Vishaka Nagendra
Vishaka Nagendra
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Double Degree
- Year commenced: 2012
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Major(s): Civil engineering
Why did you choose Monash?
Monash was my first choice for engineering due to their facilities and reputation for research and innovation in the STEM fields.
What attracted you to engineering?
I've always been curious about how things work and the profession of engineering seemed like it would allow me to further my curiosity and apply science to come up with better solutions to problems.
Tell us about what you studied – What was it? What did it involve? What did you actually do?
Civil engineering is so diverse. It covers so many fields like Transport, Structural, Geotechnical and Water systems engineering. It's great to learn about a range of things like the main components that go into making a building stand up or the logic behind intersections and traffic lights.
Apart from study, what else were you involved in both at Monash and off campus? (Paid work, sport, clubs, hobbies etc)?
Apart from study, I've been involved in various exhibitions and projects. I really enjoy projects with a design build focus! I was part of the inaugural MADA 'Wearing the City' exhibition. I was also part of the construction team of the soundshell that was designed and constructed by students at the Monash Caulfield campus.
What was the best thing about being a student at Monash?
Being a double degree student, I got the opportunity to study at two campuses. I really enjoy the vibe of Clayton campus! There's always something going on, and you're always bumping into people you know walking through campus. Caulfield is equally vibrant. The university's investment into campus infrastructure definitely pays off.
What advice do you have for prospective students starting uni next year?
Enjoy university life! There's something for everyone, from clubs to projects or exchange trips. It's the extra curricular activities that help in making university the best it can be! I highly recommend a semester abroad. There's so much that you learn outside of the classroom by living in a different country and experiencing a different culture.
What do you hope to do after graduating?
In the future I hope to be able to influence the construction field in automated and digital fabrication. I think the use of technology has great potential to improve efficiency of buildings while creating new possibilities where structure and architecture become one.