Tucson Standard

University of Arizona student Ojas Sanghi was recently named a 2025 Truman Scholar, an award given annually to select college students entering government work or public service. On April 8, after the last round of interviews, Sanghi was expecting a call. Instead, he received an email from Karna Walter, the W.A. Franke Honors College assistant dean for student engagement and director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, requesting a meeting to "debrief on his interviews."

"The whole thing felt odd," Sanghi recalled. During a meeting at Old Main, University President Suresh V. Garimella surprised him with the news of receiving the Truman Scholarship.

The Truman Scholarship offers funding for graduate school, leadership training, career counseling, and internship and fellowship opportunities with the federal government. Sanghi is one of 53 recipients for 2025, selected from 743 nominees. He joins the ranks of 14 other University of Arizona students who have previously earned the scholarship.

"Ojas exemplifies the very best of the University of Arizona," said Suresh V. Garimella. "Earning a Truman Scholarship is a distinct honor, and it reflects Ojas' commitment to creating a better, more resilient future."

John Pollard, dean of the Honors College, praised Sanghi for his commitment to academic rigor and community service, highlighting his work in artificial intelligence and clean energy systems. Before college, Sanghi learned about the Truman Scholarship and worked towards it, dedicating a spreadsheet to the achievement.

The experience was "very surreal" for Sanghi, who immediately shared the news with his family. "My mom was in shock," he said, reflecting on her journey from a small town in India to citizenship in the United States.

Sanghi, studying computer science and future Earth resilience, serves as vice president of a student group focused on sustainable energy and is a Tucson co-lead in the AZ Youth Climate Coalition. He played a leading role in Tucson Unified School District's climate action resolution with governing board member Ravi Shah supporting his nomination for the Truman Scholarship.

Shah stated, "The climate action policy would not have come to fruition if not for the leadership of Ojas Sanghi." He emphasized Sanghi's potential in achieving greater policy advancements.

Currently, Sanghi works with the Printz Research Group on printable electronics, including solar panels. He is considering master's or doctorate programs in technology and artificial intelligence and will soon begin research at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories.

Sanghi hopes his time as a Truman Scholar will lead to opportunities to influence policy for using AI in clean energy. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the support from various individuals in his life.

Students interested in scholarships can find more information on the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships site. Further details on Sanghi's achievements are available on the university news website.