Alum Board | NC State IMSEI

IMSEI has formed a new alum board to better serve our students and alums. It will work directly with the IMSE administration to maintain a critical connection between industry trends, world issues and its student population. 

The four board members will be available at various events throughout the year. These events would be a fantastic opportunity for current or future students to ask about board members’ experiences within IMSE, get advice on co-op/internships, better understand which courses were helpful, mock interview/CV reviews, or network. 

Neel Desai, Board Director

Neel Desai is a skilled professional and the first IMSEI ambassador, showcasing his leadership in the field. Desai is making significant contributions as a Supply Chain Project Engineer at GKN Automotive, where he began as a Supply Chain Intern during his co-op. His expertise extends further, having served as a Supply Chain Consultant for John Deere during his supply chain management practicum while pursuing his master’s. His academic achievements and diverse experiences make him a valuable Supply Chain and Project Management asset.

Desai has been a help to the IMSE program, assisting with the execution of recent initiatives such as the monthly stakeholder seminar/information sessions and laying the foundation for the alum board. He has agreed to lead the board as the director because of his dedication, in-depth knowledge of IMSE and outstanding professional experience.

Troy Bowman, Board Member

Troy Bowman is an R&D Engineer at Los Alamos National Lab, home of the atomic bomb, working in the Prototype Fabrication Group. He received his undergraduate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State in 2021 and continued his scholarship with the IMSE program for his master’s. During the latter part of his undergraduate career, he joined the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics and discovered his passion for advanced manufacturing. Bowman participated in research throughout his master’s degree and focused on additive manufacturing of metals, industrial automation, robotics and CNC machining. 

IMSE helped him obtain internships at Moog (Aerospace and Defense) and GKN Automotive, where he conducted projects in the advanced automation space. At Moog, Bowman implemented a Coordinate Measurement Machine into an autonomous CNC machining cell for flight control systems incorporating in-process quality control. Bowman programmed robots and other devices to automate the manufacturing of driveline components during his co-op at GKN. He credits IMSE with giving him the experience and confidence to pursue these challenges and succeed.

Kaustubh Laghate, Board Member

Kaustubh Laghate chose the IMSE program for its tailored approach to manufacturing and systems career paths. He highlights the program’s full-time co-op as a transformative experience, allowing him to apply advanced learnings in real-world company environments and witness the tangible impact of his education on company operations.

Laghate has made significant strides in his career since completing his master’s in Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering. With a foundation in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University, he has specialized in Lean Six Sigma and data for manufacturing, continually applying his expertise to innovate and optimize processes in the field. Laghate is an R&D Engineer at Leesona Corp, who is pivotal in developing and global commissioning thread winder machines. His contributions to the company underscore his commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies and processes.

Laghate’s unwavering connection to his alma mater is evident through his active participation in alum events and his readiness to support current students and fellow graduates. His journey from a curious student to a seasoned professional inspires many, highlighting the profound impact that a solid education, coupled with a passion for one’s field, can have on one’s career trajectory.

Prachi Bhangle, Student Board Member

Prachi Bhangle is a graduate student in the IMSE Program. Her role on the board will be as a conduit between current/prospective students and the alum board.

Bhangle initially pursued studies in textiles, but her practical involvement in textile manufacturing captivated her and steered her toward a broader perspective on manufacturing. This revelation prompted her to blend the results-driven aspects of textiles with the precision of manufacturing.

Bhangle’s path has taken her far from her homeland of India, where she had been immersed in learning and self-reliance. While on this journey, she has had valuable internships at esteemed organizations. Her experience at GKN Driveline in the summer of 2023 provided insights into the intricacies of automotive manufacturing. Currently, she is at Amazon Robotics, contributing as a Product Quality Engineer, collaborating with a diverse team to enhance the development of cutting-edge automation technology. This role allows Bhangle to apply her practical manufacturing knowledge and academic learning to drive improvements.

Beyond her engineering pursuits, Bhangle is an avid cook, always ready to create an extravagant meal when the ingredients align. She eagerly anticipates her return for the final semester in the spring of 2024, continuing her journey that beautifully intertwines engineering and exploration.