Inspired by UC Davis Mentors, Alumnus Pursues Global Opportunities and Leaves Legacy
Editor’s note: This alumni success story is presented here as it was first published for #aggiesatwork on the Cal Aggie Alumni Association website in 2016. According to LinkedIn, Shehzad is now working as a software developer at One Acre Fund in Kenya.
Shehzad Lokhandwalla, who graduated from UC Davis less than a year ago with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in education. Since then, he has lived and worked in three continents and pursued more diverse opportunities than many people achieve in their entire careers.
Lokhandwalla has served as a software developer intern at the United Nations in Switzerland, a technology consultant at a children’s hospital in Laos, and is now a technology fellow at Tanzania Education Corp., which supports a secondary school in Tanzania focusing on technology curriculum.
“Two things have inspired me to take on these challenges,” Lokhandwalla said. “First, I had really great mentors at UC Davis, including Chancellor Katehi, School of Education Dean Harold Levine and Associate Professor Sarah Perrault in the University Writing Program. Second, I love children and education, so my passion drives me to always do a little more and be selfless in it.”
Chancellor was computer science major's mentor
Lokhandwalla’s passion for service ignited when he was serving as an Associated Students of UC Davis senator and working as a student assistant to Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.
“One thing Chancellor Katehi said to me was, ‘A leader always has to give something back,’” Lokhandwalla said. “So if a leader earns something — like education and knowledge — you’re expected to give that back. She also said that public service is the most important thing you can do in your career.”
Skills in software and passion for education
Lokhandwalla credits Levine and Perrault for encouraging him to explore opportunities where he could combine his skills in software development as a computer science major with his passion for education.
“At the time, I wasn’t sure how to go forward, so Professor Perrault suggested that I work in the non-profit sector, teaching people about the intersections between business and technology. Her suggestions inspired me toward ideas for my future,” Lokhandwalla said.
Although Lokhandwalla’s time at each employer has been brief, he has left a mark on all three organizations.
Left a legacy with the United Nations
“When I was working at the UN as a software engineer, most of my job involved making changes to web applications,” Lokhandwalla said. “But I told my supervisor that I wanted to leave a legacy and do something to stand out. That’s when he said that I could work on a crowd-funding app.”
Lokhandwalla spent a few weeks conducting research and working on an initial design for the app, which could help the UN collect donations in the future.
“Although it hasn’t been completed yet, it’s nice to know that I am the first one who did the initial design and research for it,” he said.
Taught staff to use computer software
At the hospital in Laos, Lokhandwalla developed and taught the staff to use a computer software system where they could enter and store patient information for easier access. Prior to this, patient information was kept in paper files. He also created a photo booth where pediatric patients could take pictures with their friends and family, which helped improve the day-to-day experiences for the children at the hospital.
Tanzanian students learn software engineering
Currently, at the Tanzania Education Corp., Lokhandwalla’s teaches students ages 16-17 about software engineering. As the inaugural technology fellow, he is developing the curriculum and shaping the organization for years to come. In addition, he hopes other schools in Tanzania will adopt his curriculum as well.
Lokhandwalla plans to one day establish a non-profit school for Indian adults who want to start their own technology businesses. In Tanzania, Lokhandwalla is earning invaluable teaching experience and learning what it takes to run a nonprofit school, which will be supremely helpful in pursuing his long-term goals in both computer science and education.
Considers himself an ambassador for UC Davis
Lokhandwalla’s commitment to service does not stop with his career. He also considers himself an ambassador for UC Davis, having helped the Cal Aggie Alumni Associationorganize events in Geneva and making a point to connect with Aggies around the world.
“I want to give back as much as UC Davis has given me,” Lokhandwalla said.