HRD PhD Ambassador: Sanjana Ghatak

Sanjana Ghatak
1st year PhD Student
Tyler, TX
Email: sghatak@patriots.uttyler.edu
LinkedIn

Profile

I'm a PhD student, with a research focus on gamified learning, AI technology and organizational development. My path here wasn't linear. I started with a technical foundation in Computer Science Engineering before my MBA in Human Resources pulled me toward the human side of organizations: how people learn, adapt, and grow within systems. I've always loved games, and that curiosity naturally shaped my research focus, since games, at their core, are about motivation, engagement, learning by doing, and having fun while you're at it. Before returning to academia, I worked as a Learning and Development Specialist in the Indian IT sector, designing classroom and e-training programs apart from facilitating workshops that gave me a front-row seat to how organizations actually function. That practitioner experience drives my current work. I want my research to bridge theory and practice in ways that genuinely improve how organizations support learning and development.

Education

Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science Engineering, MAKAUT, India.
Masters of Business Administration, Human Resource Specialization, Christ University, India.

Current Position

Full-Time PhD Student

Why I chose UT Tyler?

I chose UT Tyler because of its supportive faculty, collaborative research environment, and strong emphasis on developing scholars who make meaningful contributions to both academia and practice. The HRD program felt like the right fit for both my interdisciplinary skill set and my long-term goal of becoming a researcher and educator who translates academic insight into real organizational impact.

Fun Fact

I love creating content on my YouTube channel, spending time outdoors hiking, and consider myself a genuine foodie always on the lookout for a great local food spot. My perfect weekend involves all three!