About -

PE, LC, LEED AP, is a Principal at Bergmann’s Albany office. In this role at the national architecture, engineering and planning firm, he will lead engineering designs for public and private clients, participate in business development and manage client relations, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Capital District and its commitment to providing innovative solutions to clients. Nikhil brings more than a decade’s experience in engineering research, sustainable infrastructure design, and renewable energy and is a licensed engineer in multiples states. In addition to his vast and varied project experience, Nikhil is a nationally acclaimed engineer as recognized by ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) and NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) and currently, president of the Capital District Chapter of NSPE. He is also involved as a panelist and committee member with technical organizations such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)and NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying).

Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Nikhil hails from a highly respected family

All India fame Pediatrician Dr. Uday Bodhankar is Nikhil’s father and his mother Ms. Suniti Bodhankar is a Social worker.

Nikhil says, “My grandfather late Shri. Vasant Sathe (Congressman and Lawyer) greatly influenced me throughout my childhood and career.  I am brought up to be adventurous and explore opportunities in   uncharted territories.”

Nikhil’s wife, Ketaki Bodhankar (MBA – Finance and MS – Communications) currently works as a Project manager at a Federal Credit Union.

“My wife and our two children is what keeps me motivated and I consider myself lucky to having them in my life. I look forward everyday to spending time and enjoying life with them,” says Nikhil.

COLLEGIATE EDUCATIONAL AND EXTRA-CURRICULA ACHIEVEMENTS

Master of Science – Electrical Engineering: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (2005 – 2007)

• Awarded full tuition scholarship and research assistantship for work on a multi-disciplinary research project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Functionally Integrated Reactive Surface Technologies (FIRST) program, which researched special tools capable of withstanding biological or chemical attack to be used by soldiers and first responders

Bachelor of Engineering – Electronics and Telecommunications, University of Pune, Maharashtra, India (2001 – 2005)

• Graduated “First Class with Distinction”; equivalent to summa cum laude and the highest academic honors awarded by University of Pune

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying - 2017 – Present

• Member, PE (Electrical) Committee for cut score and exam development

New York State Society of Professional Engineers, Capital District Chapter- 2009 – Present

• President-elect 2017-2019

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA)- 2017 – Present

• Member of License and Registration Committee, contributing on matters involving licensing of professional engineers and the impact professional licensure has on IEEE members.

Practicing Institute of Engineering-  2017 – Present

• Continuing Education (CE) Evaluator for this non-profit authorized by New York State to evaluate and approve CE courses for professional development credit hours

National Society of Professional Engineers           

• Trustee – NSPE Education Foundation 2018 – Present
• Vice Chair of Professional Engineers in Private Practice (PEPP) Young Engineers Advisory Council (YEAC) committee 2014 – 2017

TECHNICAL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)  - 2001 – Present

• Senior Member Grade, the highest IEEE classification that demonstrates 10+ years of significant professional development, performance and recognition by documentation, IEEE references and testimonials.

IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) - 2015 – Present

• Chair, IEEE P3001.4 Standards Committee- Recommended Practice for Estimating the Costs of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society- 2013 – Present

• Full member, elected by invitation only. To be elected as a “full member” of Sigma Xi, a scientist must have “shown noteworthy achievement as an original investigator in a field of pure or applied science,” as well as “research aptitude.” Noteworthy achievement in research “must be evidenced by publication, patents, written reports or a thesis or a dissertation, which must be available to the Committee on Qualifications and Membership.”

COMMUNITY AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES

Engineering Scholarship Awards- 2017 – Present

• Co-chair of the Capital District Engineering Scholarship Awards Committee which has given more than $6000 annually to high school students who are admitted to ABET-accredited engineering programs at US universities.

Future Cities Competition- 2010 – Present

• Co-Chair of Future-Cities Competition Committee on Capital District Chapter of NYSSPE

Hurricane Sandy Relief Volunteer-   2012

• Provided pro bono electrical assessments and estimates to Schoharie County residents affected by Hurricane Sandy, enabling residents to understand electrical safety hazards and the extent of damage to their property

Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering   - 2005 – 2007

• Judge for SECME competition in Syracuse City School District

CAREER POSITIONS AFTER BACCALUREATE DEGREE

Bergmann,Albany, NY  - 2019 – Present

Principal

Leadership:

• Responsible for MEP/FP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing/Fire-Protection) disciplines for entire Northeast region.

Business Development:

• Engage in supporting growth of the firm locally, and nationally.

Engineering:

• Provide technical support including QA/QC to discipline leaders.

SMRT Architects and Engineers, P.C., Latham, NY - 2014 – 2019

Associate Principal / Senior Engineer / Project Manager

ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENTS

Publications

Capital District New York State Society of Professional Engineers Journal. (2013). “What is Future City Competition?”

Professional Engineering Journal. (2012). “Engineering Needs to Change Public Perception.”

Powerful Purpose Associates, LLC. Podcast. (2012). “Volunteering and Community Involvement for Engineers”    

Electrical Construction and Maintenance Journal. (2011). “Short Circuit Fault Calculations.”

Nunan Research Symposium, NY. (2007). “Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer on Porous Medium on Human Skin.”

Awards/Recognition/Accreditation

Young Engineer of the Year, National Society of Professional Engineers - 2018

Congressional Recognition, Kirsten Gillibrand, Member of U.S. Senate -  2018

LC Professional – National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions  - 2017

Young Engineer of the Year, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) - 2012

Congressional Recognition, Paul Tonko, Member of U.S. House of Representatives- 2012

LEED Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Certification Institute - 2008

Graduate Student Award, L.C. Smith College of Engineering, Syracuse University - 2006