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Karthik Boregowda

Advisor and Energy Coach at University of Florida

University of Florida, Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering Sciences and Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Karthik Boregowda is a graduate student in Environmental Engineering, with a minor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida (UF). He received a graduate certificate in Wetland and Water Resource Management from the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He is a member of Chi-Epsilon, Tau Beta Pi, and Alpha Epsilon Lambda.

At UF, Karthik worked with per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals that contaminate drinking water and bioaccumulate in humans and plants. His work focused on developing a surveillance system to help water treatment facilities respond to PFAS contamination, especially in low-income communities.

Karthik mentored students at UF’s Integrated Product & Process Design, an experiential engineering education program that develops products for industrial and research sponsors. His mentorship propelled students to success in high-impact capstone projects for industrial sponsors.

Karthik serves as advisor of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, where he was Vice President, Pi-Day Coordinator, and Corporate Relations Chair. His leadership transformed the chapter, elevating member engagement and enriching candidate experiences, driving a tenfold increase in membership.

Karthik’s passion for integrating engineering with community service, energy equity, and environmental stewardship shines through his work as an energy coach at the Community Weatherization Coalition. His transformative work lifted rent burdens
for low-income families, prevented homelessness, conserved resources, and fostered a more sustainable community.

He was honored with three prestigious UF awards: the 2025 Presidential Service Award, 2024-2025 Attributes of a Gator Engineer Award, and 2024 Alec Courtelis Award for his distinguished service to the community.

GET TO KNOW KARTHIK

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

I volunteer with the Air & Waste Management Association, AWWA, and serve as a Chapter Advisor for the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. My volunteer work as an energy coach with Gainesville’s Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC) was one of the most meaningful experiences in my personal development. While counseling low-income, special needs, and elderly residents on reducing energy and water use, I saw how small, sustainable changes eased rent burdens, prevented homelessness, and fostered a more sustainable community. I chose to continue my service-learning experience with CWC beyond the semester because I saw the lasting impact my efforts had on the community. The hands-on community experience gave me a deeper understanding of how low-income families struggle with resource shortages and how small, sustainable changes can lead to meaningful improvements.

What are your passions and hobbies?

I am passion about service-driven leadership and mentorship. I love cooking, hiking, drawing, camping, and gardening

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?
My personal motto is to be a supportive mentor, researcher, and leader in the community. I aim for my work to serve as a model for future generations, particularly by inspiring children to value education and drive meaningful, lasting change through collaborative, policy-driven research on a global scale.
Throughout my journey, I have embraced service-driven leadership to support low-income students in STEM and inspire transformative change. I see my education and leadership as the key to merging these experiences to develop solutions that have a lasting impact.
As a mentor, I strive to be compassionate toward students’ emotions, respectful of their ideas, and mindful of their personal circumstances. I incorporate diverse teaching methods and materials that reflect the multicultural backgrounds of my students.  Above all, I am committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking ahead, I hope to gain experience in academia and industry and eventually become the dean of students. In this role, I aim to continue championing STEM equity, education, and community-driven solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Favorite snack food?

Fruits and carrots

 

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