Sanjana
Sanjana Chandragiri is a mechatronics engineer from India and a KTH Scholarship recipient currently pursuing her Master of Science in Mechatronics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. With a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, she has previously conducted Fluid-Structure Interaction simulations at TU Braunschweig and performed explicit dynamic impact analysis at IIT Bombay. Outside the lab, Sanjana is busy learning Swedish through SFI classes and exploring how sustainable engineering practices can shape the future of industry.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
I have always been drawn to intelligent mechanical systems, the kind that sense, decide, and act. What brought me to KTH’s Mechatronics programme specifically was how naturally it unites mechanical engineering, electronics, software and controls. Very few programmes treat all four with equal depth. KTH’s global reputation, combined with its genuine focus on sustainable development, made it the clear choice for deepening my expertise in areas like autonomous vehicles and robotics.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
The emphasis on hands-on, model-based design is definitely the best part. We don’t just study theory, we actively use industry-standard tools. Getting to work on tangible projects, like developing a PID based motor-controller or designing a prototype for road defect detection, has been incredibly rewarding and prepares us perfectly for the industry.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Advanced control theory has been a real highlight, diving into H-infinity control, loop-shaping, and state-space modelling opened up a completely new way of thinking about robust system design. I have also loved the Cyber-Physical Systems work, where our team modelled autonomous shuttle buses for airport airside operations using system dynamics and causal loop diagrams. Seeing a complex, interconnected system come together from first principles is deeply satisfying.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
KTH adds a strong design and implementation dimension - we build things, not just model them. The industry-academia connections here are also more active and visible. Professors bring real engineering challenges into the classroom, which keeps the work feeling relevant rather than purely theoretical.
How is student life in Stockholm?
Student life in Stockholm is vibrant and full of opportunities for personal growth. The city itself is a hub for innovation, which is incredibly inspiring for an engineering student. Beyond the campus, I have been taking SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) classes to learn the language and better connect with local culture. Balancing rigorous studies with language learning and exploring the city makes the whole experience genuinely fulfilling.
What do you want to do after graduating?
I want to work in Research and Development, specifically in safety-critical engineering and autonomous systems, whether that means automotive, robotics, or telecommunications. My goal is to design intelligent systems that contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Engineering is most powerful when it solves problems that genuinely matter.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
Come with a clear sense of what you want to build, KTH gives you the tools, the people, and the environment, but you get the most from it when you arrive with direction. Apply for scholarships, explore the city, and do not underestimate how much you will grow outside the classroom. Stockholm has a way of shaping you just as much as your studies do.