About Me
I'm Ragul Vijayakumar Nithya, a sophomore at Penn State University – University Park, majoring in Engineering Science with a concentration in Neural Engineering and a planned minor in Neuroscience. My journey has been shaped by an early passion for building things that matter — especially at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and human impact.
As the Vice President of the PSU Quantum Student Society, I lead outreach and education efforts that bring together diverse disciplines like physics, bioengineering, and computing. I’m also an undergraduate researcher at the BioPhotonics and Ultrasound Imaging Lab, working on ultrasound-based brain tumor imaging and biomedical signal processing using tools like Python, C++, MATLAB, and OpenCV.
My interests include neural interfaces, biomedical imaging, quantum computing, and translational healthcare systems. I'm a finalist in the Nittany AI Challenge for co-developing ECGenius, a portable, IoT-powered ECG device designed to bring real-time heart monitoring to underserved communities — an extension of my award-winning high school innovation that earned me the State Best Child Award in Science.
I’ve worn many hats: research assistant, student leader, math learning assistant, sustainability advocate, STEM outreach volunteer, and solo survivor of winter breaks on campus. But at the heart of it all, I’m driven by a simple goal: to build scalable, meaningful technologies that improve lives.
Let’s connect if you're working on something at the edge of engineering, medicine, or biology — or if you're just curious about how quantum theory and neural engineering might shape the future.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
I study brains with circuits, code, and chaos. Engineering Science lets me blend physics, biology, and math into one gloriously complex degree where I get to decode neural signals, design biomedical tech, and pretend I understand quantum stuff — all before lunch. It’s like being a tech-savvy neuroscientist... minus the lab coat.
- Neural Engineering Track
- Aug 2024 - May 2028 (Expected)
Technical Expertise
Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant
BioPhotonics and Ultrasound Imaging Laboratory | Feb 2025 - Present
- Developing signal processing algorithms for ultrasound localization microscopy.
- Contributing to research on brain tumor imaging using advanced ultrasound techniques.
- Implementing image-based inference systems using Python, NumPy, and OpenCV.
Vice President
Quantum Student Society at Penn State | Apr 2025 - Present
- Leading strategic outreach initiatives and educational programs.
- Coordinating interdisciplinary seminars in quantum computing and physics.
- Exploring applications of quantum principles in bioengineering and neural information processing.
Mathematics Learning Assistant
Eberly College of Science, Penn State | Jan 2025 - Present
- Facilitated collaborative problem-solving sessions and guided students through core math concepts in calculus and algebra.
- Supported classroom instruction by helping peers build confidence and clarity in mathematical thinking.
- Improved student engagement by simplifying complex topics and creating a welcoming, peer-driven learning environment.
Organizations I'm a Part Of
Featured Projects
C.A.R.E. - Compact Affordable Real-time ECG
Certifications
Computational Neuroscience
University of Washington · Apr 2025
Credential ID: LZRIENMASKVP
Show CredentialRecognition & Awards
Nittany AI Challenge Finalist
2025 | Top 10 team out of 100+ competitors.
Dean's Honors List
Fall 2024 & Spring 2025.
State Best Child Award
2023 | Innovative Science - Government of Puducherry.