Rest isn't wasted time; it's part of what keeps your passion sustainable.”
Ryan Forelli
PhD Student in Computer Engineering
Ryan Forelli is a PhD student in Computer Engineering in the McCormick School of Engineering. His research focuses on building faster, smarter, and more adaptable AI systems to support high-speed scientific experimentation. He is a recipient of the Ryan Fellowship.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My research focuses on making AI systems faster, smarter, and more adaptable for use in cutting-edge scientific experiments. New experimental methods across disciplines such as physics, neuroscience, and energy research have led to an explosion in both the volume and velocity of data — challenges that only AI, when paired with special types of programmable circuits called FPGAs, can handle. Optimizing the performance of these ultra–low-latency AI accelerators is critical, as many applications operate on the microsecond time scale; much of my work also involves building tools for engineers that facilitate this optimization process.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
I find the potential impact and knowledge I accumulate through research to be incredibly rewarding, as well as the opportunity to mentor others. I’ve relied (and still do) on the mentorship of many brilliant researchers who generously shared their time and wisdom through undergrad, and I love doing the same for the next generation. One specific challenge I routinely face is interdisciplinary communication, since I collaborate with researchers from a variety of domains and across multiple time zones, all with different perspectives and ideas of how to tackle a problem.
Why Northwestern?
Many reasons — most importantly the fit with my research adviser, Seda Ogrenci. Other reasons included a healthy but competitive and driven environment, stellar faculty and research output, interdisciplinary integration, the beauty of the Evanston campus, proximity to a major city, and connection to nearby major national laboratories, one of which I did a co-op and built a connection with.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I didn't used to unwind in undergrad — I was so focused on my goals and grad school applications. Since arriving at Northwestern, I've been working on building better habits, so I will usually go to the gym, the Sheil Center, FaceTime family, or listen to a podcast. I also enjoy exploring the area and the other academic buildings on campus since I rarely need to leave Tech for work or classes. I also connect with friends from undergrad on Fridays.
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
An engineer or scientist — I was a huge Star Trek fan since I was eight and wanted to grow up to be a science officer like Spock. I still remember my father helping me Photoshop a picture of myself to look like a Vulcan for the cover of my fourth grade reading/writing journal — we all had to attach a picture of ourselves. The engineering side interested me too, though I didn’t fully understand what it involved until later on. Little did I know I would end up doing a bit of both since much of my work involves extremely close collaboration with experts from a wide array of other scientific fields, which allows me to learn about each.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
For those considering pursuing a PhD, I think the most important thing is to make sure you're genuinely passionate about the subject. Also important, though, is knowing how to take a break. My mindset in late undergrad was that every minute spent working or writing applications over leisure time was a sacrifice and investment in the future — but what I’ve come to realize is that taking a break is also an investment. Rest isn't wasted time; it's part of what keeps your passion sustainable. Learn to pace yourself, protect your joy in the subject for the long term as well as your psychological well-being.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
Leading up to the summer before my first year of undergrad, I was diligently searching for summer opportunities in industry — unfortunately, the pandemic canceled every program I had applied to. But as this unfolded and I was losing hope, I received an email about a summer research program at my undergraduate institution that was retained but was being held virtually that year. I was unsure as I hadn't given much thought to research or considered what it entailed, but one project description involving machine learning application to materials science piqued my interest, so I applied. Under the tutelage of my undergraduate lab PI, I was introduced to the world of research and developed a passion for it that led me to where I am now; discouragement can be grace in disguise and unexpected opportunities can sometimes lead to new passions that define your path.
Publish Date: September 23, 2025