MIS student Rishi Padala works with Oklahoma 4-H to advance STEM education

Monday, September 23, 2024

Media Contact: Hallie Hart | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-1050 | hallie.hart@okstate.edu

Rishi Padala sees tremendous value in cross-campus collaboration.

Although he is enrolled in Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, his workplace is the recently opened New Agricultural Hall, home to the Ferguson College of Agriculture and Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development.

Padala, a management information systems graduate student from Hyderabad, India, has worked as a graduate research assistant for Oklahoma 4-H since March. Ranging from agricultural projects to robotics education, Oklahoma 4-H youth development programs are administered by OSU Extension, which has a presence in all 77 counties.

Padala’s story shows how an MIS background can enhance nearly any organization, leading to an array of career opportunities. In his unique behind-the-scenes role, Padala not only collects and organizes data related to 4-H programs, but also creates STEM-based online learning modules for 4-H to deliver to students. Outside work hours, Padala chooses to spend time on his “passion project,” building a consolidated data analysis dashboard for 4-H to implement in the future.

Expected to receive his master’s degree in summer 2025, Padala arrived at OSU with full-time work experience. In India, he obtained his bachelor’s degree and spent two years as a systems analyst and developer for a major multinational corporation. After growing up in a city home to millions of people and colossal technology companies, Padala decided to further his education in Stillwater, where his work can pave the way for future generations of technology leaders in Oklahoma.

What brought you to OSU? 

Padala: Throughout my journey, I was working on data, and I am passionate about it. I was lacking some analytical skills, so I was looking for a college with good analytics professors. I found OSU was the best fit for me because it’s a big college in a small town, so I can focus on my academics, and it’s a peaceful area. It was my top priority because of professor Jim Burkman. He is great in scripting and cybersecurity. Also, Rick Wilson (Management Science and Information Systems department head), he’s a great analyst. Both professors’ profiles inspired me, and that’s why I chose Oklahoma State. 

I have been in Jim Burkman’s scripting class, and I really love it because I find out the logic very soon in programming. Scripting is all about finding the right logic and manipulating data to make it organized, so I really enjoyed the class.

How did you get connected with Oklahoma 4-H? 

Padala: Actually, in the beginning of the spring semester, they posted a job listing, so I applied for that role. Basically, it was a STEM role to coordinate with some pre-K through 12th-grade students and help them out. Previously in India, when I was in undergrad, I had experience working with non-governmental organizations, which is a similar type of work. I applied for that 4-H role, and unfortunately, I was not selected, but one of the panel members was impressed by my skills, and she offered me a different role. She gave me a task of creating online learning modules, so I did that, and she assigned me to the graduate assistant position.

Since you are developing STEM-related learning modules, what does it mean to you to be part of preparing the next generation of technology professionals? 

Padala: It is an awesome experience. The supervisor I am working for (Karla Knoepfli), she is so kind, it’s like she is my aunt. She always explains the scenario, how children learn, so we’re shaping their minds from pre-K through 12th grade by giving them hands-on experiences. It will definitely prepare them for the future and help them sort out their interests and help them advance in some particular fields. Being a part of that process, I feel great, and it’s also fascinating.

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about 4-H since working here?

Padala: In the summer, they organize multiple events across Oklahoma counties. A friend of mine, she’s also a graduate assistant in 4-H, so we went to a robotics event and also some events that were going on in nearby counties. I got a chance to explore the nearby counties with the 4-H people. I also met new people and met some bright minds, working with children and helping them do those small projects that 4-H offers.

What advice would you share with new MIS students at OSU?

Padala: As an international student, if we get an assistantship, either as a teaching assistant or a graduate assistant or a research assistant, we will get a tuition waiver. One thing I love about Oklahoma State is we have numerous opportunities in different fields, so we can reach out to different departments and pitch our skills and ask for any opportunities over there. That is how I got this role. We can create our own opportunities at OSU, and the people here are so friendly and supportive that they believe in you, and they really support you to do what you’re capable of.

What has been your favorite part of living in Stillwater? 

Padala: The most memorable thing for me was the last football game that OU and OSU had. We won that game in the last few minutes, and after winning that game, the hype people had, they took that goalpost to Theta Pond. It was just stunning, and I really loved the vibe of everyone involved in that game and everyone enjoying the game and celebrating the victory.

Also, I have another great professor, Dr. Mark Weiser, whom I should call the Tableau guru. He taught a wonderful class on Tableau, and his instruction gave me the knowledge I needed to clear the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification. He also invited me and my friends to his home for Thanksgiving. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn about American culture and try new foods. We also shared some Indian dishes with him, and we had a great time with his family and dogs.

Learn more about Oklahoma 4-H programs here.