Meet Shalini Mutyala, a graduate student in our Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program. As she prepares to graduate this December, we had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her time in the program. In this Q&A, she opens up about her experiences, challenges, and the growth she’s experienced along the way.
What made you want to apply to our program?
Being born and brought up in India, one of my life goals has always been to earn a master’s degree from one of the most reputed universities in the United States. After spending 14 years in the IT industry, I wanted to take on a new challenge and pursue this long-time dream. Throughout my professional journey, I have always been passionate about technology and kept myself updated by following technical blogs and vlogs. Seeing how rapidly the world is evolving with Artificial Intelligence, I wanted to be part of that transformation and contribute meaningfully to it.
As an Iowa resident since 2009, choosing Iowa State University was an easy decision. ISU’s strong academic reputation, excellent research opportunities, and commitment to student success made it the perfect place for me to continue my education.
What’s been your favorite memory so far?
Every semester at ISU has been filled with valuable learning and growth. Each class and professor has offered something unique, making every day a new experience. Courses like Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Machine Learning, and Computational Perception have been especially memorable, as they strengthened my technical foundation and deepened my understanding of Artificial Intelligence. Coming back to academics after nearly 20 years since completing my undergraduate degree has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Pursuing my master’s in AI is definitely going to be one of my biggest achievements. I am truly thankful to Iowa State and its dedicated faculty, who are always focused on helping students reach their full potential.
What advice do you have for other people who may be interested in pursuing an MS in AI?
Everyone has their own strengths, and the key is to work hard every day to bring out the best in yourself. Keep your dreams big and chase them fearlessly. Artificial Intelligence has made the world change faster than ever before, so be proactive, stay curious, and do whatever you can to keep yourself in the competition. With dedication and the support of Iowa State’s incredible community, you can achieve more than you imagine. ISU will help you reach your goals and prepare you for a bright future.