Four College of Science students honored at inaugural Golden Hammer Awards in Indianapolis
05-06-2025
Purdue University’s College of Science proudly celebrates four outstanding students who were recognized at the inaugural Golden Hammer Awards in Indianapolis. This new awards program honors students who embody the university’s core values, integrity, respect, honor, innovation and growth, while demonstrating leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to the urban campus community. These four Boilermakers are setting the tone for future student achievement in Indianapolis.
Freshmen Gregory Harner and Ruthu Shankar received the prestigious Golden Hammer Award for Innovation, recognizing their creative contributions and leadership in the tech space.
Harner, a computer science major, stood out for his work with The Data Mine and the Indiana Fever, where he brought player archetype algorithms to life. In addition to excelling in the classroom, he’s exploring student clubs including Purdue Hackers, the Machine Learning Club and the Humanoid Robot Club.
Shankar, also a computer science major with a minor in mathematics, is already making an impact across campus. She currently serves as a CS ambassador and a Purdue Student Government senator, and she founded the Computer Science Women’s Network (CSWN) in Indianapolis, a group dedicated to fostering inclusion and support for women in tech. When asked what motivates her, Shankar shared her philosophy: “Continue to embrace innovation not just as a technical skill, but as a mindset, one that drives me to create, lead and uplift those around me.”
Also honored were seniors Nikhil Anand Dhoka and Lina Im, recipients of the Golden Hammer Award, given to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to the unique opportunities Purdue offers in Indianapolis.
Dhoka, a computer science major, will begin a full-time position at Eli Lilly after graduation, where he’ll work on AI projects to optimize supply chain operations. One of his favorite experiences as a Purdue student was participating in the Global Entrepreneurship study abroad program in London.
Im, a junior in computer science, is pursuing a career in health care IT project management. She plans to gain industry experience before returning to school to pursue an MBA. One of her most memorable moments this year was presenting her research at Butler University shortly after watching the total solar eclipse, a day that combined science, community and inspiration. "We are incredibly proud of these exceptional students who are setting the standard for what it means to be a Boilermaker. Their achievements reflect the very heart of the College of Science, where innovation, leadership, and purpose come together to shape a better world. They remind us of the power of science to create real and lasting impact,” said Lucy Flesch, Frederick L. Hovde, College of Science.
These students reflect the very best of the College of Science: driven, curious and deeply committed to building a better future. Whether through data, leadership, research or service, they are shaping what’s possible, not only for themselves, but for the generations of Boilermakers to come.
About the College of Science
Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,800 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, and mathematics at www.purdue.edu/science.