NEWS

Louisiana Tech University proudly announces the return of alumnus Raghu Kota, Director of Product Operations at Google Inc., as the keynote speaker for the 50th-anniversary celebration of its Biomedical Engineering program. The event, scheduled for February 1-2, 2024, promises to be a highlight in the University’s calendar, showcasing five decades of innovation and excellence in biomedical engineering.

Raghu Kota, who completed his Master’s degree in Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering at Louisiana Tech in 1993, also graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 with a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Strategy, Marketing, and Venture Capital.

“I am honored to participate in celebrating 50 years of Biomedical Engineering program at Louisiana Tech, where I built a foundation that paved the path for multiple growth and learning experiences in my career.”

Raghu has since built an impressive career in the technology sector. With over 25 years of experience, his journey included significant roles at Pearson Education and Microsoft Corporation prior to Google where his current responsibilities include remit of global product operations for Google Workspace and Google Cloud products. His expertise in hi-tech product operations, marketing, product management, strategy and planning makes him an ideal figure to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

In addition to the keynote presentation, the two-day celebration will provide Biomedical Engineering alums with networking opportunities, and give them multiple chances to socialize with each other, students, faculty, and staff. The agenda will also include a Lady Techsters basketball game against Florida International University, campus tours, a luncheon, a career fair, and the prestigious Biomedical Engineering Honors Banquet. Kota’s keynote address is eagerly anticipated as a highlight of the event.

The University extends an open invitation to alumni, students, faculty, and the broader community to join in celebrating this milestone. The event will be held on the Ruston campus, with the keynote presentation scheduled for the afternoon of February 2, 2024, in the Integrated Engineering and Science Building’s AEP Foundation Auditorium.

Biomedical Engineering Program Chair and University Senate President Dr. Louis Reis says that the University and program look forward to hosting the returning alumni.

“We are excited to welcome back our alumni, recognize the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff, and celebrate the accomplishments of the Biomedical Engineering program here at Louisiana Tech University. We are also excited to invite one of many successful alumni, Mr. Raghu Kota, to serve as our keynote speaker for the event. His message and story about how his education at Louisiana Tech helped him with his many career accomplishments is one that should be exciting for our students and all of our esteemed guests at this event to hear.”

“Dr. Reis is doing excellent work in helping to organize this celebration, and I wholeheartedly welcome Mr. Kota and the rest of our Biomedical Engineering alums back to campus for it,” College of Engineering and Science Dean and Daniel D. Reneau Eminent Scholar Chair Dr. Collin Wick added. “I look forward to showing them how our program has evolved over the years through changing leadership, meeting our outstanding students, faculty, and staff, and some of the great educational initiatives and research they are pursuing.”

Registration for the event opens January 2, 2024. Attendees are encouraged to secure their participation early, as this landmark event is expected to draw significant interest.

To register your interest, please visit Louisiana Tech’s University Advancement website.

About Louisiana Tech University

Founded in 1894, Louisiana Tech University is a renowned institution known for its strong engineering programs and commitment to research and innovation. The Biomedical Engineering program, celebrating 50 years of excellence, is a testament to the University’s dedication to preparing students for the challenges of the future.