Minal Panchal was a 26-year-old graduate student from Mumbai, India, enrolled in a master’s program in building science at Virginia Tech. She was in a solid mechanics class in Room 204 of Norris Hall on April 16, 2007, when a gunman barricaded the building’s doors and opened fire. Professor Liviu Librescu held the classroom door closed to give students time to escape through windows; Minal was fatally shot during the attack.

Minal was among 32 people killed that day, including 27 students and 5 faculty members. The shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, died by suicide as police entered the building; there were no other suspects. Does anyone have memories of Minal or knew her circle at Virginia Tech who can share remembrances or information?