Nominator/Adviser: Michael Annable, Ph.D., and Edward Latorre. Ph.D.
Boregowda grew up in Karnataka, India, and moved to Arkansas to pursue his education. He mentors undergrad students at UF Integrated Product & Process Design, an experiential education program that develops engineering products for industrial and research sponsors. He volunteers with the Gainesville Community Weatherization Coalition as an energy coach and serves as vice president of Tau Beta Pi, UF’s Engineering Honor Society.
He is majoring in Environmental Engineering Sciences, with a minor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. He ispursuing a graduate certificate in Wetland and Water Resource Management from UF CALS/IFAS with a concentration in hydrological sciences.
How did you find your way to UF?
I decided to attend UF for its engineering and agricultural academic resources and accomplished professors. With the prestige and knowledge that comes with a UF degree, I am definitely able to make a difference in our communities on all levels.
What was your reaction when you found out you had won an International Student Achievement Award?
I thought of all the people who supported me throughout my journey and felt deeply thankful for their encouragement and support. This recognition inspired me to continue striving for excellence, be a humble leader, and give back to my community.
What did you want to be growing up?
I always wanted to be a leader, help our community, and advocate for the environment and sustainability.
What is the most interesting project you have worked on at UF?
Forever Chemicals, aka per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic chemicals that leach into drinking water and can bioaccumulate in humans and plants. The presence of PFAS can lead to an emergency shutdown of the water supply. Therefore, I am developing a PFAS surveillance system to assist water treatment facilities in making informed and timely decisions during emergency shutdowns. Most marginalized, tribal, rural, immigrant, and low-income families rely on these facilities for their water. The outcomes of my research are vital to addressing the problems that may arise when these families do not have access to safe drinking water.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Being an energy coach at the Gainesville Community Weatherization Coalition. I counsel low-income, marginalized, rural, special needs, and older residents on reducing their energy consumption by making small behavioral and household changes. With every energy tune-up, I feel accomplished seeing smiles on these families’ faces and helping our communities save water and the environment.
What are you watching and reading?
I enjoyed watching Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water-experiments documentary and reading his book “The Hidden Messages in Water,” in which he exposed water to various words, pictures, and music before freezing it and examining the ice crystals under a microscope. This further piqued my interest in water.
What is the most memorable thing that has ever happened to you?
The day I received confirmation that my dream internship application with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was accepted.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I plan to work as a researcher to develop technologies that will benefit low-income and marginalized families to access safe drinking water. I hope to gain experience in academia and industry and eventually become the dean of students.