When Balavignesh Vemparala left Chennai, India to begin graduate studies at The Ohio State University, he expected to push the boundaries of engineering. What he didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape his identity as a researcher, professional and as a member of a global community.
Ohio State became the place where advanced computation, creativity and community intersected for him. “Coming to the United States was both exciting and overwhelming,” he recalls. “I had to learn a new academic culture, a new social environment and a new way of thinking about research.”
Building a scientific path across continents
Vemparala arrived at Ohio State with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering from BITS Pilani, but Ohio State gave him the scale and freedom to explore the overlap of artificial intelligence (AI), scientific computing and engineering simulation. His research in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering ranged from AI-accelerated structural analysis to material modeling and biomechanics, work that would later evolve into multiple peer-reviewed publications and collaborations.
One of the most far-reaching efforts was his work on creating an AI framework to cut down on the computing costs of massive finite element simulations. He also helped advance microstructure-based mesh generation and contributed to a multiscale bone-remodeling model informed by clinical and astronaut data.
These projects placed him at the center of fast-growing research areas where AI and engineering computation converge — fields now recognized as critical to national innovation in manufacturing, healthcare and advanced materials.
“Ohio State trained me to think about engineering problems at the system level,” he said. “Not just how to solve them, but how to solve them faster, more efficiently and in ways that might open up entirely new applications.”
Finding community in unexpected places
While research shaped his academic life, it was the communities he joined that shaped his personal experience. Early in graduate school, he became part of ‘Unmasked at OSU,’ helping lead outreach efforts focused on raising awareness of sexual violence within South Asian communities. He also joined 'Dhadkan,' a South Asian a cappella group, and continued recording music throughout his time in Columbus.
“These groups gave me a sense of belonging,” he said. “They connected me to people who understood the cultural transition of being an international student. They grounded me outside the lab.”
From campus research to global engineering impact
After completing his MS and PhD in mechanical engineering, Vemparala joined Ansys Inc. (part of Synopsys) as a research and development engineer. There, he contributes to the development of Mechanical APDL, one of the world’s foundational finite element solvers used across aerospace, automotive, energy and defense industries.
“Seeing my work support engineers across so many sectors is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “It feels like a continuation of the journey that started in Scott Lab, but at a global scale.”
Reflections on growth — and advice for new international students
Looking back, Vemparala says the most significant lessons didn’t come from a single experiment or publication, but from learning to navigate life far from home.
“As an international student, you grow in ways you don’t always notice in the moment,” he said. “You learn resilience. You learn to ask for help. You learn to build communities that become your support system.”
His advice to new Buckeyes is simple and grounded in experience.
“Give yourself time to adjust. Explore beyond your department. And let your community be part of your academic journey — it makes the difficult moments a lot easier.”