From Classroom to Control Systems: Arnav Earve’s Exciting Co-op Journey

Meet Arnav Earve, a driven Data Science major with minors in AI and Bioinformatics who is set to graduate in Spring 2027. Originally from Cary, North Carolina, Arnav describes his time at UNC Charlotte as simply “fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable.”

Arnav’s decision to become a Niner was clear from the start. “I chose UNC Charlotte because when I was applying for college, no other in-state school was offering data science as a major, and my mind was set on wanting to take it,” he explains. This focused approach stems from a long-standing passion. “I have always been passionate about Sports Analytics and learning how to work with players’ stats. Personally, I felt that Data Science was the best major for me to explore my passion for both analytics and sports.”

This summer marks an exciting step in Arnav’s academic and professional development as he embarks on a co-op with R.E. Mason. Over three rotations, starting this summer and continuing through the fall, Arnav will dive into the world of industrial automation, system commissioning, and networked control systems. His work will span both software and hardware perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of the field. The aspect of the co-op that sparks the most enthusiasm for Arnav is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to cybersecurity and software optimization for infrastructure.

Reflecting on his time at UNC Charlotte, Arnav fondly remembers Professor Dornburg, who taught BINF1101 (Introduction to Bioinformatics and Genomics). “He is a lighthearted professor who did a great job of making the class entertaining with his personal stories and activities in each class,” Arnav shares.

For incoming students navigating their new college experience, Arnav offers valuable advice: “Try everything. If you are interested in anything, try it. Join a club even if it doesn’t relate to your major, go to Uptown and try different restaurants, go to the football games, meet new people. You only have four years, so enjoy all the experiences you can.”

Looking ahead to his graduation in Spring 2027, Arnav is keeping his options open, with aspirations in both data analytics and cybersecurity. Beyond his professional pursuits, he hopes to stay connected to his athletic roots by coaching track and field or AAU basketball, sports he passionately played before college.

The future, for Arnav, is a landscape of exciting possibilities. “What excites me about the future is that it’s not laid out yet,” he says. “I know that this feeling can be scary for many people, but personally, I am excited to see what the future holds regarding all aspects of my life: my job, where I live, my hobbies, what car I’ll be driving in five years, and whether the Vikings will finally win a Super Bowl. Everything is still up in the air.”

His time at UNC Charlotte has already fostered significant personal growth. “I learned that I’m a lot more adaptable and independent than I thought,” Arnav reflects. “Being at UNC Charlotte pushed me out of my comfort zone, and now I’m way better at handling challenges on my own.”

As Arnav prepares for his upcoming co-op, he anticipates gaining valuable real-world experience and insights into cybersecurity. While he hasn’t started yet, he’s eager to join the team and learn from different perspectives, a skill he knows will be crucial for his future.

Arnav’s journey exemplifies the opportunities and transformative experiences that UNC Charlotte offers its students. With a clear passion, a proactive approach, and an open mind, Arnav Earve is well on his way to making his mark in the world of data science and beyond.