University of Cincinnati
07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 07:38
NIS program opens new horizons for international student
NIS program opens new horizons for international student
UC NEXT Innovation Scholar's unexpected journey from physics to finance
6 minute readJuly 17, 2024Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
In pursuit of physics research early in his undergraduate career, Akash Khanikor ventured from his hometown in India's Assam to the University of Cincinnati, drawn by the promise of hands-on exploration early in his undergraduate career.
Unlike the structured path in India, where research typically begins in graduate school, Khanikor sought to immerse himself immediately by leveraging UC's outstanding physics program and intimate adviser support.
"I chose UC after completing my first year in India because my adviser with the Manya Princeton Review consultancy and tutoring service had a strong and positive working relationship with a UC adviser, encouraging me to consider UC closely," Khanikor said. "UC's physics program is robust with early opportunities for research, yet small and personal, which promised the one-on-one guidance I sought.
"The program's personalized approach was ideal for me."
Prior to graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in physics and a minor in economics, Khanikor's path was significantly shaped by his participation in UC's NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) program, located in the 1819 Innovation Hub. This cohort-based system, which funded Khanikor's tuition at UC and opened doors to multidisciplinary projects including campus programs, research projects and professional collaborations accepted just 17 students university-wide.
Creative thinking
At an April Gen-Z Insights showcase, Akash Khanikor on left and other NIS students answer questions from 1819 corporate partners. Photo/Erin Seccia
As an NIS strategic foresight project lead, Khanikor recounted his climb upward through the program. "One pivotal experience was participating in the Futures Project," he reflected.
"As a student, I engaged in strategic foresight work, starting as a research analyst under senior NIS mentors like Jonathan Raj," Khanikor said. "Collaborating with peers from diverse majors, I found joy in the creative thinking required. By my final semesters, I was leading these projects."
Each semester, the futures research project assembled teams of 10 to 12 students from diverse backgrounds to study the underlying forces across society that are shaping the future of everyday life and industries such as health care, entertainment and education.
"We analyzed what the next 15 to 30 years might look like based on extensive research across online media, articles and field research," he explained. "We published a report annually, which I shared with UC co-op employers."
Other opportunities to shine included his due diligence research with a the Cincinnati Insurance Companies. "We collaborated in a team of three NIS students to better inform strategic decision-making regarding insurance product development," Khanikor noted.
"By the end, we enjoyed delivering a comprehensive report to the company synthesizing our findings on industry products and risk assessment methodologies."
NIS gave me a taste of how it feels to do impactful work, and I want to position myself to make meaningful contributions to the future.
Akash KhanikorUC NEXT Innovation Scholar
Leveraging opportunity
Akash Khanikor (third from right) and others in his NIS group visited several renowned Bay Area companies during a UC trip to Silicon Valley, including a visit to E. & J. Gallo Winery whose leaders commissioned a proprietary project by the scholars. As a result, NIS students unveiled their future-focused concepts before an audience of more than 30 members from Gallo's Innovation and Consumer Insights division. Photo provided
Khanikor credits NIS with profoundly reshaping his educational experience. "Initially, I had a clear four-year plan focused on physics," he said. "But NIS introduced me to exciting projects.
"In addition to the Futures Project, I also engaged in commercial projects. This exposure shifted my interests toward innovation consulting, prompting me to seek more opportunities in that field."
One pivotal NIS experience was as a strategy consultant with E. & J. Gallo Winery, where Khanikor gained insights into professional team dynamics. "We conducted research and interviews with consumers and presented our findings in San Francisco to more than 40 professionals from the company," he noted. "Realizing that our NIS work paralleled professional standards was a revelation, affirming my career path in innovation consulting."
Another significant project involved London-based luxury brand Molton Brown. "Our task was to develop an AI strategy, working with limited data due to confidentiality issues. This experience taught me to navigate uncertainty and stress, turning challenges into opportunities," Khanikor reflected.
"Our NIS leader, Aaron Bradley, encouraged us to explore independently and fly, while always providing us a safety net."
Balancing his physics degree with practical applications in consulting, Khanikor appreciated the accelerated discovery process facilitated by NIS. "The program helped me realize my true interests and strengths. I'm grateful for the awareness, opportunities and hands-on projects it provided."
Expanded horizons
Akash Khanikor. Photo provided
Looking ahead, Khanikor is planning to take the Graduate Record Examinations and apply for a masters program in the United States in finance. He is currently participating in a remote internship in his hometown in India with a venture capital firm analyzing promising startups.
"While helping the firm with due diligence research I conduct market analysis, identify trends and drivers and evaluate competitive landscapes - all skills I learned through my NIS projects," Khanikor said.
Long term, Khanikor looks forward to a position in the energy sector, combining his background in physics with his interest in finance. "NIS gave me a taste of how it feels to do impactful work, and I want to position myself to make meaningful contributions to the future," he added.
Khanikor's journey through UC's NIS program exemplifies the profound impact of early research opportunities and interdisciplinary projects - skills that have equipped him with real-world insights and a resilience for navigating a path at the intersection of technology, innovation and business analytics.
Featured image at top: UC NEXT Innovation Scholars on a recent Gen-Z Insights showcase trip to Silicon Valley. Photo provided
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