Gherghina's research examines the emergence and diffusion of climate-related technologies, along with the policies designed to support them. His dissertation focused on how technologies like carbon capture gain political support despite uncertain outcomes, and how stakeholder representation in U.S. Senate energy policy hearings has evolved over the past two decades. He has also studied the social determinants of residential solar adoption in the context of state-level incentive programs in New York and Connecticut. His recent Nature Energy publication found significant disparities in solar system performance across neighborhoods, with income and race shaping unequal outcomes. At Watson, he is investigating how community-based organizations, including small businesses, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits, respond to growing climate risks and contribute to community resilience, including shifts in energy behaviors.