Priyanka Ruparelia, 23, pitch perfect nanoscientist
Nanoscience is the study of atoms, molecules and objects whose size is on the nanometer scale — that’s really, really, really tiny.
Nanoscience is also the reason Priyanka Ruparelia moved to Greensboro from halfway around the world. 
The Mumbai, India, native is in the second year of the Ph.D. program in nanoscience at UNC Greensboro and NC A&T’s Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, located on Gate City Boulevard.
“The equipment in this particular building has tremendous potential to build tons of products,” she says. “The magic that can be done in the field of science using these technologies… it’s hard for one to believe and for me to explain.”
Her main focus has been on studying cell lines and natural polymers as an application in tissue engineering, to grow tissue for organ transplants. Ultimately, she sees herself using this knowledge to start her own biotech business.
That’s her dream career. “I want to own my own company in the medical field,” she says. “I want to shorten the waiting period for those who need organ donors.”
She’s already got a head start on her business skills. In November, Priyanka took first prize at HQ Greensboro’s “Two Minutes to Win It” pitch contest, where college students compete to sell their business idea.
Her idea? A nano bone implant, a naturally created bone implant placed on a broken bone to help it to heal more quickly. It’s a product she hopes to launch from her own company one day.
It’s the second time she’s taken top honors in the pitch contest, coming in second place last April. She plans to complete again this year.
“I love public speaking,” she says. “I have always imagined myself in cool corporate clothes…ready to run a company.”
