Discover Prabhas Moghe: Innovating Research at Rutgers University

Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.

I am an educator, an innovator, and a scholar.

What do you like most about your job?

I absolutely love my job! What excites me the most is the vast landscape of challenges we face. We’re not just solving problems; we’re defining them.

Best work trip/Worst work trip?

My best work trip? That’s a tough one; there have been many. One standout was the APAIE 2025 in Delhi. It was a fantastic experience. I also had a memorable trip to London with my foundation president. We conducted a workshop on “friend-raising,” focusing on building real relationships instead of just asking for donations. US universities have more experience in this area, and it was great to share that knowledge.

Then there was the trip to South Korea. I adored the country and its people, but the schedule was packed! I barely had a moment to see the sights after a long flight. It was an intense experience, reflecting the hardworking spirit of South Korea.

If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?

I’d love to instantly learn Mandarin and Spanish. I promised a class at the University of Puerto Rico that I’d give a lecture in Spanish next time I visit. No pressure, right? I’m proud to speak multiple languages, at least five, and I’ve even started learning Mandarin with Rosetta Stone. The language has a beautiful sound, and I’m eager to get better at it.

What makes you get up in the morning?

My passion for the work drives me. There’s so much to accomplish. As the chief academic officer at Rutgers, I have a unique view of our institution. While everyone else focuses on their tasks, I analyze how we fit together as a whole. I constantly ask: How do we uphold our mission? How can we improve and gain recognition? It’s these big questions that make my work worthwhile.

Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?

There are many outstanding figures today. One of the most inspiring is Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner. His life lessons are powerful. Another is Jennifer Doudna, whom I admire after reading The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson. The book highlights the competitive nature of science while showing how breakthroughs often occur through unexpected moments of collaboration. It’s a reminder that we need each other to achieve great things.

Best international ed conference and why

APAIE 2025 is amazing! The energy there is electric. I was surrounded by leaders from various countries, like Canada, Hong Kong, and the UK. It’s inspiring to see higher education evolving globally.

Worst conference food/beverage experience