From International Student to Full-Time Researcher: Building in Applied Research at UofL

Research scientist Benarji Valavala’s journey to the University of Louisville has been marked by both challenges and growth. After facing a student visa rejection in 2022, he was accepted in 2023 and successfully completed a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 2025. After graduation, he began full-time work as a research scientist in the UofL Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. 

As an international student, Benarji experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning to life in the United States. To better support incoming international students and foster a sense of belonging on campus, he co-founded the Indian Graduate Student Association (IGSA). The organization connects students with the resources, skills and community they need to thrive at UofL.  

Drawing from his own journey, Benarji encourages future international students to be proactive in seeking help and building connections.

"Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stay engaged with your peers and join student communities, as they can become your second family. Build strong relationships with professors and peers, and don’t be afraid to explore leadership roles; they’ll help you grow in ways that textbooks never could."

Benarji’s dedication to community building during his degree program was matched only by his commitment to academic excellence. As a Research Scientist in UofL's Department of Industrial Engineering, Benarji worked to advance university research initiatives, including engineering education. In his current role at UofL, he has had the opportunity to build on the innovative research he started as a graduate student.

“My approach now is shaped by my master’s research with Dr. Campbell Bego, where projects on exploratory learning and GenAI literacy strengthened my skills in data interpretation, survey design and mentorship.”

During his graduate program, he contributed to innovative research on the use of GenAI and collaborated on a published research paper exploring how course instruction can increase first-year students’ trust and understanding of AI. This work helped inform the redesign of a first-year engineering course by Dr. Angela Thompson and Dr. Campbell Bego, whose efforts were recognized during the 2024 TILL Teaching Innovation Awards.

As a testament to his ongoing collaboration with faculty and his drive to make a meaningful impact, Benjari was named the Best Industrial Engineering Master's Student in 2024 in recognition of his academic and research contributions during graduate school. “I hope to continue growing in this field while also supporting international students, in a manner similar to what others have done for me.” 

In his current role, he applies those same principles to NSF-funded projects that focus on the intersection of leadership and engineering, including the projects Research Experience for Teachers (RET), Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), and Community-Engaged Educational Ecosystem Model (CEEEM).

“My experiences as a graduate student and research assistant taught me the importance of consistency, time management, leadership and communication - all essential to my role now.”

Benarji credits his advisors for their guidance and mentorship, both of whom have been instrumental to his success. 

"I decided to attend the University of Louisville after coming across a webinar by Dr. Parikh. His quick, thorough responses to my queries stood out compared to the slow replies from other universities I was admitted to. The support from my family, Dr. Parikh’s mentorship and fellow students, who guided me through visa delays, airport pick-up and settling in, made my transition smoother. This strong support network, along with UofL's reputation, has made it the ideal place to pursue my academic and professional goals."

Now, as an alumnus and full-time staff member, Benarji has the opportunity to engage with the UofL community in new ways. 

“Honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment,” he said. “As a student, I received incredible mentorship and guidance; now, I get to give that back. The University of Louisville has become more than just my academic home - it’s a place where I can innovate, lead and mentor alongside the next generation of engineers.”