Up Next: University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation

We in the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs are actively planning University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation, a three-day event packed with programming to give new graduate students a strong foundation for their journey at Carnegie Mellon. The full Orientation schedule will be posted here this summer.

We are building a dedicated team that will plan and oversee the events that make up Orientation, and we are excited to welcome two Graduate Orientation Assistants to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs! See the Graduate Orientation Assistant highlights below to learn more about Heena Barhate and Sahil Shah.

We are excited to welcome two Graduate Orientation Assistants to partner with the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs in planning University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation. Join us in welcoming Heena Barhate and Sahil Shah to the Orientation team!

Heena Barhate (she/her)

College: Integrated Innovation Institute, Integrated Innovation of Products and Services

Year in program: 2nd-year master's student

Hometown: Pune, India

What are your academic and/or professional goals?



My primary goal is to work as a strategist at the intersection of design, business, and technology to create meaningful impacts for people and the planet. I aim to use my design skills to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Tell us about a significant moment in your journey at CMU so far.

A significant moment at CMU was participating in the Kellogg Design Challenge '24. Our team, one of the semi-finalists, represented CMU among top universities, strategizing a business case for using AI to reduce product development expenses in the material handling sector. In addition to honing my business and design skills, this experience expanded my network by fostering deep connections.

What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? 

In my leisure time, I sketch or paint on my iPad and attend GroupX activities like Yoga and Sound Bath. These help me balance my academic routine.

Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?

My last memorable meal was misal pav with friends from my program, right before winter break. We cooked at home, had endless conversations, and played games—a perfect evening before everyone traveled.

What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

I like that Pittsburgh is not too big or too small, making it a perfect first home in the U.S. as an international student. It has a lot to offer in terms of nature and culture. I love Schenley Park and other places like Point State Park, Mt. Washington, Phipps Conservatory, museums, and the bridges in the city. I also like that whenever I want to go out, the public transport is very convenient and easy for CMU students. 

Sahil Shah (he/him)

College: College of Engineering, Engineering and Technology Innovation Management

Year in program: 1st-year master's student

Hometown: Mumbai, India

What are your academic and/or professional goals?

I aim to have a better understanding of managing technology products and innovation and learn about the intricacies involved in taking them to market/commercializing them, with professional ambitions of having a career in a high-growth tech organization in product strategy roles. 

Tell us about a significant moment in your journey at CMU so far.

A moment I would pick is the Holi Celebration in March. It was great fun, but, more importantly, it was the kind of social event that sort of made me feel at "home" at CMU, a feeling of warmth and comfort that helped after the initial settling-in period. 

What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? 

I usually prefer to spend time watching live sports. I am an avid soccer fan. I also love to explore new hiking trails around Pittsburgh.

Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?

Tacos at Condado Tacos last weekend. It was a memorable and fulfilling meal I had with my roommates after a day-long excursion to the nearby Freedom Falls and Rockland Tunnel Trail. 

What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

Hard to pick, as I am already in love with this city, but I'd say the bridges. Love the vibe and the views from those, as well as the architecture and spaces designed around them.