About

Aakash Chowkase is a passionate education professional with a Ph.D. in Education from Purdue University. With over 14 years of teaching experience and two years of corporate experience as a software engineer, Aakash has a unique perspective on education and talent development. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, working with the Greater Good Science Center on designing and evaluating a bridge-building intervention for California Volunteers. His research focuses on building bridges across lines of differences and divides to counteract social challenges such as rising polarization and conflict. Aakash's experience in teaching has made him love being with school children, youth, and teachers. He is interested in creating meaningful yet joyful educational experiences for learners and teachers, and his focus areas include teacher professional development, educational research, content development, curriculum, and pedagogy. Aakash is particularly interested in STEM education, talent development, and gifted education. Aakash's academic background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented from Purdue University, a Bachelor's degree in Education from Savitribai Phule Pune University, a Master of Arts in Education from Azim Premji University, a BE in IT from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, and a Central Board of School Education from Jnana Prabodhini Prashala. Aakash's technical skills include research scientist and software engineer. He has worked as a Bilsland Doctoral Dissertation Fellow and Dean's Doctoral Research Fellow at Purdue University College of Education, providing support to outstanding Ph.D. candidates in the final year of doctoral degree completion. Aakash is a dedicated education professional who is always looking for ways to improve the learning experience for students and teachers. His passion for education and talent development, coupled with his technical skills, make him an asset to any organization he works with.