When Cleveland State University named Amit Choudhari its 2025 Student of the Year, it was more than just an academic honor; it was the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and impact. Selected from a student body of more than 14,000 across eight colleges and 175+ programs, Amit stands out for his perfect 4.0 GPA over eight consecutive semesters and a distinguished record of awards, research, and community leadership.

The award, presented by CSU’s Division of Student Belonging and Success, recognizes Amit’s academic excellence and deep commitment to student engagement. “One lesson I carry like a compass: when you lead with passion and purpose, the right people and opportunities find their way to you,” Amit said. “At the heart of my journey is the unwavering mentorship of the best advisor, Dr. Tushar Borkar, one of the most dedicated and inspiring professors I’ve ever known.”

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering, Amit’s research explores the future of 3D printing technology. Specifically, he is advancing metal additive manufacturing by developing new printing parameters for metals and alloys, with a focus on high-speed steels used in cutting tools. “My work aims to contribute to 3D printing and high-performance manufacturing solutions that meet the demands of modern industries,” he explained.

Amit’s CSU journey has been rich with recognition. He is a two-time recipient of the Graduate Student Leadership Award (2023 and 2025) and has received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2024) and the Excellent Achievement Award for Doctoral Research (2024). His research work also earned him the Undergraduate Summer Research Award (USRA) for the last three years and best poster honors at the USRA Poster Session in 2023.

But Amit’s impact reaches beyond labs and classrooms. In April 2025, he represented CSU and the State of Ohio at Congressional Visit Day in Washington, D.C., where he met with the Secretary and staffers from Ohio, Michigan, and New York to advocate for materials science and engineering research.

This summer, Amit’s research is taking him to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, an internship he describes as “a long-standing dream.” There, he is developing novel materials for gears and bearings through advanced processing methods, including additive manufacturing. “Working alongside the brightest minds in science has not only inspired me; it has ignited a deeper sense of purpose to contribute meaningfully to the future of technology,” he said.

Before CSU, Amit studied at the University of Mumbai, India, where he earned more than six national and state-level awards despite limited resources. His accolades included a national technical paper award for his vacuum frying senior design project and recognition for proposing a rural education access plan using India’s postal network. Amit was named Student of the Year in 2015 during his diploma in Mechanical Engineering. “These experiences shaped my resilience and strengthened my belief that challenges can become stepping-stones,” he said.

Looking ahead, Amit envisions a career in research, either in industry or at a national laboratory, where he can apply his skills in additive manufacturing to solve real-world problems. “I believe innovation thrives where scientific research meets practical application,” he said. “My deepest aspiration is to keep the spirit of curiosity and learning alive.”

For students hoping to follow a similar path, Amit offers this advice: “It’s not about having all the answers but about staying hungry to learn. Let your curiosity lead you, find mentors who believe in you, and see setbacks as growth opportunities. It’s your mindset, not your circumstances, that shapes your future.”

Amit also shared his heartfelt gratitude to the CSU community: “I came to the U.S. as an international student with a heart full of dreams. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’m profoundly thankful to mentors and peers who stood by me. Special thanks to Prof. Gallagher, Prof. Dave, Dr. Sikder, Dr. Younessi, Dr. Sawicki, Dr. Brian Davis, Dr. Bajaj and Audrey. Their belief in students like me truly makes a difference.”

Amit Choudhari’s story is one of excellence, resilience, and meaningful leadership. At CSU, he’s more than just the Student of the Year; he’s a symbol of how passion, purpose, and perseverance can shape a future without limits.