Ashish Borgaonkar

Ashish Borgaonkar is an Assistant Professor in the School of Applied Engineering and Technology at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on environmental engineering, sustainable strategies, and innovative engineering education methodologies. He actively contributes to projects addressing microplastic contamination in urban environments and improving student performance through active learning approaches.

Key areas of research include the temporal/spatial distribution of microplastics in green infrastructures, curriculum design for inclusive and application-oriented learning, and mitigating plastic pollution impacts on ecosystems. He leads the U-RISE initiative to support underrepresented STEM students and has developed hands-on modules integrating drone technology and robotics into first-year engineering curricula.

His work includes over 38 peer-reviewed publications, with recent emphasis on pandemic-era educational challenges and AI-driven student performance prediction. Borgaonkar received the 2024 Nexus of Excellence Award from NJIT, recognizing his contributions to academic innovation and student success. He collaborates with institutions on projects spanning environmental policy, engineering ethics integration, and maker-space education.

Grants include the NSF-funded U-RISE program (2023-2024), focusing on broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM through mentorship and research opportunities. His teaching philosophy emphasizes bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications via competitions, lab activities, and interdisciplinary projects.

Borgaonkar's lab activities involve environmental monitoring systems, sustainability metrics, and educational technology innovations. He collaborates with libraries and industry partners to enhance research skills and prepare students for modern engineering challenges.