Hello, my name is Nidhi Salian!
I am currently a student in the Rutgers Masters of Business and Science (MBS) 4+1 Program, specializing in Product Design. In May 2023, I graduated from the Honors College at the Rutgers School of Arts & Sciences with a double major in Cognitive Science and Economics and a minor in Computer Science. I anticipate graduating with my Master's degree in December 2024.
I have a deep passion for technology, particularly user experience design, human-computer interaction, and tech for social good. These fields combine my love for research, science, psychology, and creative problem-solving. My goal is to leverage this background to develop intuitive, engaging, and impactful products that integrate user research, design thinking, and innovative technologies.
Outside of school, I enjoy hiking and biking, traveling, competing in board games, singing carpool karaoke (badly), and exploring new shows or movies on Netflix!
Academic & Leadership Highlights
Lloyd C.Gardner Fellowship:
The Lloyd C. Gardner Fellowship, admitting approximately 15 students annually, is a highly selective program focused on leadership and social policy.
As a 2021-2022 Gardner Fellow, I conducted a research project under a prominent Rutgers Law School professor, ultimately producing a 28-page paper that analyzed the use of 8 automated decision-making systems in migration policy and enforcement based on 5 key metrics. The paper is titled “ Bots, Borders, and Beyond: An Analysis of Automated Decision-Making Technologies in Migration Policy and Border Management”.
RU HealthHack:
In the Fall of 2023, I participated in the inaugural RU HealthHack, a healthcare-focused hackathon hosted by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
My team, which consisted of 9 other students, designed an objective, quantitative assessment of psychiatric visits using machine learning and natural language processing. Our team won 1st place, out of approximately 150 participants across 15 competing teams.
MARK Conference:
The MARK Conference is America’s largest and most immersive student-run leadership event. During the 2022-2023 academic year, I served as the technology & leadership captain for the conference.
In this role, I led a team of 20+ students and collaborated with 8+ captains/ administrative staff to plan and execute the conference, managing 16+ speakers, interactive workshops, and merchandise giveaways for over 500 attendees.
Dream Project:
The Dream Project is a fundraising organization that connects young adults with nonprofits through adventure-based trips, such as cross-country biking, to support charitable missions.
As part of this organization, my team and I biked ~800 miles across New Jersey and raised a total of $13,000 in funds to increase awareness for Triple C Housing, a local NJ non-profit that focuses on expanding affordable housing for vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or long-term hospitalization.
Beyond Design
Recent Books:
Dark Matter- Blake Crouch
Thinking, Fast and Slow- Daniel Kahneman
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes- Suzanne Collins
A Sneak Peak into my Camera Roll!
Travel Highlights:
Puerto Rico- rainforest hikes & snorkeling @ sunset
England- museums, mysterious rocks, & afternoon tea
Colombia- urban art, lush mountains, & salsa dancing
Coffee Chronicles:
Cafe of the Month: Hidden Grounds, New Brunswick
Flavor of the Month: Biscoff Cookie Latte @ Hamilatte
Pastry of the Month:
