Arya Swamy

Arya Swamy Headshot

she/her

 

RPI Degree Program: DSIS | Design, Innovation & Society BS + MECL | Mechanical Engineering (Dual Major)

Hometown: North Andover, MA

Biography: I am a Mechanical Engineering and Design, Innovation & Society student passionate about technologies that reshape how we live and work. I believe the world is approaching a critical intersection between humans and machines, which fuels my curiosity about how human behavior and technology influence one another. I see this relationship as a powerful opportunity to create solutions that improve lives and move society forward.

Through my studies, I have developed a strong foundation in product design, CAD, prototyping, and sustainability-driven engineering solutions. My semester abroad at the Technical University of Denmark further broadened my perspective, exposing me to how engineering and design adapt across cultures and communities.

Over the past few years, I have connected theory to practice through hands-on industry experience. At Dell Technologies, I worked on maximizing AI for sustainability initiatives, and at Digital Realty, I analyzed AI partner strategies and data to support leadership decision-making. These experiences deepened my interest in the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and digital infrastructure.

Looking ahead, I aim to apply my design-engineering expertise to develop sustainable products and systems that address real-world challenges and contribute to a more resilient future.

Clubs & Organizations: RPI Rounak (captain), Society of Women Engineers, Design, Innovation and Society board (e-board member), Indian Student Association

Favorite Course: My favorite classes so far have been the Design Studios that are part of the Design, Innovation & Society side of my major. These courses let me approach problems through a creative and human-centered lens. I enjoy how the studios encourage collaboration, prototyping, and critical thinking, while also connecting design decisions to real-world social and environmental contexts. They’ve challenged me to think beyond technical problem-solving and consider the broader impact of the solutions I create, which is exactly the balance I hope to bring into my career.

Study Abroad: Studying abroad at the Technical University of Denmark gave me the chance to experience a new academic environment while immersing myself in a different culture. It broadened my perspective on engineering and design, introduced me to diverse approaches to problem solving, and helped me grow both academically and personally. The experience encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and strengthened my adaptability in new settings.

Goals: After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to continue building technical and design expertise. At the same time, I am also interested in starting a full-time role in industry where I can apply what I’ve learned to real-world challenges. Balancing further education with professional experience will help me grow as both an engineer and a designer, and guide me toward a career focused on creating sustainable, human-centered solutions.

Professional Work Experiences: I have completed internships at Dell Technologies and Digital Realty. At Dell, I worked on maximazing AI for sustainability, including evaluating regulatory compliance, redesigning Dell’s sustainability webpage, and forecasting AI workload volumes supported by renewable energy. At Digital Realty, I built dashboards analyzing reseller and partner data, evaluated tradeshow ROI, and recommended partner programs to support revenue growth.

Arch Away Semester: For my Away Semester, I completed a Product Management internship at Dell Technologies. My goal was to gain industry experience at the intersection of engineering, design, and sustainability. During the internship, I worked on maximizing AI for sustainability, including evaluating regulatory compliance, redesigning Dell’s sustainability webpage, and conducting competitor and industry research. A key takeaway was the importance of combining technical expertise with cross-functional collaboration to drive meaningful impact.

Advice for Seniors: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. 

Portfolio | LinkedIn
 

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