Graduate Alumni Network for Engineering and Technology - GRADIENT
GRADIENT works to foster collaborative networks, mobilize graduate alumni expertise, facilitate strategic dialogues, initiate mentorship programs, and establish international exchange opportunities for engineering faculty and graduate students.
We also work with entrepreneurship incubators, coordinate fundraising campaigns, and organize alumni-led workshops.
Vision
Foster a vibrant, lifelong community among alumni, students, and faculty.
Goals
- Build collaborative networks by uniting alumni, faculty, and students with shared experiences and goals.
- Utilize diverse alumni expertise from industry, academia, entrepreneurship, and nonprofits to set collective goals and create actionable strategies.
- Create international exchange programs for faculty and students with alumni to enhance global understanding
Signature Initiatives
- GRADIENT MentorLab: Facilitates workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities, linking alumni with current students for internships and employment.
- GRADIENT Global: Connects traveling faculty with local alumni through virtual events and e-participation.
- GRADIENT EmpowHERed: Celebrates trailblazing women alumni by highlighting their achievements and contributions.
- GRADIENT ACE (Alumni Collaboration and Engagement): Crowdfunds GRADIENT activities and engages alumni in collaborative projects and fundraising.
Success Stories
GRADIENT launch: April 2025
GRADIENT Global meet-up:
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GRADIENT- France - Dr. Timothy Cullaz’24 from Latitude, France with Dr. Anju Gupta, GRADIENT Project lead and faculty at UToledo
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GRADIENT- Saudi Arabia Dr. Zaid Aldoulah ’23 from Alasala Colleges, SA with Dr. Anju Gupta, GRADIENT Project lead and faculty at UToledo
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GRADIENT- India Dr. Anupam Saxena (GRADIENT’1997) at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India with Dr. Anju Gupta, GRADIENT Project lead and faculty at UToledo
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Dr. Saxena with Association of Mechanical Engineering Graduate Students (AMGS) led UToledo graduate student workshop on topology optimization using MATLAB
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Day of Giving participation: Dr. Saad Abdullah explains while he gives to Rocket Engineers to support research and graduate studies
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Department seminars led by GRADIENT alums: Drs. Ehsan Tarkesh Esfahani (University of Buffalo), and Srikanth Pilla (University of Delaware hosted by Joseph Lawrence (UToledo)
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EmpowHERed: Anikta Patil, founder of a startup company focuses on entrepreneur mindset
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Bay Area Rocket Engineering Alumni meet-up with Dean Elahinia
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PSG college of Technology (PSGIT), India – UToledo joint MS Program: GRADIENT alums Dr. Matthew Franchetti (first from left) and Dr. Ahmed Javaid (second from left) with PSGIT faculty
National Recognition
GRADIENT has been selected for the 2025-2026 Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) program at Drexel University for GRADIENT’s commitment to excellence and leadership in engineering education and will further strengthen the impact and network.
Get Involved
- Volunteer and support the GRADIENT virtual and in-person events
- Join mentorship programs and committees
- Propose or lead workshops and seminars
- Support fundraising campaigns or serve as a network ambassador
- Stay connected with the GRADIENT community
Contact
Dr. Anju R Gupta
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
2025-2026 ELATES fellow
Email: anju.gupta@utoledo.edu
Phone: 419.530.8213