Rohini Ramesh named 2024 Knight of St. Patrick

One day in the early weeks of spring semester, you’ll find simple signs taped to doors on The Grainger College of Engineering campus with a list of names. It is an understated way to share big news—the eight to 15 students selected to be Knights of St. Patrick. On this year’s list of 11, aerospace engineering student Rohini Ramesh is at the top of the list.

The criteria to be selected as a Knight are impressive: outstanding leadership, excellence in character, and exceptional contribution to the college and its students. In her four years at Illinois, Ramesh has demonstrated all three.

Ramesh’s passion for aerospace drew her immediately to the Illinois Space Society, a registered student group, where she has served in a variety of leadership positions. In her current role as director of ISS she leads the department’s largest student organization in both membership numbers as well as technical projects and outreach activities.  

Her work as a member of the Engineering Council has culminated in her current position as one of this year’s Engineering Open House co-directors.  The scale of Engineering Open House is immense and requires strong organization and communications skills. It is representative of the contributions she makes to the department and the college.    

Laura Gerhold, aerospace engineering’s chief undergraduate adviser has known Ramesh since she started and worked closely with her. Gerhold teaches AE 298, a class designed to prepare students for a study abroad trip. In fall 2022, Ramesh took that class and traveled to Cape Town, South Africa over winter break.

“What has always stood out to me about Rohini has been her compassion for others,” Gerhold said. “This has been evident not only in her role as class representative, but also in her position as an engineering learning assistant for ENG 100.  In this position, she serves as an instructor/mentor for approximately 20 first-year aerospace engineering students and works with eight other ELAs for the other aerospace ENG 100 sections.  Her calm demeanor, listening ear, and insightful advice makes her an amazing fit as an ELA.  This position has given her the opportunity to share her experiences, inspire through her passion, and lead by example through her work ethic.”