Staying ahead of the technological curve in a world that is constantly evolving is more than a want for students and professors, and many say it’s an academic priority. Few at Utica University encapsulate that drive more than Rutal Mahajan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and NVIDIA University Ambassador.
Mahajan has played a key role in strengthening Utica’s focus on AI in recent years and in November achieved a notable milestone at NVIDIA’s GTC 2025 conference held in Washington, D.C. Mahajan attended the conference, a goal she has been pursuing for years while regularly following NVIDIA’s work. She sat for the NVIDIA Certified Associate exam in Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) and passed with a strong score, a credential that few women have earned worldwide.
“It was a moment of genuine excitement, surprise and happiness,” Mahajan said. “I have followed NVIDIA’s work in AI for many years and regularly attended their GTC conferences online, always hoping to attend one in person someday. When I finally got the opportunity to attend GTC 2025 in Washington DC, thanks to Utica University, it already felt like a milestone. Clearing the certification exam on top of that, especially without any special preparation, was incredibly rewarding and affirming.”
The NVIDIA Certified Associate credential is an industry grade certification that validates professional level skills in Generative AI and LLMs. For Mahajan, it carried deep personal and professional significance because it will benefit her work in education and advanced computing.
“Professionally, it marks an important milestone in my work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and education,” Mahajan said.
Beyond professional recognition, Mahajan said that the credential reaffirmed her commitment to lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving field. The achievement aligns with her ongoing efforts to expand industry partnerships and resources for students at Utica University.
Before attending GTC, she was already in the process of becoming an NVIDIA Certified Instructor and NVIDIA University Ambassador for Utica University.
Mahajan said the certification will directly enhance her ability to integrate real world applications into the classroom.
“It helps bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our students are learning skills and concepts that are directly relevant to the future of computing and artificial intelligence,” Mahajan said.
Mahajan sees the certification as momentum for broader impact rather than an endpoint. She remains focused on making advanced resources accessible and building student confidence in tackling emerging technologies.
“Continuous learning and staying aligned with rapidly evolving technologies,” she said, continues to guide her work, positively impacting and positioning Utica students for success in an AI driven future.
