Panneer Selvam, a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas and an Indian American, has been honored with the title of Fellow of the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI). This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field of engineering mechanics and have shown exemplary leadership within the community. Selvam, who has been a key member of the civil engineering faculty since 1986, is the first faculty member at the university to receive this distinction, according to a university press release. His dedication to civil engineering education and research has greatly benefited both students and colleagues.
Selvam expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a tremendous honor to be named a Fellow of the Engineering Mechanics Institute.”
Achieving EMI Fellow status involves a rigorous nomination and selection process, evaluating nominees based on their significant advancements in engineering mechanics principles, as well as their leadership and service in the engineering field. Selvam attributes his appointment to his four decades of research and contributions in engineering mechanics, particularly in areas such as computational fluid dynamics for wind engineering, thermal management for electronics, and nanomechanics.
In addition to his recent recognition as an EMI Fellow, Selvam has served on the EMI Board of Governors since 2019 and has been an associate editor for the Journal of Engineering Mechanics. His research has been widely published in reputable journals, and he has actively participated in various professional conferences and symposia.
Selvam’s notable research contributions include projects funded by prestigious institutions such as the US Air Force, US Navy, NASA, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Federal Highway Administration. His work spans critical areas such as thermal energy storage in concrete, tornado forces on buildings, atomic structure analysis of concrete, and bridge flutter velocity computations.
Apart from his research endeavors, Selvam is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring aspiring engineers. He has supervised numerous graduate students who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
Dr. Micah Hale, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas, praised Selvam’s achievement, highlighting his exceptional contributions to research, education, and service within the engineering community.
As an EMI Fellow, Selvam joins a distinguished group of engineers recognized for their profound impact on the field. He will be formally honored alongside other members of the EMI Fellows Class of 2024 at the EMI/PMC Awards Banquet on May 30, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
