Posted 4:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Curiosity guides senior to patents, publications and leadership during undergrad years
During her three years at UW–La Crosse, graduating senior Valliammai Arunachalam has built a résumé most people spend far longer assembling. She holds a patent, has research published in top-tier journals, founded a student organization, and will graduate college in just three years with a spot on the Dean’s List every term.
Still, she feels there’s more to do.
“I don’t think I’ve done everything my heart desires,” she says. “I’m just a very curious person.”
Fittingly, commencement marks not an ending, but a beginning. When Arunachalam receives her computer engineering degree on Saturday, May 16, she will step directly into her next chapter — pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Virginia on a full-ride scholarship with a stipend.
She credits UW-La Crosse faculty and mentors for fostering her curiosity and creating space to explore it.
“Sometimes I ask dumb questions, and sometimes I ask ones that lead to a patent,” she says with a smile. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve done here. I chose the right place. I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities at a larger school — the small class sizes and direct mentorship made all the difference.”
A spotlight moment sparks innovation
Arunachalam’s first patent began with a simple question — and a sore arm.
While operating a spotlight at a University Centers event, she noticed the physical strain of manually tracking performers on stage. Her computer engineering instincts kicked in: there had to be a better way.
Working with co-inventors and mentors Doug Wilken of University Centers and Dipankar Mitra, assistant professor of computer science & computer engineering, she helped develop an AI-driven spotlight system. The technology uses facial recognition to automatically track performers, eliminating the need for manual control.
“It came out of a simple question,” she explains. “I knew how to operate a spotlight, and I knew some computer science. That’s where it started — and now it does the job automatically.”
The patent was filed in fall 2024 and has since been approved. Arunachalam is already working on a second patent, though details remain under wraps.
Mitra says Arunachalam consistently generates novel ideas like these.
“What truly sets her apart is her initiative and curiosity, as she actively explores new solutions and approaches,” he says. “She has been a pleasure to work with, and I am confident she will do very well in her future.”
Advancing research through AI
Her innovation extends well beyond patents.
Under Mitra’s mentorship and with support from NASA and WiSys grants, Arunachalam conducted research using machine learning to optimize antenna systems. Her work focuses on designing interconnected antenna arrays that maximize signal strength and transmission efficiency.
Traditionally, engineers spend hours determining optimal antenna placement. Arunachalam’s models automate that process, identifying the most effective configurations with greater speed and precision — with applications ranging from satellites to 5G networks.
On another project, she applied reinforcement learning to improve antenna beam steering for space satellites.
“When humans design antenna arrays, it takes a long time, and you can’t see every possible solution,” she says. “With AI, you reduce human workload and increase efficiency.”
Her research journey began in her first year at UWL, when she used machine learning to detect brain tumors in MRI images. Funded by an Undergraduate Research & Creativity grant and National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) travel grant, she presented her findings at NCUR as a freshman.
Since then, her work has been supported by numerous awards, including the Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship program and the Eagle Laureate Award.
Building community through leadership
Outside the lab, Arunachalam has been equally driven.
In spring 2024, she founded a UWL chapter of IEEE, a global professional organization dedicated to advancing technology. Under her leadership, the group has engaged local elementary students in STEM activities — from building robots to creating slime and lava lamps — while also hosting an Innovator Summit with $7,000 in grant funding raised to award prizes for student research.
“If I’m idle for more than a couple of hours, I’m not happy,” she says. “I love doing these things.”
As an international student who has lived in India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, Arunachalam found a welcoming community at UWL.
She credits the International Education & Engagement office for helping her feel at home from the start — from personalized welcome cards in students’ native languages to orientation activities across campus and the La Crosse community.
“I remember searching all over campus for the clock tower during a scavenger hunt,” she says, laughing. “We had no idea where it was.”
Inspired by her experience, she became deeply involved in the International Student Organization, serving as treasurer and now vice president. She also emceed the International Banquet and enthusiastically volunteers as the Stryker Eagle mascot at events.
“I’m a big fan of Stryker,” she says. “Honestly, the mascot being so cute was one of the reasons I chose UWL.”
She is especially grateful for the support of staff members in IEE and Admissions —including Miranda Panzer, Karolyn Bald and Heather Pearson — who helped her transition to life in La Crosse.
Panzer says from the moment Arunachalam came to UWL, it was clear she would be a star.
“She is a bright light who brings so much joy to those around her and inspires others to think creatively,” says Panzer. “From her academics, student employment, research and engagement in student organizations she is a busy bee and we couldn't be prouder of her and are excited to see her next chapter unfold.”
Bald says her enthusiasm, kindness, and passion are immediately evident. “Coupled with her strong academics, Valli consistently inspires curiosity, inclusion, and connection by openly sharing her culture and engaging thoughtfully with those around her,” says Bald. “We are so proud of her and know that her future is so bright!”
Arunachalam says UWL is the perfect size for a college town.
“The people are so kind. As an international student, you want to feel like you belong — and I felt that in my first few days," she says.
Her accelerated path to graduation — completing her degree in only three years — was made possible through faculty support. She recalls how Assistant Professor Jason Sauppe granted her permission to enroll in an upper-level course early and then provided extra guidance to help her succeed. Her advisor, Elliott Forbes, also played a key role in helping her figure out the right course schedule.
“Things like that only happen here,” she says. “Graduating in three years was no hassle.”
After completing her doctoral degree, Arunachalam plans to pursue a career in research and development within industry. For now, she remains focused on what comes next — continuing to ask questions, explore ideas and push boundaries.
“I’m just getting started,” she says.
If you go –
What: UW-La Crosse Spring Commencement:
When: Saturday, May 16
Where: La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse
Tickets are not required. Graduates should limit guests to a maximum of six.
There will be three ceremonies.
9:30 a.m. | undergraduate students
- College of Business Administration
- School of Education [all majors, including ECE; EME; EME/SPE; EME/TESOL; EME/SPA; EME/FRE; World Language Education; Art Education; Music Education; PASHE; STEP (English, Mathematics, Science, & Social Studies)]
12:30 p.m. | undergraduate and graduate students
- Associate Degree Candidates
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Graduate Degree Candidates
3:30 p.m. | undergraduate students
- College of Science and HealthShape