Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Degree: Computer Science, Ph.D.
Hometown: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Undergraduate institution: Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha Engineering College
Masters institution: Sam Houston State University
Faculty advisor: Alvaro Cardenas
Graduation year: 2024
“UCSC’s national rankings and the innovative projects at Baskin Engineering immediately captured my interest. Like many other computer science students, I aspired to study near the Bay Area which is a worldwide leader in digital technology.”
Keerthi Koneru is a UC Santa Cruz class of 2024 computer science Ph.D. graduate. Drawn to UCSC’s Computer Science and Engineering Department for its focus on combining conceptual learning with practical application, her research focused on securing electrical substations against cyber threats by analyzing real-world vulnerabilities and developing tools to study malware interactions. She was also part of a team of UCSC researchers who received two awards at the 2023 Cyber Recon Symposium for their innovative cybersecurity research project.
Why UC Santa Cruz and Baskin Engineering?
UCSC’s national rankings and the innovative projects at Baskin Engineering immediately captured my interest. Like many other computer science students, I aspired to study near the Bay Area which is a worldwide leader in digital technology. I always dreamed of studying at a college surrounded by natural beauty and the ocean. The serene environment of Santa Cruz offered the perfect setting for studying and creative thinking. The blend of academic excellence with the natural environment at UCSC made it a perfect fit for my Ph.D.
How is the UCSC Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department unique from other programs/universities?
The CSE department at UCSC stands out because of its strong focus on blending conceptual learning with practical application. Through my classes on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer architecture, network security, and mathematical methods, I gained technical expertise and a deep understanding of how to problem-solve. Class projects are designed to spark student-led innovation and challenge students to think beyond theoretical concepts. The CSE department also fosters a collaborative culture that encourages interdisciplinary work across labs and departments, which greatly enriched my research experience.
Tell us about your research while at UCSC.
My research focused on securing electrical substations which are critical for powering communities. While modernized for efficiency, these systems face significant cybersecurity risks, including targeted malware attacks. I analyzed real-world substation networks to understand their operations and vulnerabilities, uncovering critical gaps that could be exploited by cyber threats.
I also studied how malware interacts with substation systems, developing tools to replicate and analyze these attacks. This work provides valuable insights into defending against future cyber threats and protecting essential infrastructure. My research bridges the gap between real-world challenges and innovative solutions, contributing to the security of critical systems that millions rely on daily.
What is your favorite memory at Baskin Engineering?
One of my favorite memories at Baskin Engineering is attending the Womxn’s Lunch every Thursday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with new and current students, exchange advice, and learn about the exciting work others are doing. These lunches foster a supportive community—the sense of camaraderie and inspiration from the Womxn’s Lunch is truly special.
What career path are you pursuing now?
I work as a full stack large language model development associate manager at Accenture. I focus on developing AI agents and managing cross-functional collaborations across our various teams. This role allows me to integrate my AI and machine learning expertise with my passion for innovation.
What advice would you give graduate students interested in a similar path?
I advise building a strong foundation in AI and machine learning while honing your skills in full-stack development. Get involved with interdisciplinary projects that challenge you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, and seek opportunities to collaborate with peers and faculty to broaden your perspectives.
What do you like to do outside of academia?
I love spending time with my 3-year-old son, who I delivered during my Ph.D. journey. I’m also passionate about learning about marine and wildlife, as well as cooking and listening to music—these help me recharge and relax.
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