Major: Mining Engineering
Minor: Energy Business and Finance
Hometown:Mumbai
Advisor: Mohammad Rezaee
Expected Graduation: 2027
LinkedIn Profile
Veer Nagda, a sophomore student at Penn State, joined a research-based startup at University Park this summer to help graduate students determine the best way to remove critical minerals from e-waste, such as solar panels. Nagda strengthened his time management skills and deepened his understanding of research and mineral-processing methods by organizing and preparing samples.
Nagda is interested in the growing popularity of e-waste recycling among entrepreneurs and investors, as well as the long-term benefits of reducing the carbon footprint and significantly reducing waste production.
What is your dream job, and how is EME helping you to get closer to it?
My dream job is to work in the recycling industry and contribute to it. EME is teaching many mineral processing techniques and methods, and I feel it will help me get closer to my dream job.
What made you choose your major or area of study?
I was initially interested in manufacturing and supply chain, but I became interested in mining engineering after taking a mining-related course, which I was very keen on. I chose to minor in Energy Business and Finance because I am still interested in the intersection of manufacturing and mining.
My Internship
My job was to assist graduate and Ph.D. candidates with whatever help they needed, primarily by preparing samples, photographing samples for record-keeping, and compiling data from sample analyses. I learned to use an XRF machine, learned different mineral-processing techniques, and even helped dilute samples for ICP analysis.
Finding better ways to recycle e-waste impacts the environment and the future, especially given the importance of critical minerals for modern technologies. Critical minerals are also hazardous, so finding ways to use them instead of dumping them into the environment can reduce pollution.
Advice
Your network is your net worth. Networking is a crucial part of your college life — make the most of it.
Fun Fact: I love cooking my own food, and I have also started developing a taste for sushi recently.