Graduate Student Reflects on ‘Unforgettable Moments of Joy and Unity’ as a Charger

For Kriston Pal ’24 M.S., his time as a Charger meant immersing himself in exciting and meaningful experiences. Whether he was conducting research, playing table tennis with his friends, or exploring machine learning, he was excited to take full advantage of every opportunity the University had to offer.

Pal accepted his master’s degree in business analytics as part of the University’s 2024 Commencement. As he wrapped up his final semester as a Charger, Pal reflected on the wonderful memories he has of connecting with his classmates. He says many of his most cherished memories stem from the University’s “vibrant” campus life.

“Late-night study sessions with friends were not only productive, but they were also filled with laughter and camaraderie,” recalls Pal, an international student from Nepal. “Participating in campus events such as Homecoming and graduate nights brought the community together in celebration, creating unforgettable moments of joy and unity.”

‘Hone my IT networking skills’

Dedicated to service, Pal helped organize the University’s Spirit of Pink Month, a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and to offer support to those facing the disease. He found it gratifying to encourage his fellow Chargers to get involved and to organize events that highlighted the importance of early detection while recognizing the strength of survivors.

A provost graduate assistant in information technology, Pal collaborated with several clubs and organizations on campus, especially at the University’s Orange Campus. Whether he was supporting the University’s Women in Business Club, Entrepreneurship Club, or Marketing Club, Pal enjoyed connecting with his fellow Chargers while helping to foster a sense of community.

“This added significant responsibility, enhancing my communication skills and collaboration with top-level administrators,” explains Pal, who is also a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. “Overseeing smart classrooms and computer labs allowed me to hone my IT networking skills, resulting in a decrease in reported technical issues.”

‘The necessary tools for success’

Pal calls his role as a research assistant in data visualization at Quinnipiac University one of his most “transformative” experiences. The internship revolved around an ongoing research project focused on gender equality and economic transformation. He immersed himself in clusters of data, delving deep into exploring complex patterns across more than a dozen African nations.

The opportunity enabled Pal to build his skills managing datasets, visualizing correlation results, and implementing data mining techniques. He also honed his soft skills, including problem-solving and communication.

“It seamlessly integrated academic knowledge with practical application, fostering transformative learning in my field,” he said. “The experience served as a pivotal moment for my personal and professional growth, refining my expertise in data handling, analysis, and visualization.”

Looking ahead, Pal plans to expand the tourism and hospitality startup he began five years ago in Nepal. He endeavors to pursue his doctorate in healthcare data analytics. Ultimately, he aspires to become a data scientist.

“I am confident the experiences and skills acquired during my time at the University have equipped me with the necessary tools for success in these endeavors,” he said. “I am poised to embark on this journey with determination and enthusiasm. The outstanding faculty, with their versatile expertise, have enriched my understanding, blending both business and technical perspectives for the modern world.”