Faculty

Brief Profile

Dr. Balaji S. Dhopte is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik. He is actively involved in teaching undergraduate courses in Chemical Engineering, including Introduction to Data Science, Problem Solving using Scilab, Numerical Methods, and core Chemical Engineering subjects. He is committed to outcome-based education and the Ph.D. (Chemical Engineering) and artificial intelligence into engineering education.

His research focuses on the development of advanced functional materials for sustainable environmental applications, adsorption technologies, surface engineering, colloidal and soft matter systems, and AI-assisted process optimization. His current research emphasizes the design of novel adsorbent materials for water and wastewater treatment, particularly for river remediation using advanced silica-based materials combined with machine learning approaches.

Dr. Balaji Dhopte has published 3 SCI-indexed journal papers and 1 Scopus-indexed research paper in reputed international journals. He has also presented approximately 12 research papers at National and International Conferences, demonstrating active engagement with the research community. He has participated in more than 10 Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), Short-Term Training Programmes (STTPs), Workshops, and Professional Development Programmes organized by premier institutes and universities to continuously enhance his teaching and research competencies.

His research and innovation efforts have also resulted in 4 Indian Design Patents, reflecting his interest in engineering product design, sustainable technologies, and practical innovation. He actively encourages undergraduate students to undertake interdisciplinary research projects involving computational modelling, artificial intelligence, sustainable process development, and advanced materials.