The Harvey Mudd community grieves the loss of Arjun Shivram Vattipalli \u201827. An exceptional student and a kind, supportive friend who touched the lives of many across the 5C campuses, Arjun passed away on Oct. 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arjun\u2019s journey at Harvey Mudd reflected a blend of genuine academic passion and personal warmth toward peers and professors alike. A standout student, Arjun arrived at Harvey Mudd with an advanced understanding of STEM topics. He had deep passions in many fields, including biology, physics, mathematics, literature, philosophy, psychology and piano. He was fascinated by organic chemistry and biology and was planning to major in biochemistry. He was particularly fascinated by molecular biology and the intricacies of molecular movements and spent hours delving into complex concepts. During a summer internship at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, he did research on molecular dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jae Hur, associate professor of biology at Harvey Mudd, recalls Arjun\u2019s curiosity as a student in his Molecular Genetics and Introduction to Biology classes and his fascination with the molecules involved in life. \u201cIt really shined through in how well he took to the subjects.\u201d The two discussed Arjun\u2019s work using molecular dynamics simulations, an advanced way of modeling what every atom of a protein is doing at femtosecond intervals. \u201cI think Arjun, as much as anyone, held a deep joy in working to go behind the scenes to finally understand what movements these molecules might actually be doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To strengthen his resume for graduate study in medicine and research, Arjun completed emergency medical certification, then used this experience to volunteer 145 hours at the University of Colorado Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vital member of the West Dorm community, Arjun regularly gave of his time and skills. He inspired his classmates to challenge conventional thinking, encouraging them to explore deeper meanings\u2014whether through analyzing literature \u201cfor fun\u201d or discussing the significance of a piece of music. Family and friends recall Arjun as being \u201cempathetic, hardworking, intelligent, humble, kind and caring, funny, goofy, responsible and giving by nature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When not working on his academics or diving into his many hobbies\u2014reading, piano, gym, rock climbing\u2014Arjun cherished the meaningful and personal connections he made with his Mudd classmates and his long-term friends from middle and high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The son of Vasu Vattipalli and Parul Duvvuri of Aurora, Colorado, Arjun is survived by his parents and younger brother, Valmik, as well as a large family that loves him deeply.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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