Dr. Shekhar Bhansali, a globally respected expert in electrical engineering, will take on the role of Chair for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering starting July 1. He will also hold the prestigious Cornelius Vanderbilt Endowed Chair.
Bhansali joins Vanderbilt with a track record of influential leadership and pioneering research. He previously held top academic roles at Florida International University (FIU), where he served as Distinguished University Professor and the CALA-Lucent Technologies Distinguished Professor. His reputation extends beyond academia, having directed the Division of Electrical, Cyber, and Communications Systems at the National Science Foundation. There, he managed a $130 million annual budget and led a team of program directors and administrators. He also contributed nationally as a member of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Semiconductor and Microelectronics Leadership Subcommittee.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bhansali said, “Vanderbilt offers a unique platform for excellence in interdisciplinary research and education across engineering, science, and medicine. I’m eager to explore collaborations across the College of Connected Computing, the School of Medicine, and the College of Arts and Sciences.”
Krish Roy, Dean of the School of Engineering, welcomed Bhansali, highlighting his future role: “As we strive to elevate our engineering programs, Shekhar’s leadership and experience will be instrumental in guiding our vision and expanding our impact.”
Bhansali earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from RMIT University in Australia. Over the years, he has secured more than $95 million in research funding through over 70 grants. A committed mentor, he has guided 28 postdoctoral researchers, 30 doctoral candidates, 44 master’s students, and over 200 undergraduates and high school mentees.
His accolades include the NSF CAREER Award, Alfred P Jones Mentor of the Year Award, William R Jones Outstanding Mentor Award, and FIU’s Top Scholar Award. Bhansali’s excellence has earned him Fellow status in multiple prestigious organizations, including the AAAS, IEEE, ECS, AIMBE, NAI, IOP, and ISEES.
With this appointment, Vanderbilt gains not only a seasoned administrator but also a visionary academic whose leadership is expected to strengthen the university’s position in cutting-edge electrical and computer engineering.
