Graduation Spotlight: Aayushi Rahul Gandhi, Visualization
Aayushi Rahul Gandhi came to Texas A&M University to follow her passion for blending creativity with technology.
The Kolhapur, India, native received her undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology. She admired the Visualization program’s interdisciplinary approach, and chose to pursue her master’s degree here.
With an emphasis on 3D modeling, texturing, rendering and animation, the program perfectly aligned with her goal of becoming an environment artist, she said.
“The Viz program’s blend of technical and artistic innovation inspired me,” Gandhi said, “offering the ideal platform to build on my skills and create impactful projects.”
She is set to graduate Dec. 13 with a Master of Science degree in Visualization. Gandhi will also be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 11. Gandhi said she is honored to receive the award.
“It’s an acknowledgment of the hard work, creativity and dedication I’ve put into my studies and projects,” she said. “This recognition motivates me to continue pushing my boundaries and striving for excellence in both my artistic and academic pursuits.”
Among Gandhi’s projects in the program was an Indian temple 3D animation, which she said is a culmination of all the skills she developed in texture, lighting, set dressing and rendering.
“This project allowed me to blend cultural storytelling with technical artistry, creating a piece that felt deeply personal and impactful,” she said. “I am also proud of my capstone project, where I designed a cute 3D room for a little girl. Both experiences taught me the importance of attention to detail and narrative in visual storytelling.”
Gandhi said two professors played a significant role in her academic journey: Caleb Kicklighter, instructional assistant professor; and André Thomas, an associate professor of practice who recently joined Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Switzerland.
“Professor Kicklighter’s constructive critiques and thoughtful suggestions helped me refine my work and elevate the quality of my designs,” she said. “Professor Thomas inspired me to go above and beyond in my work — especially in my project ‘Wish Dragon,’ which allowed me to push my creative and technical skills to new heights. His encouragement and guidance made the course incredibly fulfilling.”
Following graduation, Gandhi hopes to pursue a career as an environment artist or a UX/UI designer in the gaming or animation industry. She said she is passionate about creating immersive worlds that tell compelling stories. Her dream is to work on large-scale projects for renowned studios while contributing to games, films or interactive experiences that “leave a lasting impact.”
“Whether designing breathtaking environments or seamless user interfaces, I’m excited to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and user-centered design while blending cultural influences with modern techniques,” she said.
Photo by Sundos Alriffi.
