Neel Adwani - ECE PhD Student of the Month - August 2025
Neel Adwani is a third-year Ph.D. student in Computer Engineering working in the Controls Automation and Robotics Lab (CAR Lab) at NJIT, advised by Dr. Cong Wang. His research focuses on robotic teleoperation, specifically on developing an input device based on intent prediction and for dexterous robotic in-hand manipulation. He is particularly interested in creating intuitive control interfaces that reduce user training time and enhance learning experience. Additionally, he is a Teaching Assistant for the ECE Department, and I'll be instructing ECE 294: Analog and Digital Circuits Lab in the fall semester. Outside of academics, he is an avid outdoorsman who traverses challenging mountain ranges.
What would you say that could be the next big thing in your area of research?
I believe intuitive and adaptive human-robot interfaces will be in high demand, and the next major advancement will come from them. If these systems are able to interpret human intent accurately and in real time, these technologies will democratize robotics, bringing robots into everyday households and making them accessible to the general public. This shift will allow people with minimal training to effortlessly interact with robots across households, warehouses, hospitals, and even outer space!
Without a prior MS degree, you have managed to publish a research paper and have passed the qualifying exam with it. Please share some suggestion on how to manage research while taking three regular courses per semester as well as doing TA work.
It can be challenging to balance research, coursework, and TA duties all at the same time, but it is definitely manageable with time management and prioritization. Before my Qualifying Exam, I was instructing a lab, so I had allocated one day each week to prepare for lab preparation and another for grading pre-laboratory assignments and lab reports. I used the rest of the week days for research, to maintain consistent progress and keep up with the coursework. My advice for anyone in a similar situation is to choose courses that align closely with their research, as this creates synergy between the two. Additionally, maintaining regular discussions with your advisor and seeking early feedback is key to staying on track and avoiding unnecessary detours.
You have recently attended a research conference in Hangzhou, China. While China has shown impressive development on technology, Hangzhou has become the headquarters of many star tech companies and top universities. What is your impression of the country and the city?
I attended IEEE/ASME AIM (Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics) 2025 in Hangzhou, China. It was an incredible experience. The city was lively and modern, yet it still somehow had its own cultural charm. I was especially impressed by how seamlessly technology is integrated into daily life. Even the public transit system was tourist-friendly and easy to navigate. The headquarters of major tech companies like Alibaba and the presence of top universities in the region really highlighted why Hangzhou has become such a hub for innovation. Overall, it was inspiring to see how quickly the country is advancing in technology and education while maintaining its rich heritage.