Program: Master of Engineering Management and Leadership
Home Country: Madagascar
Universities: University of Antananarivo
Languages: French, English, Malagasy
Toavina Mahasetra Andriamanalina is an individual with a background in Chemical and Industrial Process Engineering from the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, and have since built a multidisciplinary career, spanning industrial operations, process optimization and entrepreneurship.
With a strong root in manufacturing, he envisions to contribute to the industrial development of Madagascar: transforming abundant natural resources into sustainable industries that create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen local communities. Witnessing agricultural products lose value because of limited processing capacity inspired his vision of creating industries that transform local resources into high-value products. This conviction guided him to study Chemical and Industrial Process Engineering for his undergraduate studies.
He served as a Junior Process Engineer in Refinery operations at Ambatovy, one of Madagascar’s largest industrial ventures. His contributions led to measurable operational gains, including reducing nickel losses and lowering chemical consumption. After working in a mining company, he left the position to focus on the development of the companies where he is a shareholder, and sought Masters programs that will provide him with the necessary tools to run and lead manufacturing companies.
Having failed twice in the Fulbright application (along with a few other failures), he has been consistently improved his profile and refined his professional direction, and eventually made his way to several prestigious universities including Rice University as a Fulbright Scholar. Being admitted to the Master of Engineering Management and Leadership program at this institution, he plans to play a key role in the development of his home country by contributing to a more prosperous and industrialized future.
What I like about Rice/Houston:
Rice: Small and supportive cohort and student body.
Houston: One of the most diverse city in the US, hosting a multitude of cultures to discover and explore.
What I like about Fulbright:
Access to a network of leaders from diverse backgrounds and cultures committed to creating a better world.
Fun Fact about me:
I used to be a very timid person, but overcoming this fear has led me to thrive in activities involving public speaking.