Ashvin Lad
A 1996 chemical engineering graduate who added a 1998 master’s in biomedical engineering, and co-founder of Breakwater Chicago LLC.
In this section
FIRST JOB AFTER ROSE-HULMAN?
Internship at Cardio Medical Solutions in Fountain Valley, California. The project there was the basis for my thesis for graduate school at Rose-Hulman. My first “real” job after my MS was as product development engineer at Cook Medical in Bloomington, IN, working on critical care and endovascular medical devices.
MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU LEARNED ON THAT JOB?
The most valuable lesson was the importance of developing great internal working relationships with all cross-functional areas that may touch your projects, from manufacturing to regulatory affairs to quality assurance to marketing to sales.
MOST MEMORABLE ROSE-HULMAN PROFESSOR?
Dr. Sam Hulbert [Biomedical Engineering]. For me, he was much more than just a professor. He was a friend, mentor, and adviser in many facets. He made difficult subject matter very relevant and easy to understand. He was much more about application than theory, and for me, that’s where the fun was.
IDEAL WEEKEND?
Time on a beach, local cuisine from an “off the beaten path” restaurant, a meal at a fine-dining restaurant, touring a city for its culture and architecture, and mixing in a major sporting event or two somewhere in between.
STAR TREK OR STAR WARS?
If I had to pick one, I guess it would be Star Wars.
WHAT IS THE NERDIEST THING YOU DO?
I always try and find symbolism in number (dates, times, birthdates, addresses, etc.) to events, people, and special occasions. Sometimes they are far-fetched. Sometimes it’s like I’m a member of the Illuminati!
ADVICE TO INCOMING ROSE-HULMAN STUDENTS?
Take advantage of the risk-free environment that Rose-Hulman provides you to develop and enhance your leadership skills by getting involved in student government, clubs, and other organizations. Meet as many people as you can and cultivate those relationships.
