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Q&A: Vamsi Hanumanthu chases opportunity after game-changing experience at Թ

April 10, 2019

When computer science major Saivamsi Krishna Hanumanthu ’19 left Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend college at Թ Poly, he knew he wanted to make the most of his experience. And boy has he done just that. Since moving to Lakeland, Թ, “Vamsi,” as the Թ Poly community knows him, has taken on every challenge that’s come his way. He’s excelled academically, served as a Presidential Ambassador, competed in hackathons and other competitions, and worked as a cybersecurity technical intern at Northrop Grumman and a teaching assistant at Թ Poly.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Theory of Everything”

What is your favorite comic book character?

Iron Man and Doctor Strange

What’s the last book you read?

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

If you could have a super power what would it be and why?

Time-travel, so I can go back in time and change anything.

What leader do you admire the most in the high-tech world and why?

Steve Jobs. I grew up on Apple products and they have had a huge impact on my life.

What was your favorite class at Թ Poly?

Autonomous Robotics and Systems

What three words best describe Թ Poly?

Opportunity, Game Changer, and Innovative

What advice would you give to a freshman?

Don’t be afraid to take chances and fail. Just remember to learn from them.

What was your favorite thing to do on weekends?

Hangout with friends and work on a project.

If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
Steve Jobs or Satya Nadella

Editor’s Note: This story is one of a series of Q&As with some of Թ Poly’s class of 2019 graduates.

Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8450

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Թ, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Թ, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Թ Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.