HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is deeply proud of the more than 8,500 alumni who’ve studied with us and launched exciting careers and lives from the heart of Pennsylvania. Bharadwaj Popuri ‘20 is one such extraordinary alumni.
Recently, Bharadwaj made a generous pledge of $10,000 to Harrisburg University’s Scholarship Fund. As a nonprofit center of higher learning, it is this spirit of philanthropy, community, and giving back which sustains us. We thank Bharadwaj for his generous pledge, and for being such a strong evangelist for our humble University.
We wanted to learn more about what inspired this pledge, and about everything else Bharadwaj has been up to since graduating from the Analytics Master’s Program in 2021.
Thanks for speaking with us, Bharadwaj! Can you tell us what inspired your recent gift to the University, and why you felt now was the right time to give back? What part of the university’s mission or programs made you most excited to support future students through your gift?
Harrisburg University is a big part of my story, both professionally and personally. My time here changed my career for the better, and I even met my wife at HU. When I thought about giving back, I wanted to focus on students from underserved South-Central Pennsylvania. I know how much access to quality STEM education can change someone’s trajectory, and I wanted to remove financial barriers for students in the region I have come to call home. The timing felt right because I’m completing my Ph.D. and have reached a point where I can meaningfully contribute.
What excites me most is HU’s hands-on approach to learning and the way faculty genuinely invest in student success. That’s exactly what I want to help future students experience.
What initially drew you to attend this university, and how did you know it was the right fit for you?
I was drawn to HU’s focus on using the latest technology and its practical, hands-on approach to education. The MS in Analytics program offered exactly what I was looking for: real-world preparation in data science and machine learning, not just theory. The small class sizes and the downtown Harrisburg location, with its access to internships and industry connections, sealed the deal. I knew it was the right fit when I saw how much the faculty cared about student success.
When you think back to your time at HU, what experiences or people most shaped your path as a student and as a professional?
The hands-on learning shaped me most. Applying data science and machine learning to real problems gave me confidence that I could succeed in industry. The small class sizes allowed me to build real relationships with professors and classmates. And on a personal note, I met my wife here – so HU shaped my life in more ways than one. The community genuinely encourages you to do your best, and that support made all the difference.
What have you been up to since graduation, and how did your education here prepare you for your career journey? What skills or mindsets have stayed with you the longest?
After completing my MS in Analytics in 2020, I continued at HU for my Ph.D. [in Data Sciences], focusing on deep learning and metabolomics for cancer detection. I’m also working at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, leading HyperAutomation for R&D. My HU education prepared me for both: the practical foundation in data science and machine learning translated directly to industry. In contrast, the research mindset prepared me for doctoral work.
The skills that have stayed with me longest are the ability to take on complex problems hands-on and the confidence to share ideas with colleagues and collaborators. HU taught me that learning isn’t passive; you must engage.
Were there any challenges early in your academic or professional journey that the university helped you overcome?
Coming from a mechanical engineering background, transitioning into data science and analytics was a significant shift. HU’s hands-on approach helped me bridge that gap; I learned by doing, not just reading. The supportive faculty were always willing to help me connect the dots between my previous experience and this new field. That foundation gave me the confidence to pursue even more interdisciplinary work later, combining machine learning with cancer diagnostics.
As someone who has experienced the university as both a student and a supporter, how do you see its role in shaping the future STEM workforce?
HU prepares students for real jobs. That’s what sets it apart. Whether it’s data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, or another field, the focus on practical, hands-on learning means graduates are ready to contribute from day one. The downtown Harrisburg location provides access to internships and industry connections that many universities can’t offer. I see HU as a place that produces not just technically skilled professionals, but people who know how to collaborate, solve problems, and keep learning.
What advice would you give to current students? Especially those who hope to follow a path similar to yours?
Take every chance you get! Join research projects, go to tech talks, and speak to that classmate you find interesting. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with your professors and instructors; the HU community is here to help you succeed. The relationships you build here matter as much as what you learn in class. Stay curious, stay engaged, and remember that the hands-on experience you’re getting is preparing you for opportunities you can’t even imagine yet.
Who were the faculty members, mentors, or peers who made a lasting impact on your academic journey?
I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Randolph Ford, Dr. Maria Vaida, Dr. Kevin Purcell, and Mark Newman, who guided me throughout my journey from master’s to doctorate. They mentored me to focus on applied research and brought valuable partnerships to Harrisburg University, enriching my education. I also want to recognize Derek Whitesel and GeneCarlo Veno from Alumni Affairs. They’ve worked with me on multiple initiatives to improve alumni engagement. They are doing incredible work as leaders of the Alumni Board. The support I’ve received from faculty and staff alike is a big part of why I wanted to give back.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges for 2025. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
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