‘Bitter cold winters’ is how Rochester is typically described. But, within the corridors of RIT, I have always felt a warm welcome - from friends and teachers and staff and everyone else that I met. I also got the opportunity to meet some of the most eminent researchers in the field of device physics, device modeling, device fabrication and circuit theory. During my Masters, I modeled a SiC MESFET. Subsequently, I started some device fabrication and made my first transistor at the SMFL just as I stepped into my Doctoral year. Since then I have been thoroughly intrigued by the complimentary roles of device fabrication and device modeling in modern science. I started appreciating the various approximations that are made in device modeling, why they are necessary and what can be scavenged from even very crude models. My current research involves the integration of the magnetic tunnel junction on a silicon platform for creating operational magnetic circuits. It forces me to examine the critical balance between making a working device and understanding each nuance of its behavior.

These four years had a profound effect on my life. I went from being closely watched through every step of everything that I did in my life, to the point where I was mostly independent. More than anything else, these four years taught me how I could look forward to living across the world from home. I got to understand life, and truly understand the difference between the good and the bad in life.

From cool mountains to the humid plains was quite a transition - and it was for the ready acceptance I received from everyone here that made the transition as smooth as it was. I had a pleasant, but a really hectic two years. I studied hard at science, especially physics and computers, and strangely, the physics and computers that I learned in these two years are still invaluable tools that I can use for understanding everything that I study even today. Doing all the problems in the Resnik & Halliday book really helped. Going through the Irodov solutions helped also.

Ensconced neatly in the foothills of the Himalayas, the school stands as the fond memory of a wonderful childhood. The most beautiful mountains blended impeccably into the Gothic masterpiece, which stood stoic, yet filled with youthful cheer and that intangible ethereal feeling of being caught in a dream. And wading through the formative years in this magical place was not much different from being in one. The memories I have of this place are the best memories one could ever wish to have, and more. Sursum Corda!