Intentional Technology 

Computer science student Tejas Attavar has a unique perspective on his area of study. Rather than look at the technology field as a means to improve machine capabilities or enhance day-to-day life, he sees it as a pathway to support justice and public safety.

Attavar grew up deeply rooted in spirituality as well as watching TV shows about superheroes. Those characters demonstrated how intelligence could be used intentionally to protect others, not for recognition but because it’s the right thing to do. They sold him on the idea that technology carries responsibility. As he grew up and learned more about the world’s challenges, he felt drawn to study a field versatile enough to make a tangible impact on people both young and old.

With his degree concentration in artificial intelligence (AI), Attavar says his academic studies challenge him to continuously think, adapt, and improve. This keeps him engaged and motivated. His education has helped him see himself as someone capable of serving others and spreading a positive message through discipline, skill, and responsibility.

“Everything I’ve learned has shaped how I view my future and shows me that technology isn’t just a career path, but also a way to serve, protect, and create impact when used with intention,” he explains. “Computer science and AI don’t only mean innovation; they carry real responsibility toward people and society.”

With this mindset, Attavar sought to use his skills to create something that supports reflection, healing, and personal growth. His brainstorming led to the creation of two websites, Suryana and DestinationNova, to support mental wellness and create social impact, respectively. With each platform still in deeper development, Attavar is exploring investment opportunities to responsibly grow the two services.

Suryana started as a project for his Intro to Software Engineering course, but as its meaning to him grew, it developed into a passion-driven initiative. The online platform is designed to help users develop healthier mental habits and support spiritual wellbeing in a thoughtful and accessible way.

DestinationNova aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and better protect children from real-world and online dangers. Attavar is working on research that will inform and develop a custom AI model so the service can provide up-to-date information on human trafficking.

“I saw a need for technology that is intentional, human-centered, and rooted in care,” he says of his websites. “I’m especially interested in how analyzing patterns in data can help identify cybercrime activity, uncover risks, and support child protection efforts. Being able to turn raw information into insights that can prevent harm and inform real-world decisions makes computer science meaningful to me.”

His commitment to serving others extends beyond the computer screen. A student ambassador on the Long Island campus for the past two years, Attavar helps fellow New York Tech students find guidance and develop strategies to balance their personal and academic lives. He shows up for others with confidence and empathy, and he is grateful to play a small role in his peers’ personal growth.

Attavar’s anticipated graduation in May is approaching, but he’s not stressed about what post-university life has in store. While he hopes to secure a hands-on internship or full-time position working on data analysis, product management, or AI automation in a professional setting, he will be thrilled to find himself in a role where he is empowered to make an impact on others’ lives.

“What excites me the most about my future is the opportunity to build meaningful connections along the way,” he says. “Not only professionally, but personally and spiritually, as well.”