COSMOS is happy to announce the graduation of five Cosmographers in Fall 2024! We interviewed the graduates about their journeys and what the future holds for them. This edition of the newsletter shares the story of one of the graduated students, Manohar Koya, who graduated with a master’s in computer science and worked as a graduate research assistant at the COSMOS Research Center. Subsequent editions will share other student stories.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments and the numerous contributions Manohar has made to the COSMOS Research Center. We all celebrate his academic journey and wish him the best in his future pursuits,” said Dr. Agarwal.
Manohar Koya
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Manohar Koya, and I am from India, having recently finished a Master of Science in Computer Science. I specialize in backend development, scalable systems, and microservices, with a passion for solving complex technical challenges.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
I was inspired by the impactful work being done in social media data analysis by Prof Agarwal at COSMOS. My prior experience with a similar project during my bachelor’s further fueled my interest and enthusiasm for joining the lab.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
COSMOS provided me with an excellent environment to explore my interests in software development and big data management. Working on advanced topics like microservices, Kubernetes, and end-to-end service design and deployment has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in building and supporting scalable systems. I was motivated to delve into emerging technologies such as Go and had the opportunity to design and implement ETL pipelines capable of handling millions of data points daily. These experiences have significantly enhanced my technical skills and prepared me for future challenges in my career.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I am joining Microsoft as a software developer, focusing primarily on backend development and contributing to impactful products. My goal is to enhance organizational growth by driving faster and more efficient feature delivery. In the long term, I aspire to transition into the product and business side of the software industry, leveraging my technical expertise to align product strategies with business goals.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
My experience as a Cosmographer has been truly remarkable. I especially cherish our group lunches that Prof Agarwal hosted, which fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the team. One of my fondest memories was being interviewed by a local news channel about the innovative work we’re doing at COSMOS—a moment that was both inspiring and memorable. I am incredibly grateful for the mentoring and support that Prof. Agarwal provided to groom us into a well-rounded professional.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Being a part of COSMOS has been an incredible journey filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation. As I move forward, I encourage all Cosmographers to continue pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and supporting one another in creating impactful solutions. Remember, the work we do here has the potential to shape the future—keep striving for excellence!