Prakash
When Abhijnan Prakash came to Drexel University from India to pursue a
master’s degree in electrical engineering, he wasn’t just looking for a
strong academic program. He was searching for a place where he could grow,
contribute, and make a difference. On June 13, he will deliver the graduate student
address at the College of Engineering’s commencement ceremony.
“Drexel has been more than a university. It’s where I discovered my
potential,” Prakash said. “It’s where I found the courage to lead, to take
initiative, and to give back.”
His time at Drexel has been defined by leadership and service. He revived
two inactive student organizations, the Indian Graduate Student Association
(Pragathi) and the graduate chapter of IEEE. He also served as vice
president of the Graduate Student Association, where he worked with Campus
Engagement and the Graduate College to organize events that promoted mental
health, cultural connection, community engagement, and professional
development. These efforts helped create a more inclusive and supportive
environment for graduate students.
Prakash’s academic work also emphasizes real-world impact. During his co-op
at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, he contributed to research
focused on supporting teens with ADHD and autism. At Drexel’s SLED Lab, led
by Professor Valentina Graci, he is helping to build the infrastructure
needed to study the effects of advanced vehicle technologies on occupant
safety. His work centers on replicating crash avoidance scenarios and
analyzing how children and adults respond to autonomous emergency braking
systems.
In addition to his research and campus leadership, Prakash founded
3 Wired Minds
, a nonprofit startup based in India that supports small businesses and
entrepreneurs. The organization provides services in brand architecture,
strategic positioning, and digital acceleration. Its mission is to help
entrepreneurs grow sustainably, promote fair wages, and prevent
exploitation. “Our goal is not just to build brands, but to uplift
communities,” he said. “We believe every small business deserves the chance
to thrive.”
At Drexel, he also served as a graduate student ambassador, guiding
prospective students and sharing his experience. That mentoring role, he
said, reflects a broader theme of his time at the university.
“I didn’t know much about Drexel when I first applied,” he said. “But once
I learned about its focus on entrepreneurship and the flexibility to
explore beyond the classroom, I knew it was the right place for me.”
As he prepares to speak on behalf of the Class of 2025, Prakash hopes to
reflect on the shared experience of the graduating class.
“I want to speak to what we’ve experienced together—the challenges, the
achievements, and the road ahead,” he said. “It’s an honor to celebrate this
moment with my peers.”