Alumni Who Inspire: Nagasree Garapati

Alumni Who Inspire program features alumna Nagasree Garapati. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Every graduate of the West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources has a career journey and an inspiring story that supports it. It is a journey filled with aspirations, opportunities, challenges and moments of growth. In our monthly discussion board with Statler alumni as part of the Alumni Who Inspire Program launched back in Fall 2023, we are excited to feature Dr. Nagasree Garapati whose experiences offer valuable insights for current students and fellow graduates alike.  

Q&A with Nagasree Garapati
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Garapati graduated with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Osmania University in India; she joined WVU for her graduate experience, finishing with both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Garapati subsequently completed her postdoctoral work in the Earth Sciences Department at University of Minnesota, visited ETH Zurich as a visiting scholar, became a visiting faculty member at WVU and joined the University of New Haven as an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering in 2022. She collaborated with internationally recognized researchers and gained valuable global research experience, developed competitive research proposals, managed externally funded projects, built collaborations with industry, national laboratories, and academic partners, and mentored undergraduate and graduate students. 

Join us as we converse on her time in college, explore her professional journey, and hear the lessons she had learned along the way. 

Welcome you back to WVU’s virtual space of Alumni Who Inspire. To start, could you tell us about your background and why chemical engineering?  

I grew up in India where engineering was a popular career path, and while I was in junior college, electrical engineering and computer science were the most common choices among my peers. However, one of my chemistry professors had a unique way of teaching, he would ask thought-provoking questions that sparked my curiosity about chemistry and its real-world applications. Around the same time, I read a story describing how chemical engineers could modify the properties of materials to meet specific needs and solve complex societal challenges. I was fascinated by the idea that chemical engineers could combine chemistry, materials science, and engineering principles to create innovative solutions that improve people's lives. Choosing chemical engineering also meant taking a path that was a little different from what everyone else around me was doing, and that made the decision even more exciting. 

What got you from India to WVU, and what inspired you to pursue graduate research in chemical engineering? 

It really is about opportunities and growth! After I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering in India, I began exploring opportunities for graduate education in the United States. I first learned about West Virginia University through several seniors from my undergraduate institution, all of whom spoke highly of the faculty, research opportunities, and the welcoming environment within the Statler College. To be completely honest, one of the major factors in my decision was the opportunity to receive a full graduate stipend while pursuing my master's degree through research. That financial support made it possible for me to achieve my dream of studying abroad. 

At WVU, I worked on gas hydrates for my master's thesis with a former faculty in the department of chemical and biomedical engineering. As I became immersed in research, I discovered how much I enjoyed asking scientific questions, analyzing results, and finding solutions to challenging engineering problems. Just as importantly, I experienced a collaborative and supportive department culture where faculty members genuinely invested in their students' success. The encouragement and mentorship I received from my mentor, and the faculty and my fellow graduate students, convinced me that I had found the right academic home.  

What began as a plan to earn a master's degree gradually evolved into a passion for research, inspiring me to continue at WVU and pursue my Ph.D. in chemical engineering. Looking back, that decision shaped not only my career as a researcher but also my journey toward becoming an engineering educator dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of engineers. 

Let’s continue with your journey: after you joined WVU and the Statler college, how did you explore your intellectual and academic interests? 

My time at WVU allowed me to grow into both a researcher and an educator. As a graduate student, I worked on gas hydrate research and had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and industry partners, including ConocoPhillips. Through monthly project meetings, writing quarterly technical reports, and presenting research updates, I learned how to communicate complex technical ideas to different audiences and collaborate effectively across academia, government, and industry. These experiences taught me that impactful engineering research depends not only on technical expertise but also on teamwork, communication, and strong partnerships.  

WVU also provided numerous opportunities to develop professionally. The graduate seminar series, presenting my work at conferences, and receiving constructive feedback from faculty helped me become a more confident researcher and communicator. I learned not only how to deliver effective technical presentations but also how to critically read scientific literature, formulate meaningful research questions, and think beyond simply obtaining results. The University also offered workshops and resources to help graduate students prepare research statements, teaching statements, résumés, and other professional materials, which proved invaluable as I prepared for an academic career. 

Did the WVU experience influence the person you've become? 

Absolutely! I had always been interested in teaching from a young age, and once I decided to pursue a Ph.D., I knew I wanted to build a career in academia. My former advisor here at WVU recognized that passion and encouraged me to teach a problem-solving session for his thermodynamics course. It was my first experience teaching at the university level and became a defining moment in my career. I was observed in the classroom, provided with thoughtful feedback, and helped to refine my teaching approach. I learned by watching faculty mentor students have the freedom to think independently and solve problems on their own while always being available to guide and support them when needed. I’ve learned that effective teaching is not simply about delivering knowledge, it is about creating an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to grow. 

How did your time at the university prepare you for your first job?  

Looking back, WVU was where I truly learned how to become a researcher and laid the foundation for becoming an educator. The technical skills, professional development opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative culture I experienced at the Statler College continue to shape how I conduct research, teach my classes, and mentor my own students today.  

Today, I have the privilege of teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students in research, advising student organizations, and developing hands-on learning experiences that connect engineering theory with real-world challenges. My research continues to focus on sustainable energy technologies, carbon management, geothermal energy systems, gas hydrates, and other engineering solutions that address environmental challenges. 

Every stage of my career has taught me something valuable, but the most rewarding part has always been working with students. Whether helping them succeed in the classroom, guiding them through research projects, preparing them for graduate school, or watching them begin their engineering careers, their growth and accomplishments are my greatest source of motivation. Looking back, the education, mentorship, and opportunities I received at WVU laid the foundation for the educator and researcher I am today. 

If you could give advice to someone hoping to make the most of their university experience, what would it be?  

Stay curious, keep learning and embrace challenges: Engineering is constantly evolving, and the best engineers never stop asking questions. Be curious about how things work, explore topics beyond your coursework, and don't be afraid to venture into areas outside your comfort zone. Some of the greatest opportunities in my career came from being willing to learn something new. There will be setbacks, failed experiments, and moments of uncertainty. Don't let those experiences discourage you. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Persistence, resilience, and a positive attitude will take you much farther than striving for perfection. 

Ask for help early and build meaningful relationships: You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Seek guidance from your professors, mentors, classmates, and colleagues as soon as you encounter challenges. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I have been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, and their guidance has shaped the researcher, educator, and person I am today. One day, you'll have the opportunity to do the same for someone else. 

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I really appreciate your time and advice! But before we wrap up, I'd love to do a quick rapid-fire round. Just answer with the first thing that comes to mind! 

Coffee or tea?  Tea 

A book or podcast you'd recommend?  The Lincoln Lawyer series (my recent read – I enjoy mystery novels) 

One word that describes your college experience?  Transformative 

Best career advice you've ever received?  Advocate for yourself.  

 

Like Dr. Garapati, our alumni continue to thrive and inspire! Every story, every thought is a perspective of life in a few minutes of reading that hopes to motivate, support, challenge and empower Mountaineers to come. Our alumni here and around the world have amazing stories. Join us next month to learn more about our community members and their inspiring journeys; take a lesson from their success book and be the inspiring Mountaineer. Let’s Go! 

 

 

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