Mudit Marwaha
SEAS ’27
Computer Science
PGS: Sustainable Development in Ho Chi Minh City
Contact
Ask Me About…
These are a couple of questions I’d be happy to expand upon if asked!
How do you manage traveling without knowing the local language?
I found creative ways to navigate transportation (sleeper bus!), order food (local apps), and explore new places despite the language barrier, and I’m happy to share practical tips that worked for me.
What is the best way to make new friends in a foreign country?
From joining local activities to bonding over meals, I discovered simple ways to connect with both locals and other travelers.
How do you pick up on local customs and traditions to avoid being insensitive?
I learned to observe (you can learn a lot just by looking around you), ask respectful questions (don’t be shy!), and adapt quickly to cultural norms in day-to-day interactions.
How do you balance work and life with so many interesting things to do?
I developed strategies (plan ahead!) to excel in my internship while still making time to travel, explore, and enjoy the cultural experiences Vietnam has to offer.
My Experience Abroad
Through GRIP’s Sustainable Development in Ho Chi Minh City program, I interned at Nuoa.io, a climate technology startup helping companies measure and reduce emissions. This experience allowed me to merge the technical depth from my BSE and MSE in Computer Science with my passion for sustainability-focused innovation.
My primary project was developing an AI-powered chatbot using React and AWS (Lambda, WebSocket, DynamoDB) to connect over a thousand users each week with information on environmental sustainability and regulation. I also contributed to improving the systems behind this tool—stabilizing our continuous integration processes, automating backend deployments, and refactoring our AWS pipeline to support modular Lambda functions. These changes reduced build times by 15% and demonstrated how thoughtful engineering can translate into more sustainable computing through efficient resource use.
Working in Ho Chi Minh City gave me a front-row seat to the sustainability challenges and opportunities faced by one of the world’s fastest-growing urban centers. It deepened my understanding of how cloud architecture, data analytics, and automation can support transparent emissions reporting and operational decarbonization—skills I intend to carry forward into my career.
This integrated experience confirmed my goal of building technology that advances sustainability, from smart city infrastructure to renewable energy monitoring, with measurable, real-world impact. In the future, I hope to continue to work in the green tech field and am sure to use many of the skills I learned this summer at Nuoa.
Other Highlights
- Working at a startup: At Nuoa.io, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of a mission-driven climate tech company. From day one, I contributed to projects with real impact, including developing an AI-powered chatbot and improving cloud deployment pipelines. The startup environment pushed me to adapt quickly, collaborate with a diverse team, and take ownership of my work. It was a crash course in combining technical innovation with practical sustainability goals.
- Traveling to Nha Trang, Hanoi, and Halong Bay: Each trip offered a unique perspective on Vietnam’s culture and landscapes. Nha Trang’s beaches and coastal charm provided a peaceful escape, Hanoi’s bustling streets and historic neighborhoods gave me a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage, and Halong Bay’s towering limestone cliffs were nothing short of breathtaking. Traveling between these regions deepened my appreciation for Vietnam’s diversity and natural beauty.
- Eating local foods and making new friends: From late-night bowls of Pho to breakfast Banh Mi’s, food became a way to connect with people. Sharing meals with coworkers, locals, and fellow interns led to unexpected friendships and cultural exchanges. I learned not just about the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, but also about the traditions and stories behind them. These shared moments made my time in Vietnam feel like a true immersion into a new way of life.
