Karthik is a 2011-2012 ARCS Foundation Scholar. This competition is between Chicago area schools (Univ. of Chicago, Northwestern, Illinois Institute of Technology, Loyola University of Chicago)

Chicago ARCS Scholars pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects involving leading-edge technologies in science and engineering. Representative university departments eligible to sponsor ARCS Scholars include artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geological science, immunology, mathematics, medicine, and physics.