Born and raised in Chennai, India, Sathish Sundaramoorthy spent seven years working at the United Nations in Bangkok before moving to the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Jerusalem College of Engineering and a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Liverpool John Moores University. Sathish joined Florida State University in April 2022 and now serves as an ERP Analyst III. In this role, he supports HR and Finance modules within FSU’s ERP system, develops applications in PeopleSoft, and explores emerging technologies like Generative AI. Outside of work, Sathish is a chess enthusiast who has competed in FIDE and USCF-rated tournaments, winning a category at the Tallahassee Chess Fest. He enjoys playing cricket and pickleball on the weekends, and loves spending time with his wife Sandhiya and their young daughter.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Chennai, India. Prior to moving to the United States, I worked at the United Nations in Bangkok for seven years.
Where did you attend school?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Jerusalem College of Engineering. Then, I earned my master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Liverpool John Moores University.
Why did you choose to work in technology?
My passion for technology began at a young age. Coding has been my passion for as long as I can remember. When I originally went to college, my mom wanted me to major in civil engineering. But after a month, I knew it wasn’t for me and changed my major to computer science.
How long have you been at FSU?
I started working here in April 2022 and just celebrated my three-year anniversary.
What is your role at FSU?
ERP Analyst III. My role focuses on the HR and Finance modules within our ERP system, and I also occasionally work with Student Information Systems. I gather requirements from our internal business teams and develop applications in PeopleSoft based on those needs.
I am also a part of Decisions Application Development team, recently i completed certifications in Decisions. I'm also exploring some Proofs of Concept (POCs) in the area of Generative AI and Agents. We currently have 3–4 use cases in progress, which are still in the POC phase, but I’m optimistic that they’ll move into production in the future.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the challenge of solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions. I am particularly interested in automation projects that improve efficiency and streamline processes, and having the freedom to work on these is very exciting. Additionally, working with AI and machine learning projects has been a fantastic opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained from my master’s degree. I am fortunate to be part of a team that supports innovation and encourages new ideas.
What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was the automation of the PO roll process. The goal was to eliminate manual errors and create a more efficient, automated system for handling POs. We worked through multiple rounds of testing and exception handling, focusing on resolving issues like unmatched vouchers, invalid statuses, and other discrepancies. By automating batch selection, condensing controls into a single step, and ensuring smooth budget checking, we were able to significantly reduce human intervention and improve the accuracy of the process. The impact was not only immediate in terms of efficiency but also long-term in creating a more reliable system for future cycles. I presented it in a few conferences where other universities liked the solution and expressed interest in code share.
What is your favorite app?
I really like the Medium app – it's simple, easy to navigate, and filled with interesting reads. If I want to deep dive into a topic, there’s always something worth exploring.
If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be.
I wish I could make a fast plane that shortens air travel time, currently I have to travel for more than a day to go back to my hometown, if that drops down to a few hours I would fly back often.
What is a fun fact about you?
I enjoy playing chess and have previously competed in FIDE rated tournaments. I recently had an opportunity to participate in USCF rated Tallahassee Chess Fest and came first in a category for rapid style, which was a really exciting experience.
Talk a little bit about your family.
I’m married to a wonderful woman, Sandhiya, who has been a great pillar of support throughout everything. We have a beautiful 2.5-year-old daughter who brings so much joy to our lives. My mom and siblings live in India, and we stay connected through regular phone calls.
What do you do in your free time?
I play cricket with my friends during weekends and recently got into playing pickleball which has been so much fun.
