“I am glad that I could make it to the finals of ISP. It was a moment of pride when I was declared one of the winners.” B.V.N.Silpa, third year PhD student, Computer Science Department, IIT Delhi.

B.V.N.Silpa, is a third year PhD student from the Computer Science Department, IIT Delhi. She has done her masters in VLSI Design, Tools and Technology (VDTT) from IIT Delhi and her Bachelors in Electronics and Communication from Osmania University, Hyderabad. She is currently doing her Internship at Intel.

One of her proudest moments was being declared as a winner at the Intel Scholar Program. Silpa feels that the ISP program has “helped her tremendously". The following is an interview with the proud stakeholder.

1. We can see that you are overjoyed, would like to share with us your experiences with the Intel Scholar Program (ISP)?

“The guidance I got from my Intel mentor and also the brainstorming sessions I had with the judges have not only helped me tackle the problem in a holistic approach but also encouraged me to explore how the same ideas could be used in different perspectives to solve related problems”

“Overwhelming” is the right word to describe my experience with ISP. The journey which started with my sending a proposal for the contest, to winning the competition has enriched me in many ways. I am happy that I got an opportunity to present my work to some of the finest people working in the field. The guidance sessions have helped me tackle the problem using different perspectives to solve related problems.

2. How did you get to know about the ISP and what encouraged you to participate in the contest?

My institute - IIT Delhi, got a mail from the ISP team, inviting the students to participate in the Program. My Professor Dr.P.R.Panda, encouraged me to participate in this contest and helped me in developing the idea. The opportunity of showcasing my work to people who are driving and advancing the semiconductor industry lured me to participating in this contest.

3. Your research title is an extremely interesting one. What made you choose this as your title?

The field of chip making has always fascinated me. Hence I took up VLSI as the specialization for my Masters. In this era of virtual reality, computer graphics are impacting us in every walk of life right from entertainment, education to aiding advanced medical procedures. I wanted to apply my knowledge of VLSI to the field of Computer Graphics and make my humble contribution to the field of building graphic chips.

4. Which part of ISP have you enjoyed the most and why?

The Poster presentation sessions were the most enjoyable along with the interaction I had with the judges, Intel employees and peers. This has helped me look at my work in hundreds of different perspectives and have aided greatly in adding value to my work.

I have also learnt how to make a good presentation to an audience of varying backgrounds.

5. How has ISP impacted you? What changes did you find in yourself after participating and winning the contest?

The ISP experience has instilled a lot of confidence in me. The constructive criticism I received has helped me improvise and encouraged me to aim for perfection. It has imbibed in me the practice of looking at the problem with a comprehensive view and I have now learnt to appreciate the value of a simple solution to a complex problem.

6. How did you feel when you won the contest and when your name was announced as a winner?

BVN Silpa sharing her experience of Intel Scholar Program) From Left: Mr. Anshul Sonak – South Asia Education Manager, Corporate affairs Intel. Prof. K Rajanikanth – Principal MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology.Prof. H P Khincha – Vice Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University.Mr. Satish Narule – Manager Higher Education, Intel Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. Dr. Sunit Tyagi – Director of Technology, Intel India

The competition was very tough and all the contestants had put in a lot of hard work and were focused on winning the competition. It was a very exciting moment – when I was announced the winner. I was filled with a sense of achievement and was very happy that my efforts were being appreciated.

7. Tell us something about your mentor during the ISP?

BVN Silpa receiving the participation certificate from Prof. K Rajanikanth

8. How did you get an internship at Intel?

My PhD is being sponsored by INTEL. I had been working in association with the Graphics Group at Intel Bangalore from the beginning of my research work.

I wanted to take up internship with the same group so that I could get some insights into the industry perspective of the problem. I don’t want my research to be just an academic piece of work but also be relevant to the industry.

9. Please share with us your journey as an Intern at Intel?

I am working with the Graphics Micro Architecture Team. During the internship at Intel, I have not only gained in terms of technical knowledge but I have also learnt how to work in the corporate world. I now understand and appreciate the role of team work and collaboration in building something big.

The initiative of Intel towards building the social consciousness of the employees has impressed me to a great extent and I am happy that I could also be a part of some of the events. I believe that the “INTEL VALUES” that I have tried to instill in me are going to help me in my all-round growth and I am looking forward to being a part of a healthy institution like Intel.

10. What are your long term goals in life?

I wish to make significant contributions to the field of VLSI by being a part of an industry that is driving the field of chip design. I want to rise up the technical ladder by gaining the breadth of knowledge in various aspects of chip design and want to leave my mark on each and every project that I take up. I wish to see myself as technical leader, steering the next generation technologies.

The ISP experience has instilled a lot of confidence in me. The constructive criticism I received has helped me improvise and encouraged me to aim for perfection