However, when I got the robot moving, turning and completing tasks, it felt magical. Putting together a robot via wires, batteries and then coding life into it was the most rewarding thing I felt in engineering.”

Limaye also applied his technical skills to expand educational access through OFFLIB LLC, a venture he co-founded with teammates from Engineering Projects in Community Service, or EPICS. Over three years, the team developed an offline digital library to provide educational resources for students in rural Kenya.

The team prototyped designs, adapted to the client’s needs and raised funds through pitch competitions, including the EPICS Elite Pitch Competition, which the team won. With support from a Fulton Experimental Learning Grant, Limaye traveled to Kenya in summer 2025 to help deploy the system in the community.

“It was rewarding to see the students utilize and get access to the books and videos provided on the box,” Limaye says.

Limaye says Jared Schoepf, an associate teaching professor in Engineering Academic and Student Affairs, played an important role in the project by providing advice and guidance throughout its development. Schoepf also traveled with the team to Kenya.

“He also came to Kenya with us and gave us a meaningful experience with engineering in the real world,” Limaye says.

Beyond EPICS, Limaye participated in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program and earned two Fulton Experimental Learning Grants, one to travel to Boston for Hack Harvard in 2023 and another to support the Kenya deployment in 2025. He also served as an E2 camp counselor and a Barrett Peer Mentor, helping new students build community and learn about opportunities available to them.

Limaye, who is from Mesa, Arizona, says he chose ASU and Barrett, The Honors College because he wanted to stay close to home while earning a world-class education. As he prepares for graduate study at ASU, he encourages other students to explore widely, but intentionally.

“My biggest advice is to try everything that interests you a little bit,” Limaye says. “Don’t overwhelm yourself or commit to something you don’t find interesting.”

Favorites

Performer: The Weeknd
TV show: Squid Game
Movie: Catch Me If You Can
Activity: Hiking
Game: Fortnite

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Joe Kullman