Get to know some of our School of Computing professors in our Faculty Feature newsletter series! This week we're featuring Assistant Professor of Practice Nikhil Satyala.
What are your areas of specialty/interest?
I am an experienced educator in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. My areas of specialty/interest are Robotics, Automation, Software Programming and STEM Education.
What courses are you teaching this year?
I am teaching ROBO100 Introduction to Robotics, which is the first of its kind full-fledged robotics course in the newly developed Robotics Engineering major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Undergraduate students from multiple engineering majors who are enthusiastic about careers in the multidisciplinary field of Robotics Engineering are currently enrolled in this foundational coursework.
I am also teaching ECEN155E Computer Science I. The learning objectives in this course are focused on exploration of fundamental concepts of computer programming. The course is devised to build a strong foundation in problem solving methods using logical coding processes which is a prerequisite for software engineering and development.
How did you first become interested in computing or your specific area of computing?
My interest in computing began when I was an undergraduate student and took a basic programming course. I was fascinated by how I could write a few lines of code to create something functional and impactful. This initial curiosity grew as I started building programs to implement mathematical functions for solving engineering problems. By the end of my undergraduate degree program, I was distinctly drawn to programming electronics circuits. This led me to work on a senior project focused on programming various functionalities of integrated circuits. I found this area particularly exciting because of the challenges involved in combining software and hardware systems to solve real world problems.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of computing? What do you enjoy most about those?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading and outdoor activities. These activities not only keep me balanced and refreshed but also provide me the opportunity to develop creative skills and maintain overall wellness.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. Whether it's hosting a casual get-together at home or going on a short trip to explore a new place, these moments are important to me. I find that these activities not only help me relax and recharge but also create lasting memories. It’s a great way to balance the demands of work with personal enjoyment and connection.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled to?
One of my favorite places I've traveled to is Hawaii. I particularly enjoyed the scenic drives and the natural beauty there is truly breathtaking.
What is your favorite food?
I enjoy any cuisine that has a variety of options to choose from. My favorites are grilled meats from the American and Mexican cuisines.
What is a fun fact or something other members of the school may not know about you?
A fun fact about me is that I have traveled through 25 out of the fifty states in the USA. One day, I would like to complete visiting all 50 states. I’ve found that this traveling experience has helped me develop a strong sense of perseverance and adaptability, which I think translates well into my professional life.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of the School of Computing?
My favorite thing about being a part of the School of Computing is the sense of community and collaboration that exists here. I truly appreciate how everyone is committed to supporting each other, whether it’s through a brief conversation to offer support, collaborative projects, academic activities, or professional development events. This environment promotes a sense of belonging and encourages personal and academic growth. It’s inspiring to be part of a place where there is such a strong emphasis on teamwork and shared goals, and it motivates me to contribute positively to the community.