GSSM Alumnus Wins Prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Former GSSM student Venkata “Anish” Chaluvadi was selected to be a 2021 Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge.

Currently, Anish is a senior materials science and engineering student at Clemson University. He was chosen for his academic achievements, research, and leadership. His research experience began through the international Research Experience Scholars Program at GSSM where he conducted experimental lab research at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; this love for research further flourished when he was selected to be part of a computational research lab led by Dr. Rachel Getman. Beyond research, Anish has refined communication skills through his tenure as a member of the Clemson Debate Society. He was also president of the Indian Cultural Association and was a member of Clemson Dholna. He also traveled with 12 other students for a 10-day study abroad trip to France and Germany as part of the Dixon Global Policy Scholars Program.

Perhaps his most notable extracurricular achievement was co-founding Tigers for Green Innovation, a student organization focused on sustainability. With this group he created the inaugural Sustainability Summit, a two-day event that challenged over 200 students to solve challenges in sustainability. He also mentored three students, two of which were SPRI interns, through the Getman Research Group. He is currently in the process of developing a sustainability curriculum for ten middle and high schools.

"I’m incredibly excited to be a part of an inquisitive, innovative, and supportive Gates Cambridge community where I can continue the pursuit of advanced energy solutions through meaningful research and discussion,” Said Anish. “GSSM helped me realize the impact I could have on the world by developing my understanding of scientific research and refining my critical thinking skills."

Currently in its 20th year, The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program offers 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding students to pursue a post-graduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Anish was one of only 24 chosen nationwide for this award, and the first ever from Clemson. Read Clemson University's write up here.