Name: Ronak Bhale | Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison | Course: BE, Mechanical Engineering | Location: Wisconsin, United States
Key Highlights
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Early Spark: A 2016 U.S. exchange trip inspired Ronak Bhale’s dream of studying abroad.
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Academic Path: After a deferred study abroad plan during COVID, he later chose UW–Madison for BE in mechanical engineering.
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Industry Experience: Interned at Sub-Zero and Tesla, contributing to electric truck innovation.
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Future Vision: Aims to advance sustainable engineering and humanoid robotics.
Ronak Bhale’s journey to studying in the United States began when he visited the country for the first time in 2016 as part of a student exchange program. The trip was transformative for Ronak, who was in high school then. He had the opportunity to visit world-class institutions such as the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as well as the campuses of Harvard and MIT in Boston.
That experience ignited a deep aspiration to pursue his college education in the U.S., where he could leverage cutting-edge infrastructure and academic excellence. “My parents were extremely supportive of my decision as it was the right choice for my academic and professional ambitions,” says Ronak, in a chat with Global Indian.
Pandemic pause to admission at UW–Madison
His first application cycle in 2020, however, coincided with the onset of COVID-19. While he received acceptance letters from multiple universities, Ronak made the difficult decision not to enroll that year due to the shift to online learning. “Instead, I chose to wait another year and reapply during the next cycle,” says Ronak, who was accepted into several prestigious institutions, including the University of Waterloo and Purdue University in 2021.
Ultimately, he chose the University of Wisconsin– Madison, drawn by its renowned Mechanical Engineering program, its location in the vibrant capital city of Wisconsin, and the perfect balance it offered between academic rigor and an enriching social environment.
Industry experiences at Sub-Zero and Tesla
Since joining UW–Madison, the university has provided Ronak with an incredible platform for both personal and professional growth. “Being surrounded by talented, driven peers who are passionate about solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges has been profoundly inspiring,” he says.
Through the university’s strong co-op and internship network, he gained invaluable industry experience at companies such as Sub-Zero and Tesla.
“Most recently, I worked with Tesla’s semi manufacturing team in Reno, Nevada, contributing to the development of the next generation of Class-8 electric trucks — a role that has allowed me to apply my skills to meaningful, real-world innovation,” smiles the youngster, who made it to the Dean’s List at UW Madison.
Staying connected
One habit that has kept him grounded is calling his parents at least once every day. “This simple routine has allowed me to stay closely connected to home, despite being thousands of miles away,” he remarks.
Beyond that, a strong sense of purpose and determination to bring his vision to life serves as a constant source of motivation and comfort, making the adjustment feel less like a challenge and more like an exciting chapter in his journey.
Madison’s beauty
Ronak arrived in Chicago in 2021 to begin his college journey, where his uncle welcomed him at the airport. From there, they made the two-hour drive to Madison, and later that day he met his freshman-year roommates for the first time.
“From the very first day, I was captivated by Madison’s beauty — a city embraced by serene lakes, with a calm, welcoming atmosphere that instantly felt like home,” recalls Ronak, highlighting how the campus itself is a vibrant blend of cultures, hosting students from all over the world and fostering a truly multicultural environment that champions creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
He did not find settling in the U.S. particularly challenging as having family there eased the transition and provided reassurance for his parents back home. “From the very beginning, I found the environment to be warm, welcoming, and friendly, which helped me adapt quickly.”
Daily routine
Ronak’s day begins around 6:00 a.m., with a workout at the gym, followed by breakfast or coffee with friends. Classes usually start around 8:30 a.m. and run into the early afternoon, with an average of three to four sessions each day.
“The remainder of my day is split between working on personal projects, participating in university clubs, and unwinding with friends — whether it’s watching a movie, exploring new places, or simply relaxing and browsing YouTube.”
Exceptional faculty
UW–Madison’s Mechanical Engineering department has been a major highlight of Ronak’s college experience.
“The faculty is exceptional, bringing not only strong academic backgrounds but also invaluable industry expertise into the classroom,” says Ronak, pointing out that the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to instill a solid grasp of engineering first principles, ensuring that students graduate with both a deep theoretical foundation and the skills to apply it in real-world scenarios.
He thoroughly enjoys attending lectures and seminars delivered by guest professors from around the world, covering an extraordinary range of topics — from wall depletion in tokamak fusion reactors to the study of Wisconsinite soil tables.
“These experiences have been invaluable in feeding my unquenchable curiosity, offering me a platform to explore subjects far beyond my core curriculum,” he says.
The diversity of ideas and perspectives he has been exposed to has not only broadened his academic horizons but also reinforced his belief in lifelong learning. “Each seminar has been a reminder of how much there is to discover, and how interconnected different fields of knowledge truly are.”
Future aspirations
Ronak hopes to return to Tesla after graduation to continue contributing to the development of next-generation trucks—vehicles that hold the potential to revolutionize the freight industry by dramatically reducing logistics costs and offsetting a substantial share of global vehicular emissions.
“These innovations are not only engineering milestones but also critical steps toward a cleaner, more efficient transportation ecosystem,” he says.
Humanoid robotics
Beyond that, Ronak aspires to immerse himself in the field of humanoid robotics, leveraging their potential to catalyze productivity, streamline operations, and unlock entirely new possibilities for industries worldwide.
“I believe that the convergence of advanced robotics and sustainable engineering will define the next era of industrial progress, and I want to be at the forefront of that transformation—building technologies that don’t just serve markets, but shape the future of how humanity works, moves, and creates.”
He feels humanoid robots will hold the key to abundance in society. “I want to build this future with great talent from across the world and bring forth the next chapter for humanity,” says Ronak.
Food adventures
Over the weekends, Ronak and his friends make it a point to plan their meals together, often picking restaurants they have been wanting to try for weeks. “Sometimes it’s a hidden gem we discovered online, other times it’s a popular spot we’ve heard everyone talking about. Sharing these meals isn’t just about the food—it’s a way for us to unwind, catch up, and make new memories.”
When not indulging in food adventures, Ronak and friends often go on long drives around the city and the surrounding countryside, soaking in the scenery and enjoying the calm moments between destinations.
“Madison, being a lively party town, always has something going on during the weekends—whether it’s a street festival, a live music performance, or simply the vibrant nightlife that spills out into the streets.”
Ronak also makes it a point to get some active time in, whether it’s playing a friendly game of soccer, trying out a new sport, or just tossing a frisbee around at the park. “It helps balance out the indulgences of the weekend and keeps my energy levels high. Of course, not every part of the weekend is glamorous. The least appealing task yet somehow unavoidable is catching up on household chores,” smiles Ronak.
Love for engineering
Ronak was born in Indore into a family engaged in the real estate business. He attended Delhi Public School, Indore, where he completed his high school education. During his junior and senior years, Ronak actively participated in the prestigious International Space Settlement Design Competition, where he had the honour of representing his school and rising to the national stage twice, as well as competing once at the Asian level. “These experiences were formative, allowing me to explore my interest in space science, engineering, and collaborative problem-solving,” he mentions.
He was also an avid basketball player during his early high school years but his long-term aspirations always revolved around engineering. “I was born with a love for engineering. At my core is a desire to understand how the world works, and I have found the most answers through an engineering lens,” says the UW-Madison student as he signs off.
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