Sometimes we don’t always make a career out of what we intended to do at age
18. For Sravanth Kumar Kondapalli, a BS in mechanical engineering at Lovely
Professional University in Punjab turned into a pursuit of a master’s in
engineering management with a focus on health tech. Though his background
was in engineering, he was drawn to the rapid technological advancements
taking place in healthcare.
Kondapalli is currently finishing up a graduate co-op as a research
associate at the Florida Heart Center studying remote monitors and AI
applications for pacemakers. Working under Dr. Prasad Chalasani, he’s
detailing the outcomes of patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve
replacement (TAVR) and how pacemakers are used after the procedure, helping
to make more effective pacemakers and ensure that TAVR works for those in
need. Pacemakers enhanced with AI help to detect early cardiac issues,
automatically adjust their pacing based on patient activity, and can send
real-time alerts to doctors. They can even extend battery life through smart
energy management. These advancements make pacemakers more efficient,
responsive, and personalized for better patient outcomes.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been seeing how
data-driven analysis can directly influence healthcare decisions,”
Kondapalli said. “My research contributions have helped uncover insights
that could shape future medical practices and technological advancements in
cardiology. Being part of a research initiative that directly impacts
patient care and medical device effectiveness has reinforced my passion for
applying engineering management principles in healthcare.”
Drexel’s graduate co-op offers students the opportunity for up to six months
of total immersion in the field they’re studying. Along with integrating
classroom skills into the workplace, students receive mentorship
opportunities and contribute to projects that further improve today's
technology and systems.
“This co-op has been a perfect extension of my coursework,” he said. “By
working on real-world clinical data, I have been able to apply my knowledge
of statistical analysis, process optimization, and AI-driven monitoring
systems.”
When Kondapalli comes back to the classroom, he’s got a reinforced skillset
and knowledge on the importance of accuracy in data collection and analysis.
In healthcare, each data point is important to understand how best to
monitor a patient’s care. The experience not only reinforced his interest in
engineering management but brought a new interest in interdisciplinary
collaboration.
“My co-op has given me invaluable professional experience, from
collaborating with cross-functional teams to presenting research findings. I
have developed stronger analytical skills and learned to navigate the
challenges of working in a healthcare setting,” he said. “The mentorship I
have received has also provided me with insights into the practical aspects
of research and development, which will be crucial as I move forward in my
career.