Who is Akash Agarwal? - Multifaceted Engineer and Innovator

Overview
Current PositionSr. Product Engineer / Construction Solutions at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
EducationB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Expertise3D CAD Modeling, FEA, Program Management, Engineering Design Theory
LanguagesNot specified
Volunteer WorkCamp Counselor at Camp Kesem, Tutor at Tutors for All
Notable ProjectsPrecision Machine Design - Camera Slider
Relevant CoursesAdvanced Fluid Mechanics, Corporate Financial Accounting, Fundamentals of Precision Machine Design, Product Engineering Process

Early Education and Volunteer Work

Akash Agarwal embarked on his professional journey with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation, producing some of the world's most influential thinkers and leaders in technology and science. During his time at MIT, from January 2012 to December 2016, Akash not only focused on his academic growth but also dedicated time to volunteer work. He served as a Camp Counselor at Camp Kesem, a nationwide community driven by passionate college student leaders supporting children through and beyond their parent's cancer, and as a Tutor at Tutors for All, a program aimed at bridging the achievement gap for underprivileged students in Boston.

Professional Journey

Beginning with Journalism

Akash's professional journey began even before his graduation, as he explored his passion for sports through journalism. From January 2007 to October 2012, he was a Syndicated Columnist at Bleacher Report in the Greater Boston Area, where he produced analytical sports content that attracted over 100,000 reads and featured weekly columns. Bleacher Report is a digital media company that covers sports and sports culture, known for its engaging content created by a vast network of contributors.

Diving into Business and Engineering

After his stint in journalism, Akash ventured into the business and marketing world as an Analyst at 2U, a technology company that partners with leading colleges and universities to offer online degree programs, from June 2013 to August 2013 in Washington, D.C. Here, he optimized financial allocation decisions for marketing and web development teams through data analysis.

His engineering career took a more defined shape when he joined Sense Labs Inc as a Project Engineer in June 2014, where he designed a Python interface for the Phillips Hue Light Bulb and developed non-invasive water flow rate monitoring systems. Sense Labs Inc, located in Harvard Square, is known for its innovative approach to home energy monitoring.

Research and Consulting

Akash's pursuit of engineering excellence led him to Universidad Carlos III de Madrid as a Research Associate from June 2015 to August 2015. There, he engaged in vehicular-pedestrian impact simulation studies, contributing to safer vehicular design practices. Following this, he served as a Consulting Manager at PowerAdvocate in Boston, Massachusetts, from September 2016 to September 2018, where he performed data analytics for supply chain optimization.

Venture Fellowship and Engineering Design

Seeking to blend his engineering expertise with investment acumen, Akash became a Venture Fellow at Castor Ventures, an MIT alumni venture fund, from February 2017 to January 2020. This role allowed him to support MIT-alumni led businesses and connect with innovative leaders.

His engineering journey continued at Datum3D, a product design and engineering firm, where he served as a Project Engineer from September 2018 to November 2020. Here, Akash honed his skills in 3D CAD, simulation tools, and project management, designing a wide range of products from military devices to medical instruments.

Current Role at Stanley Black & Decker

Currently, Akash Agarwal holds the position of Senior Product Engineer / Lasers at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., a global provider of tools, storage, industrial, and security solutions, based in Towson, Maryland. Since December 2020, he has been utilizing his expertise in 3D CAD, simulation tools, and machine-shop fabrication to design and build innovative products, including DEWALT Lasers, demonstrating his commitment to responsible design and impactful engineering solutions.

Conclusion

Akash Agarwal's professional journey is a testament to his versatile talents and commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and community service. His work spans across journalism, business analytics, engineering design, and venture investment, underpinned by a solid educational foundation from MIT. Akash's career reflects a continuous pursuit of growth, learning, and contribution to the fields of engineering and technology.