Syracuse University has named Professor Shikha Nangia as the permanent Department Chair of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (BMCE) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Nangia, who has served as Interim Department Chair since August 2024, will officially lead the department through summer 2028.
Expressing her gratitude, Nangia stated, “It’s an honor to lead this department, which is rooted in innovation and collaboration. My focus is on fostering diversity, creativity, and knowledge while shaping future biomedical and chemical engineers.”
Since joining Syracuse University in 2012, Nangia has earned recognition as a leading expert in computational modeling, particularly in tackling biological barriers. Her research addresses critical health challenges such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as exploring the architecture of the blood-brain barrier for improved drug delivery.
Nangia has published extensively in top scientific journals and received numerous accolades, including the NSF Career Award (2015) and the ACS WCC Rising Star Award (2022). She also serves as an Associate Editor for ACS Applied Bio Materials.
Her leadership in mentoring over 110 students and her dedication to diversity initiatives, such as co-directing the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program, reflect her commitment to empowering future engineers. Dean J. Cole Smith praised her appointment, stating, “Her research and mentorship make her an exemplary leader for our college.”
