BOLD 10 Under 10 alumni award winner sees Watson College as a ‘launchpad’ for his success

Through the BOLD (Bearcats of the Last Decade) 10 Under 10 Awards, Binghamton University honors alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, demonstrated a very high level of career achievement since leaving campus, and show great potential for future leadership.

The Alumni Association will present its 2025 Special Recognition Awards on May 3 at the Binghamton Club.

Four of this year’s winners are alumni of the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. We asked them how Watson influenced their lives and career paths.

Sahil Nyati, MS ’16, has built a career defined by his ability to solve complex problems with creative solutions. He is the founder and CEO of Jinee Inc., an immigration advisory firm that has become a beacon of hope for immigrants striving to achieve their lifelong dreams in the U.S.

At the core of Nyati’s career is his pioneering work in the trucking industry, where he has advised companies worldwide, blending cutting-edge technology with deep industry insights. His groundbreaking contributions earned him accolades such as the Supply Chain Pioneer and Innovator of the Year awards, and recognition as an industry leader among his peers. His expertise extends into research, with more than 20 published works that have shaped the future of automation and logistics.

During his time earning his master’s degree in computer science, Nyati served as a Graduate Research Ambassador, where he demonstrated his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. His success in earning the EB1A Einstein Visa reflects his standing as one of the top minds in his field, a rare honor reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability.

Before founding Jinee, Nyati held pivotal roles in major organizations, including serving as director of engineering at Maven Machines, where he led transformative projects in logistics technology. He was also a founding engineer at Carta Capital Markets, contributing to innovative financial solutions and worked at SAP and Universal, where he honed his technical and managerial skills.

What is it like receiving an award like this?

Receiving the BOLD 10 Under 10 Award is an incredible honor. It’s a moment of reflection — on the challenges, the breakthroughs and the journey that led me here. It feels surreal to be recognized among such an accomplished group of individuals, especially knowing how much my time at Watson College shaped my path.

This award isn’t just about me; it represents the incredible mentors, friends and experiences that pushed me forward. It’s a reminder that no matter where we come from, with the right mindset and perseverance, we can create real impact.

How do you think your time at Watson set you up for success?

Watson was more than just an academic experience — it was a launchpad for the way I think and approach problems today. The rigorous curriculum, combined with a culture of innovation and problem-solving, helped me develop the mindset to tackle real-world challenges.

Whether it was optimizing trucking logistics or building AI-powered immigration solutions, the foundation of structured thinking, technical expertise and resilience I built at Watson has been invaluable in my career. The ability to break down complex systems and turn abstract ideas into tangible solutions was something I honed at Binghamton, and I carry that with me every day.

Which Watson class or professor changed the way you thought about your area of study?

There were several, but Associate Professor Leslie C. Lander stands out for his approach to applied problem-solving and critical thinking. His classes weren’t just about learning algorithms or writing code — they were about thinking beyond the obvious, connecting dots between disciplines and questioning the status quo. He had a way of making us think bigger — not just about the solutions we were designing but about the impact those solutions could have on industries and people. That mindset stayed with me as I ventured into logistics, finance and, eventually, immigration technology.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Lander was more than just a professor — he was an advisor and mentor. Whether it was guiding me through final-year projects, helping with recommendation letters or providing career advice, he always went above and beyond to support his students. His influence extended far beyond coursework, shaping how I approached challenges and opportunities throughout my career.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Binghamton?

There are so many, but a few moments stand out. Late-night coding sessions at the Watson labs, fueled by caffeine and sheer determination, were a rite of passage. The Graduate Research Ambassador program was another highlight — I had the chance to connect with some of the brightest minds, exchange ideas, and represent the university in ways that broadened my perspective.

And, of course, weekend getaways to New York City with friends, where we’d brainstorm ideas, dream about the future and take a break from the intensity of our coursework. Those friendships and experiences shaped me just as much as the academics did.

What advice would you give to current Watson students?

Don’t just learn — apply. The biggest advantage Watson gives you is the ability to think like an engineer, but that thinking only turns into real impact when you apply it beyond the classroom. Whether it’s through research, internships, startups or personal projects, get hands-on experience.

Embrace discomfort. If something feels difficult, lean into it — that’s where the biggest growth happens.

Network with intention. Your professors, classmates and alumni are invaluable resources. Surround yourself with people who push you to think bigger.

Lastly, have a long-term vision, but take it one step at a time. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but every challenge you tackle today builds toward something bigger.

Binghamton was the foundation of my journey, and I hope every Watson student sees it as their launchpad to something extraordinary.