Anupam Batra is an Academy freshman with a passion for human-centered design. An admirer of Apple pioneers Jony Ive and Steve Jobs, Batra sees an opportunity at the Academy to forge his own entrepreneurial path by creating products and technology that positively impact society. 

What does being at the Academy mean to you? 
The Academy represents what I've always wanted to do. Although I love engineering, I know I want to do more -- to do something different and amazing that changes how we live our lives. For me, this is everything that the Academy represents and I'm excited to be a part of it. 

What is something about the way the world works that bothers you? How would you disrupt it? 
I often find myself most bothered by the lack of human touch in software and product development. I find that most products and software are not designed with the consumer in mind, and therefore do not function very intuitively. I'm not exactly sure how I want to disrupt this area yet, but I definitely hope to change this through work in product design in the future.

Batra is currently working on designing electrically controlled (based on muscle impulses) 3D printed prosthetic limbs for children who can’t afford them. The goal is to improve on previous models and make it lighter.

What are three goals you have for this year?
1. Improve my ability to render products on paper
2. Explore different areas of product design 
3. To create a product or company that does something meaningful 

Who is the most impressive famous person alive today? Why?
For me, the most impressive famous person alive today has to be Jony Ive, Apple's former chief design officer. I believe that Ive, through his design practices and influence at Apple, completely changed how we see and interact with technology. Without his influence, the technology industry would have a very different (and likely much worse) appearance and feel today.

Let's say you were miraculously provided $1,000,000 in seed funding tomorrow, what would you create?
I might try and pursue using 3D printing to create custom organs. This is a really up-and-coming industry that needs some serious innovation to really change healthcare and treatment. 

If you could ask advice from any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
If I were to get advice from a historical figure, I would want to ask Steve Jobs about how he was able to predict so carefully (and usually, accurately) what consumers wanted, when they wanted it, and how it should be given to them.

Describe one thing most people don't know about you?
I am an avid watcher of cooking shows. 

What is one thing your parents taught you that you'd like to share?
My parents remind me to always stick to my values in everything that I do, since your actions determine your character and who you are as a person. 

What will your future self accomplish?
I'm not really sure yet! I'd like to create something totally new that improves and changes our lives

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack? 
Laptop, battery bank, iFixit kit, and MX Master mouse  

If you could be best friends with one fictional character who would it be? 
Tony Stark  

What is your favorite place to hang out on campus? 
Iovine and Young Hall 
 
Thanks, Anupam! 

FRESH Encounters: Anupam Batra