Auckland Grammar School Online Community

Wanting to make the world a better place for all

Tuesday, 28 March 2017

The Auckland Grammar School motto "Per Angusta Ad Augusta" (through difficulties to triumphs) is one that struck a chord with Karthik Mukkavilli '03. "Grammar does a great job of preparing us for the difficulties that lie ahead... the real battles are won outside the gates."

Karthik studied the Cambridge syllabus and took subjects that would allow him to begin an Engineering degree at the University of Auckland at the end of Form 6, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English.

Having always wanted to make the world a better place, Karthik constantly looks to increase his knowledge on various issues he cares about most - climate change, strengthened democracy and improving the standard of living in developing countries.

This passion grew through his undergraduate honours project - an assignment motivated by the University's Engineers Without Borders group, who are focused on social change through humanitarian engineering and creating sustainable impact in New Zealand.

After completing his Masters at London's Imperial College, Karthik went on to the University of New South Wales - "which has a world-leading solar department". His work on his thesis involves analysing atmospheric dust aerosols to forecast solar energy. The experience he has gained has seen him collaborate with international space agency NASA.

Karthik is now based at the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics at Harvard University, Massachusetts, as a visiting research scientist - to further understand this "atmospheric phenomena": dust storms on Mars.

"Understanding them is critical," he says. "If we ever hope to colonise Mars, you need to know what the climate and weather is going to be like." Karthik also points out that dust storms provide an additional insight into the developing history of the planet.

Karthik believes that you never reach your "greatest achievement" - you simply keep striving to be a better version of yourself. "It's about who you've become and whether you've been true to yourself throughout the journey, without compromising your core principles."

With his current work in the field of atmospheric physics and his analysis of the potential viability of life on Mars, it seems Karthik will have many more great achievements ahead of him.