Chemical Engineering at the nano-scale, can help solve some of our biggest global problems such as pollution and waste.

Vamsi Reddy Satti, our next pathbreaker, currently works on plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion and plastics recycling as part of his PhD at North Carolina A&T State University.

Vamsi talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his internship at Intel, where he applied machine learning techniques to improve how silicon chips are made.

For students, trust the process, and don’t be afraid of challenges—they are your greatest teachers. The journey may not always be smooth, but it will always be worth it.

Vamsi, tell us what were your growing up years like?

I grew up in the small towns of Eluru and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, India. My father worked as a branch agent for Navata Road Transport, and my mother, though a homemaker, faced challenges with her mental health. Because of this, my grandmother raised me, and she taught me important lessons about resilience and staying grounded, no matter what life throws at you.

From a young age, I was curious about big ideas—how the universe works, why we’re here, and how we can make the world better. I was fascinated by both science and spirituality, often reading books on yoga and meditation. But honestly, I wasn’t the best student in the traditional sense. I thought school was boring, and I’d often skip classes to read spiritual books instead.

Even so, I scored 96% in my high school exams. But my lack of interest in formal studies caught up with me when I took the entrance exams for engineering. I didn’t get into the top colleges I dreamed of, which was disappointing at first. Instead, I joined Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering in Visakhapatnam to study Chemical Engineering. Looking back, it was a blessing in disguise because it set me on a path of self-discovery.

After graduation, I pursued a master’s degree in chemical engineering at IIT Kharagpur. This was a transformative time for me. 

Today, I’m pursuing a PhD in Nano-Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University in the US, working on plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion and plastics recycling. It’s a journey I couldn’t have imagined when I was younger, but every step—both the successes and the struggles—has brought me closer to who I am and what I want to achieve.

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?

For my graduation, I studied Chemical Engineering at Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering in Visakhapatnam, India. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about engineering at first, but it turned out to be an eye-opening experience. During my bachelor’s degree, I learned a lot about how science and technology can solve real-world problems, like managing pollution or creating sustainable materials. One unforgettable moment during this time was a near-death experience that completely changed my perspective on life. It was a wake-up call, pushing me to think more deeply about life, my purpose, and how I could contribute to something greater. This event planted the seed for the journey I’m on today.

It inspired me to think beyond studies and focus on finding a purpose—something that could make a difference in the world.

After completing my graduation, I pursued post-graduation (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, one of India’s most prestigious institutes. My time there was intense but rewarding. I learned advanced concepts and conducted research, which helped me understand how to approach big challenges in engineering. I also started my first entrepreneurial venture with a friend during my Master’s. Although the business didn’t take off, it was an amazing learning experience—it taught me how to take risks, think creatively, and solve problems in new ways.

Both my graduation and post-graduation laid the foundation for what I do today, combining technical skills, problem-solving, and the drive to create something meaningful for society.

Can you explain some of the influences that led you to a career in Environmental Research?

Honestly, I never wanted to pursue formal education. I had little interest in it and often felt that paper degrees were overrated. During high school, I would frequently skip classes to immerse myself in spiritual books and pursue my other interests. Despite this, I was naturally bright and managed to score 96% in my high school examinations. However, my lack of interest in traditional studies resulted in low marks on engineering entrance exams.

Life, however, had its own course. I ended up joining the Chemical Engineering program at Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam. Initially, I felt disappointed for missing out on admission to premium engineering colleges, knowing I had the potential to achieve more. But looking back, this turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life.

During my BTech, I experienced a profound near-death experience that brought about a deep spiritual transformation and some of the greatest discoveries of my life. It was also during this time that I met my future business partner. These events shaped my journey in unexpected ways.

Eventually, I cracked the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and secured admission to IIT Kharagpur, fulfilling my dream of studying at an IIT. While this achievement was significant, my experiences have taught me an important lesson: don’t put blind faith in paper degrees—believe in yourself. I’ve seen people achieve incredible success without fancy credentials, just as I’ve witnessed individuals with impressive qualifications meet untimely ends.

My takeaway from these experiences is simple: “Do your best and leave the rest.” For me, it wasn’t people or influencers that shaped my life—it was the events and turning points along the way.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path

My career path has been anything but conventional. It’s a journey shaped by unexpected turns, moments of introspection, and the generosity of people who believed in me at crucial times. Looking back, I never really planned my career in the traditional sense. Instead, I allowed life’s challenges and opportunities to guide me, often in surprising directions.

After completing my Bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Gayatri Vidya Parishad College, I took up a job in the manufacturing sector. It was my first real exposure to the professional world, and while it gave me valuable hands-on experience, I quickly realized that this routine life wasn’t for me. I was searching for something more meaningful, though I didn’t yet know what that was.

My next step was pursuing a Master’s in Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. This phase turned out to be transformative, not just academically but personally as well. 

I worked on a project that studied how water moves through small, hollow tubes when both electricity and pressure are applied. It’s like figuring out how water flows in a special pipe when pushed by both a pump and an electric force. I worked with Dr. Sirshendu De, who invented low-cost hollow fibers that are used in machines to clean the blood of people with kidney problems, making treatment cheaper and helping more people.

Alongside my studies, I co-founded a small venture with a close friend. It was my first taste of entrepreneurship, a field that fascinated me because of its unpredictability and limitless potential. While the business struggled to scale, it taught me resilience and the power of creative problem-solving. More importantly, it planted the seed of ambition to do something impactful, even if I didn’t yet know how.

Our venture Mechindus is related to chemical engineering in several ways. Chemical industries involve processes that often generate static electricity, especially in operations with powders, flammable liquids, or gases. Uncontrolled static discharge in these environments can lead to serious safety hazards, like fires or explosions. Addressing these challenges directly ties into the safety and operational aspects of chemical engineering.

Additionally, our venture’s goal to introduce automation and improve industrial safety systems aligns with the broader responsibilities of chemical engineers. Chemical engineering isn’t just about designing processes—it’s also about ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and with minimal risk. By mitigating electrical problems and enhancing safety in chemical industries, Mechindus complements and supports the core principles of chemical engineering.

Why did you decide to do a PhD?

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it, a turning point. I had taken up another job, this time in the real estate sector, but the work felt disconnected from my true self. I was increasingly drawn to spirituality and entertained the idea of leaving the career rat race entirely. I even contemplated retreating to Arunachalam to meditate and dedicate myself to the spiritual path. It was during this time that I reached out to my entrepreneur friend, sharing my thoughts and frustrations. His advice caught me off guard—he suggested that I pursue a PhD in the US.

Initially, I wasn’t interested in the idea. A PhD felt like just another step in the traditional path I was trying to avoid. But my friend connected me with one of his acquaintances, a PhD student at North Carolina A&T State University (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University) who had recently secured a job at Intel. Hearing his story made me pause and reconsider. Perhaps this could be a way to align my curiosity for science with my desire to contribute meaningfully to the world.

But I faced a significant obstacle—I had no money to begin the PhD application process. As fate would have it, a friend I had met during my spiritual journey stepped in. Without hesitation, he lent me ₹50,000, enabling me to cover the costs of my GRE and application fees. Around the same time, the real estate job I had been holding onto was helping me save for other expenses, like my visa and travel. However, life threw another curveball—I was fired from that job just as I received my PhD offer letter from North Carolina A&T.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also met with an accident during this period, leaving me bedridden for a month. Despite the challenges, I managed to secure my visa, but delays forced me to defer my admission. Once again, help came when I needed it most—this time from my uncle in the UK, who paid for my flight ticket. Finally, after navigating countless obstacles, I arrived in the US., ready to start my PhD journey.

Looking back, my career path wasn’t meticulously planned, but it was deeply shaped by key moments and the kindness of others. Each experience—from my first job to my entrepreneurial venture, and even the hardships I faced during the pandemic—has played a role in guiding me toward where I am today. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and trusting in life’s process. Every step, no matter how unexpected, has brought me closer to discovering my true potential.

When I started my PhD, I wanted to work on something that could help solve big problems like pollution and waste. That’s how I got into Nano-Engineering, which is all about using really tiny materials, so small you need special microscopes to even see them, to create big solutions.

In my research, I use a special technology called Plasma, which is like a high-energy state of matter, to turn harmful CO₂ gas into useful things like fuels or chemicals. Imagine taking something that’s bad for the environment and turning it into something helpful—that’s what I work on. But to make this happen, I need materials called catalysts that work best when designed at the nanoscale. These tiny materials help speed up the chemical reactions and make them more efficient.

I also work on recycling plastics, another big problem for our planet. Using Plasma and Nano-Engineering, I study how to break down plastic waste into materials that can be reused, creating a cleaner, more sustainable system.

What’s exciting about Nano-Engineering is that it allows us to solve problems by working at the tiniest levels—molecules and atoms. Even though it’s small, its impact can be huge. My PhD is helping me understand how these nanoscale reactions can make the world a better place. It’s like putting together a puzzle, where every tiny piece helps solve big environmental challenges.

How did you get your first break?

From a spiritual perspective, my first breakthrough was the near-death experience I had during my bachelor’s degree, which profoundly transformed my outlook and deepened my connection to spirituality.

From a business standpoint, my first break came when I teamed up with a friend to start a venture during my master’s in chemical engineering. It was an opportunity born out of shared interests and a desire to create something meaningful.

From a career perspective, my biggest break was securing a PhD admission in the US. This opportunity came after a challenging period when I quit my job following a conflict with my boss. During the COVID pandemic, I reached a point of deep introspection, even considering leaving my career behind to meditate in Arunachalam. However, this period of reflection motivated me to redirect my energy toward pursuing higher education, ultimately leading to my admission.

What were some of the challenges you faced ? How did you address them?

Adjusting to life in the US was emotionally draining. I felt isolated, homesick, and overwhelmed. My advisor was demanding, and I envied master’s students who graduated quickly and landed high-paying jobs. I often wondered, Why am I putting myself through this? I even tried to quit multiple times but decided to wait until the semester ended. During the summer, I took a part-time job working in the NC A&T fields. It was physically taxing but gave me enough money to buy my first car and the mental clarity to change research groups.

That summer also marked a turning point in my spiritual journey. I started fasting, meditating, and practicing pranayama more seriously. These practices grounded me, helping me confront my impatience and uncertainty. I immersed myself in spiritual books and embraced solitude. It felt like I was finally stabilizing, building a foundation for my future.

In September 2022, I met someone who would change my life forever—my now-wife. Our relationship grew, and she became a source of strength. With her support and my spiritual practices, I overcame the emotional turbulence I had carried for so long.

The summer of 2023 was one of the most fulfilling times of my life. I learned to swim, taught yoga and meditation classes, and earned enough from part-time jobs to support myself and my family. By the end of the year, I secured an internship with Intel, which felt like a milestone. The internship in 2024 was exciting, but it also exposed me to the harsh realities of corporate life when Intel laid off many employees. This solidified my decision to dedicate myself to entrepreneurship and spirituality.

Each challenge—financial, emotional, and physical—has been a teacher. From struggling with homesickness to dealing with accidents, career doubts, and financial instability, I’ve come out stronger each time. Today, I see these hardships as blessings, shaping me into someone who values resilience, patience, and self-awareness. My journey isn’t just about building a career; it’s about aligning my life with my values, creating something meaningful, and staying connected to the spiritual path that has guided me through it all.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I’m currently working on plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion and plastics recycling as part of my PhD at North Carolina A&T State University. My journey here has been anything but straightforward, but it’s deeply fulfilling to know that my work addresses real-world problems.

The plasma I use isn’t like the nuclear fusion in the sun, but it’s similar in some ways. Plasma is called the fourth state of matter, like a supercharged gas with lots of energy. It’s not as hot as the sun, but it’s powerful enough to break apart molecules like CO₂ or plastics into smaller pieces, which we can then turn into useful things like fuel.

To generate plasma, I use electricity. When a high-voltage current passes through a gas, it gives the gas particles so much energy that they break apart into ions and electrons, creating plasma. It glows, like what you see in lightning or neon lights, and it’s perfect for driving chemical reactions in a clean and efficient way!

Every day, I work on figuring out how to use plasma technology to tackle two major challenges: reducing CO₂ emissions and recycling plastic waste. The idea is to turn CO₂ into valuable products like fuels and chemicals and to break down plastics so they can be reused instead of ending up in landfills. It’s exciting because it feels like solving a massive puzzle—each experiment brings us one step closer to solutions the world desperately needs.

I also did an internship at Intel, where I worked on improving how silicon chips are made. Chips are tiny parts inside computers and phones, and they’re made using super-precise processes.

My main job was using Machine Learning (a type of computer program) to predict how thin films are deposited on silicon. These films are important for making chips work properly. I made the predictions 95% accurate and built a dashboard to show the results in real-time, making it easier for engineers to use.

I also studied machines that process silicon wafers and found ways to make their maintenance faster, cutting the time by 40%. At the end of my internship, I was honoured to win the Best Cohort Lead Award for my contributions.

This experience taught me how technology and data can make processes smarter and faster, even in something as advanced as chip-making!

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

To do this kind of work, I’ve had to develop a range of skills. I’ve learned about plasma physics, materials science, and reactor design through both my coursework and hours spent in the lab. But it’s not just technical knowledge. Research is full of failures—experiments don’t work, equipment breaks, or results aren’t what you expect. Staying resilient is just as important, and for me, meditation, pranayama, and fasting have been my secret weapons to stay focused and grounded.

What’s a typical day like?

My days are a mix of running experiments, analyzing data, reading about the latest breakthroughs, and brainstorming how to improve our processes. Some days are incredibly rewarding when things work, and others are frustrating when they don’t. But every step feels meaningful because the goal—helping the planet—is so close to my heart.

What is it you love about this job? 

What I love most about this work is the purpose it gives me. Knowing that I’m contributing to solutions for climate change and waste management is incredibly motivating. It’s not just about science; it’s about creating a better future. And that’s what keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

How does your work benefit society? 

My work focuses on plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion and plastics recycling, tackling two of the biggest environmental challenges we face today: climate change and plastic waste. These are issues that affect everyone—our air, our water, and the future of our planet.

By converting CO₂ into useful products like fuels and chemicals, my research aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This not only helps fight climate change but also creates a way to recycle CO₂, turning it into something valuable rather than letting it harm the environment.

On the other hand, plastics are everywhere in our lives, but most of them end up as waste in landfills or the ocean. Using plasma technology, we’re working on breaking plastics down into reusable materials, creating a circular system where plastic waste can be transformed into something new instead of being thrown away.

The benefit to society is immense. Cleaner air, less plastic pollution, and innovative technologies that can be scaled up to make a real impact globally. It’s exciting to know that my work could help pave the way for a more sustainable future, one where we use resources more wisely and leave a healthier planet for the next generation.

What drives me is the thought that these solutions could one day make a real difference—not just in labs, but in people’s everyday lives. That’s what makes the challenges worth it.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

One of the most memorable projects I worked on was early in my PhD journey when I was designing a plasma reactor for CO₂ conversion. It was a critical point in my research, and I was determined to make the system work efficiently. I remember spending days fine-tuning the reactor setup—adjusting the electrodes, optimizing the flow of gases, and troubleshooting countless issues with high-voltage systems.

One night, after hours of trial and error, I ran a test that finally produced significant results. The plasma glowed beautifully, a vivid reminder of the power of science and innovation. When I analyzed the output, I found that we had successfully converted CO₂ into hydrocarbons, a tangible step toward addressing the climate crisis. It felt like magic—turning a harmful gas into something useful.

What made this moment even more special was the journey leading up to it. I’d struggled with self-doubt, financial constraints, and adapting to a new country. But seeing that reactor come to life reminded me why I was here. It wasn’t just about running experiments—it was about finding solutions to problems that matter, for the planet and for future generations.

That moment fueled my passion for the work. It reminded me that every small success adds up, and even the biggest challenges can be overcome with persistence and belief in what you’re doing. It’s not just a project to me—it’s a piece of my purpose.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

If I could share one piece of advice with students based on my journey, it would be this: “Trust the process, and don’t be afraid of challenges—they are your greatest teachers.”

Life doesn’t always go as planned. When I missed out on top engineering colleges after high school, I felt like I had failed. But looking back, that detour taught me resilience and led me to experiences I never imagined. Challenges—whether it was struggling financially, failing an exam, or navigating self-doubt—pushed me to grow in ways that easy successes never could.

Another lesson I’ve learned is to balance ambition with self-awareness. It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing—comparing salaries, achievements, or timelines. But your path is your own. Find what excites you, what gives you purpose, and commit to that. For me, it was combining my passions for science, sustainability, and spirituality. Staying true to that vision is what keeps me motivated, even during tough times.

Finally, take care of your inner world. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or just taking time to reflect, building emotional resilience is as important as developing technical skills. Research and life in general can be unpredictable, and having a calm, focused mind makes all the difference.

To all students: stay curious, embrace the challenges, and remember that every step—even the difficult ones—brings you closer to discovering your full potential. The journey may not always be smooth, but it will always be worth it.

Future Plans?

Looking ahead, my future plans revolve around two core passions: entrepreneurship and spirituality. Both have been deeply intertwined in my journey, and I want to continue building a life that balances these two aspects.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, I aim to apply the knowledge I’ve gained through my research in plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion and plastics recycling. My vision is to create sustainable technologies that can address real-world problems—like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling plastic waste—while being scalable and economically viable. I want to build a company that not only innovates but also inspires others to think about the environment in every decision they make.

At the same time, spirituality remains a central part of my life. I plan to dedicate more time to teaching yoga and meditation, sharing the practices that have transformed my own life. Whether it’s through workshops, classes, or creating a community, I want to help others find balance and clarity in their lives. Spirituality isn’t just about personal growth for me–it’s about creating positive change in the world by nurturing inner peace and resilience in people.

I’ve also learned that life rarely follows a straight line, so I’m keeping my plans flexible. But one thing is clear: I want my work—both in science and spirituality—to leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s through sustainable innovations, guiding people toward inner calm, or creating a legacy of meaningful change, my future is about building something that aligns with my values and contributes to a better world.