Hardik Yagnik’s journey into doctoral study was not part of an original plan. When he first came to the United States, his goal was straightforward: complete a master’s degree and deepen his technical knowledge in civil engineering. But that plan evolved. What began as curiosity gradually turned into commitment.
During his early time at Rutgers, Hardik found himself increasingly drawn to deeper questions in structural engineering. At first, he hesitated. Without prior research experience, he questioned whether a PhD was within reach. Over time, those doubts gave way to curiosity, and curiosity turned into action. Engaging closely with coursework, asking questions, and having meaningful conversations with faculty helped him see research not as something distant, but as something he could grow into. The encouragement of his family played a decisive role. With their support, he took the step toward doctoral study, a decision that would shape his career.
At Rutgers, Hardik’s academic experience became demanding and deeply fulfilling. Teaching played a central role. As a lab instructor in structural engineering courses, he found a sense of clarity and focus that grounded him. Those sessions were more than teaching responsibilities. They were moments where he could fully immerse himself in the subject and share that energy with students.
His research experience was equally formative. Working on projects through the Civil and Environmental Engineering department and in collaboration with the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), he engaged directly with real-world infrastructure challenges. These projects required hands-on lab work and close collaboration with teams of researchers. Through this work, he developed technical expertise, leadership, coordination, and project management skills. Over time, these experiences helped shape his interest in bridge engineering, which now defines his professional work.
Mentorship played a critical role in this development. Hardik credits his advisors, Dr. P. Balaguru and Dr. H. Najm, with shaping both his academic thinking and professional values. From Dr. Balaguru, he learned that research must contribute meaningfully to the field. From Dr. Najm, he gained a model of professionalism, integrity, and how to navigate the daily realities of research and teaching. Their combined influence continues to guide his approach to engineering and collaboration.
Beyond the lab and classroom, Hardik was deeply engaged in the Rutgers community. He co-founded the Graduate Student Organization in Civil and Environmental Engineering, helping create spaces for both academic exchange and community building. He worked closely with undergraduate students through ASCE, supported major competitions, and volunteered at regional events. One of his most meaningful experiences took him far beyond campus, traveling to Bolivia to help build a pedestrian bridge for schoolchildren through Rutgers Bridges to Prosperity. These experiences show us a consistent theme in his journey: engineering as both a technical discipline and a form of service.
He also took full advantage of university-wide opportunities. Through SGS programs such as Research Café, the Three Minute Thesis competition, and career panels, Hardik strengthened his communication skills and expanded his perspective beyond his field. These events created opportunities for professional growth and for connection across disciplines.
Today, Hardik works as a Structural Engineer-in-Training at AECOM, where he focuses on bridge engineering projects. His work involves design, analysis, and modeling across bridge superstructures, substructures, and foundations. He brings with him a strong technical foundation, experience with industry-standard tools, and familiarity with major design codes and specifications. His doctoral research on repair and strengthening of concrete structures directly informs his current work, particularly in addressing real-world infrastructure challenges.
Looking back, Hardik sees his Rutgers experience as an integrated whole. Coursework, research, teaching, mentorship, and networking all contributed to where he is today. In particular, building connections through research collaborations, industry interactions, and university events played a key role in opening doors and creating opportunities. His advice to current graduate students is simple but grounded in experience; say yes to opportunities. You do not need to have everything figured out. What matters is taking small, intentional steps, exploring new directions, asking questions, and building relationships. Over time, those steps add up.