Akanksh Rao Santhoor Ravishankar Prasad

Akanksh Rao is a passionate and accomplished professional currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Artificial Intelligence) at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Arizona, United States. Akanksh's journey in technology began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from B.M.S Institute of Technology and Management, where he graduated with distinction, earning a GPA of 3.78/4 and securing the 4th rank from Visveswaraya Technological University. His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious B.M.S Trust Scholarship for academic excellence in undergraduate education.

Professionally, Akanksh has significant experience as an AI Developer at Simpragma Solutions, Bangalore, India, where he engineered AI-driven voicebots and fine-tuned Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) models. His efforts led to a substantial reduction in word error rates and improved support for code-mixed dialects, enhancing efficiency by 30%. His commitment to social impact was evident during his tenure as a Machine Learning Intern at IBM, where he developed an Indian Sign Language (ISL) Recognition System to facilitate communication for the hearing and speech-impaired.

Akanksh's teaching journey includes serving as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at BMS Institute of Technology, where he assisted faculty in designing course materials and delivered hands-on sessions in core subjects like Machine Learning, Foundations for Data Science, Computer Vision, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, and Database Management Systems. He also coordinated an open course on Machine Learning, providing mentorship and technical guidance to peers.

Beyond academics and work, Akanksh is an active community leader and volunteer. Recently, he was honored as the Best Volunteer under ASU's International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) Volunteer Program for his dedication to organizing impactful events and fostering meaningful connections among students. He is also an active member of multiple ASU student organizations, regularly participating in general meetings, workshops, and volunteering for key events that drive campus engagement and community impact. 

Akanksh’s environmental contributions reflect his deep commitment to sustainability. Through the Eco-club 'Oikos' at his undergraduate college, he actively participated in sapling planting drives, e-waste collection initiatives, and reusable goods distribution programs. Additionally, he volunteered with Rotary International on social impact projects, including organizing blood donation camps and raising awareness about Covid-19 vaccination during the pandemic, further demonstrating his passion for societal well-being and community service.

Passionate about fostering collaboration and continuous learning, Akanksh is deeply engaged in ASU’s diverse student organizations, contributing to workshops and networking events that inspire future innovators. His journey is marked by a blend of technical excellence, leadership, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.