ABOUT ME

I am a Computer Science graduate student at the Viterbi School of Engineering of USC in Los Angeles. I joined the Trojan family in the Fall 2007 semester and I love it here! You can learn more about me and find my contact information on my resume.

I am a fun-loving person and nothing makes me happier than good company and good food! I am also into techonology which helps because thats what I will be doing once I graduate! I find most computer science related subjects fascinating and can spend hours trying to figure out the best way to get a problem solved! Here are some of the interesting things I have been doing at USC:

  • CSCI530- Security Systems (Current)
  • CSCI578- Software Architectures (Current)
  • CSCI590- Directed Research at CSSE (Current)
    • CSCI576- Multimedia Systems
  • CSCI561- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
  • EE450- Introduction to Computer Networks
  • CSCI585- Database Systems         
  • CSCI571- Web Technologies          
  • CSCI570- Analysis of Algorithms     

Whats new? Well, I had the most amazing summer experience ever at Google NYC where I was a software engineering intern. Yes, New York has a lot to offer! And so does Google. Heres why! :). Oh by the way I worked on Android while I was there along with a few other very intersting technologies.

Ok there is something even newer! :). Redmond! Here I come! I am all set to start working as a software development engineer (SDE) at Microsoft come February 2009! And the best part is, I get to holiday in Kerala with my folks for a good 2 months and attend my brothers wedding before starting off! Yipee!! Heres why I am super excited about joining Microsoft :) !!

This fall semester, I have gradership duties for CSCI571. I have also been grader for CSCI585 at USC. I also work part time at the Trojan Bookstores whenever I get some free time.

Prior to Grad School at USC, I was working as a software engineer at Keane Inc. in Bangalore, India for almost one year. I learnt a lot about Industry software engineering practices and the works here, and I can proudly say that it has helped me a great deal academically.

I received my Bachelor degree in Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology, India majoring in Information Technology. I graduated first class with distinction.


PRIZE AND AWARDS

  • First Rank in the first year of engineering in Vellore Institute of Technology (Dept of IT).
  • Selected for the VIT Merit Scholarship for the Academic year 2003-2004 in appreciation of meritorious performance in the University Examinations.
  • Was the Head Boy of St Thomas Residential School, Trivandrum, Kerala during the year 2001-2002
  • Selected at both State and National level up to the final stage of the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship Award, conducted by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
  • Selfless Contributor to School Award for the year 2001-2002 from St Thomas Residential School, Trivandrum, Kerala.
  • Winner of various medals in Athletic competitions (100m, 200m, 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay) at the All Kerala State level Athletic Meet during the years 1999-2000, 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 and several other Inter School Athletic Meets.
  • Winner of third prize in the All India ISC/ICSE Schools Fashion Modeling Competition held at Bishop Cotton Boys School, Bangalore.
  • Winner of various competitions as member of School Football and Table Tennis teams.


HOBBIES

  • Grad School can keep one really busy, but when I find some free time I like to play table tennis, and hit the gym at Lyon Center.
  • I love traveling and meeting people. I was brought up in Nairobi, Kenya and I have spent some of the best moments of my life there. Wildlife safaris in the Masai Mara, long holidays on the beaches of Mombasa and trips to the several National Parks there are just a few among the many moments I would gladly relive! I would love to see more of the world and different cultures and people.


You can e-mail me at: svpillai@usc.edu