Avnish Bhatnagar

Avnish Bhatnagar

1989 Mathematics Graduate

He works for tech giant Google, loves the problem-solving nature of math, and has advice for how current UNLV students can take their classroom learning to the next level.

Growing Up

I grew up in Las Vegas.

Why UNLV?

Because of the Honors program, scholarships, and its small class sizes.

When did you graduate from UNLV?

I got my Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences as well as a minor in computer science in 1989.

Additional Education

I received my master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Southern California in 1992.

Why did you choose the area of study that you did?

I enjoy the problem-solving nature of math and am fascinated by how it is so fundamental to the other sciences. As for computers, I’ve been addicted to them ever since my first PC—an Apple //e!

Current Job

I work at Google and am a technical solutions engineer, providing support and sustaining engineering to our customers who deploy apps based on Google’s mapping solutions. I help them be successful by troubleshooting their technical issues, working on code fixes, and innovative new software features.

Do you use your degree in your profession?

I apply my math and computer skills regularly at work when coding, debugging, troubleshooting, or just brainstorming new approaches to a problem.

How did UNLV help prepare you for your current profession?

The specialized courses in my major combined with the unique core curriculum of the Honors College all gave me a rich, technical foundation. This carried me through graduate school, helped me get my first internship (at an aerospace company), and follow-on positions at NASA and Google.

Advice for Students

Choose a major that you are really passionate about, and study hard. Then, take it to the next level: find a mentor (or alum!) who can help you take on interesting side-projects to enhance all that classroom learning. As an example, if you enjoy computers, go build a website for a nonprofit, contribute to some open-source code project, or create a mobile app. Employers love to find candidates who are self-starters, independent, and creative.

Outside of Work

I enjoy running, traveling, and spending time with my two children.

Anything Else?

Go Rebels!