When Ishita Joshi arrived at Oregon State University, she knew she wanted to study chemical engineering. What she didn’t know was how deeply her experience would shape her values, her career goals, and her understanding of what it means to be an engineer.
“I was good at chemistry and engineering in high school, so I thought, ‘Why not combine the two?’” Joshi said. “But once I got to Oregon State and saw the incredible research being done — especially around sustainability and humanitarian engineering — I realized I wanted to use this degree to make a real impact.”
That impact began early. In her first year, Joshi joined the URSA Engage program, which connects undergraduates with faculty-led research opportunities. She worked in a lab focused on electrocatalysis research, and stayed for three years, gaining hands-on experience and technical skills that would shape her academic and professional journey.
“I learned so much — from lab safety and pipetting techniques to reading and writing technical papers,” she said. “It gave me a huge head start in my coursework and helped me discover what I wanted to do.”
Turning chemistry into climate action
Joshi’s research involved turning ocean-acidified seawater into renewable fuel by separating carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases through electrolysis and converting them into hydrocarbon fuel.
“It was amazing to take something harmful to the environment and turn it into something beneficial,” Joshi said.
That experience led to an internship at Sylvatex, a cathode manufacturing startup in the Bay Area. There, she worked on waterless lithium-ion battery production — a process that aligned perfectly with her sustainability goals.
“I learned how to build batteries from start to finish,” she said. “Mixing powders, casting electrodes, assembling cells — it was all incredibly hands-on.”
The internship broadened her perspective on sustainable energy.
“I used to think there was only one way to make eco-friendly batteries,” she said. “But I realized there are so many innovative approaches out there. It really expanded my career possibilities.”
Engineering with empathy and purpose
Beyond the lab, Joshi has found community and purpose through leadership. She serves as the lead College of Engineering ambassador and the hiring and compliance coordinator, helping onboard new ambassadors and supporting outreach efforts.
She’s also deeply involved in Oregon State’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter, where she leads the chapter’s Cambodia program that is working on a water filtration and distribution project in O’Rana, Cambodia.
“EWB is about designing solutions that improve quality of life — but it’s also about partnership,” she said. “We work closely with communities to make sure our solutions are practical, sustainable, and respectful of their needs.”
EWB has also helped Joshi build technical skills in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and report writing.
“It’s a great club for anyone interested in humanitarian engineering,” she said. “But it’s also a fantastic way to grow as a professional.”
Supporting wellness and shaping the future
Throughout her time at Oregon State, Joshi has leaned on campus resources to support her academic and personal well-being. She’s especially grateful for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which offers short-term therapy, wellness workshops, and even a high-tech massage chair in the Mind Spa.
“Engineering can be intense, and mental health is so important,” she said. “Having a wellness coordinator specifically for engineering students has been a game-changer.”
As she prepares to graduate, Joshi is looking ahead to a career in sustainable energy — possibly returning to Sylvatex or exploring other startups focused on clean technology. She’s also passionate about mentoring and hopes to continue supporting students as they navigate their own engineering journeys.
“I want prospective students to know that Oregon State is a place where you’ll be supported,” she said. “The faculty, staff, and your peers — they all want you to succeed. You’re never alone here.”
