Newsletter

From Capstone to Cutting-Edge: MRSD Alumni at NVIDIA

What do a robotics software engineer, a solutions architect, and a technical program manager have in common? Besides working at NVIDIA, they’re all proud graduates of the MRSD program! Now they are using what they learned to shape the future of robotics and AI. We caught up with four alumni to hear about their journeys, lessons learned, and favorite ways to unwind when they’re not building the future.

Jaineel Dalal (MRSD ’15)

Senior Technical Program Manager
9.5 years in the workforce, 3 at NVIDIA

  • Biggest MRSD takeaway: The capstone project and “Pizza Fridays with Hagen” (yes, really). Learned everything from systems engineering to integration.
  • Transition to work: Challenging at first, but MRSD’s hands-on approach helped ease the shift.
  • Industry insights: Robotics has exploded across industries—from healthcare to agriculture. “I never imagined I’d see Waymos driving so well in multiple cities!”
  • Career evolution: From software engineering at Apple to program management at NVIDIA—now focused on systems, roadmaps, and enabling others.
  • Advice to students:
    • Keep learning and don’t give up!
    • Take care of your health.
    • Build a life outside of work.
  • California perks: Great weather and outdoor adventures.
  • Hobbies: Reading and playing with his two young sons.
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Sida Wang (MRSD ’16)

Software Engineer, Isaac Robotics Group
Joined NVIDIA in January 2024

  • Biggest MRSD takeaway: The capstone project! Sida credits it with teaching him how to collaborate on large-scale projects and work effectively in teams.
  • Transition to work: A bit challenging—especially coming from a non-CS background—but MRSD helped bridge the gap.
  • Current focus: Transitioning from software engineering to deep learning, thanks to NVIDIA’s cutting-edge work in the field.
  • Advice to students: Dive deep into your capstone project and take machine learning courses if you can.
  • Fun fact: Though he now lives in Pittsburgh, Sida loved California’s nature (but not the housing prices).

Hobbies: Reading, writing, and hiking.

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Pulkit Goyal (MRSD ’18)

Senior Robotics Software Engineer
Over 3 years at NVIDIA

  • Biggest MRSD takeaway: Real-world robotics experience, especially in ROS, system integration, and project management.
  • Transition to work: A shift from structured coursework to open-ended problem-solving—but MRSD made it manageable.
  • Industry insights: Real-world deployment is complex. AI and simulation are game-changers.
  • Career goals: Advance robotics autonomy and large-scale deployment.
  • Advice to students:
    • Build a strong portfolio
    • Network with alumni
    • Sharpen coding skills
    • Stay adaptable
  • California perks: Sunshine, hiking, and a vibrant tech scene.

Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, and exploring new food spots.

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Rohan Rao (MRSD ’21)

Senior Solutions Architect, Enterprise Generative AI
at NVIDIA since June 2021

  • Biggest MRSD takeaway: Systems expertise and presentation skills—key for both engineering and executive-level discussions.
  • Transition to work: Smooth, thanks to two NVIDIA internships and clear responsibilities in his role.
  • Industry insights: Robotics is scaling fast with foundation models and sim2real advances. Startups are booming!
  • Career goals: Build across the full tech stack and maybe launch a startup someday.
  • Advice to students: Stay current, build projects, and network. “Building is highly valued over just academics.”
  • California perks: Natural beauty, great weather, and endless opportunities.

Hobbies: Road trips to national parks (he’s visited all 9 in California!), badminton, cycling, and cooking.

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Final Thoughts

Whether they’re building robots or exploring generative AI, these MRSD alumni are proof that the program equips grads with the skills – and the mindset – to thrive in a fast-moving industry. 

Their advice?  Stay curious, keep building, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.