Vivek Utgikar Earns Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship
January 13, 2023
Vivek Utgikar Earns Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship
Chemical Engineering Professor Vivek Utgikar recently earned Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship. Recognized by senator and former Idaho representative Mike Crapo, the grant supports teaching, research or a combination of both.
Utgikar’s research involves an innovative process for the recovery of rare earth elements from electrical and electronic waste, or e-waste. Experimental investigations are being conducted to verify the technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental impact of the process. The process recovers critical materials resources consisting of rare earth metals for use in future electronic products, remediating the environment and reducing impact on economies affected by supply chain shortages. The research will seed future collaborations between U.S. and Indian researchers to tackle global challenges in the critical materials resource recovery and environmental remediation arenas.
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to nearly 11,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.