Celebrating the Labroots 2024 Fall Graduate Research Scholarship Winner: Soumitra Manish Dodkey

The purpose of scientific research isn’t just to advance a specific field, but to help humanity reach new heights and better understand the world the world we live in. To help progress science, Labroots is proud to offer rotating merit-based scholarships year-round to both undergraduate and graduate students to offset the increasing costs associated with higher education. The 2024 Fall Graduate Research Scholarship aims to alleviate some of the necessary research costs for graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.

This year’s recipient is Soumitra Manish Dodkey, who is working toward a master’s degree in Product Development Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California. Dodkey is fueled by a strong passion for the future of engineering, but also finds time to play music, which helps blend creativity with his academic goals.

“As an awardee of the 2024 Labroots Graduate Research Scholarship, I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity. This scholarship empowers me to continue my research in the field of Product Development Engineering, a passion that drives my academic journey. I am excited about the potential impact my work could have on the broader STEM community. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Labroots team for their support, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the advancement of science and engineering.”

Dodkey’s journey into engineering started with his desire to create new products that provide positive and useful impacts on society while spurring innovation. Through this, he aspires to contribute to the future of engineering by bringing these innovations to life.

Regarding future changes he sees in his field within the next five years, Dodkey tells Labroots about the enormous impact that Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) will provide to product development, along with helping to streamline the approach to tackling engineering problems. Through this, he envisions the engineering field will experience enhanced innovation and efficiency.

Dodkey praises Mr. Ben Nikaido, an aerospace engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, who Dodkey met when he was in high school, as being a strong influence on his decision to follow his interest in science and make a career out of it.

Outside of research, Dodkey has been active in several clubs and organizations, specifically as a volunteer with the Art of Living Foundation, a global non-profit organization focused on personal growth and stress management, which Dodkey says his involvement has been, “deeply fulfilling and aligns with my values of giving back to the community.”

To connect with Dodkey and follow his career, please follow him on LinkedIn.