CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 13
RICKS AND SRINIVASAN NAMED PERMANENT DEPARTMENT HEADS
DR. KALYAN SRINIVASAN
An internationally recognized leader
in combustion research, Dr. Kalyan
Srinivasan has been appointed head
of the department of mechanical
engineering.
Srinivasan brings over 15 years of
experience in mechanical engineering
leadership. His innovative work in highef昀椀ciency internal combustion engines
has been supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S.
Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Srinivasan earned both his master’s degree and doctorate in
mechanical engineering from UA, teaching at Mississippi State
University for several years before returning to his alma mater
as a faculty member in 2017. He joined the department as an
associate professor before being promoted to professor and later
serving as interim department head. As he begins his tenure
as permanent ME department head, Srinivasan shares his
perspective on the evolving 昀椀eld of mechanical engineering and
the opportunities that lie ahead.
What is your vision for the future of the mechanical
engineering department?
I envision a future for the department of mechanical engineering
de昀椀ned by academic rigor, technological innovation, and
leadership in engineering education and research. As a
cornerstone of the College, our department is committed to
advancing the mechanical engineering discipline through a
strategic blend of foundational excellence and interdisciplinary
collaboration that emphasizes real-world outcomes. We are
dedicated to cultivating a vibrant academic environment that
prepares our students and faculty to lead in a rapidly evolving
global landscape.
What makes UA’s mechanical engineering
program unique?
Even conventional engineering roles require a fusion of hard and
soft skills, with T-shaped skill pro昀椀les de昀椀ned by deep knowledge
in a speci昀椀c area and broad cross-disciplinary expertise. We are
embracing the obligation to provide our students with a wellrounded foundation in mechanical engineering principles while
integrating AI and other emerging technologies to make our
graduates “engineer ready.” Our curriculum offers students early
exposure to real-world engineering obstacles through a variety of
hands-on student challenge projects. These opportunities push
our students to design cars, rockets and other technologies that
progress from the garage to the market through our engaging
Engineering Entrepreneurship Program. These real-world projects
require hybrid competencies, particularly in arti昀椀cial intelligence,
data science and advanced computation, thereby creating room
for new curricular pathways. Strong industry partnerships
continue to align our Capstone Experiences with contemporary
engineering practices.
How do you plan to strengthen the department’s
impact on students, industry and research?
We aim to be recognized nationally and internationally for
delivering a rigorous and adaptive curriculum that equips students
with the analytical, technical and professional skills required to
thrive in diverse engineering careers. Through a combination of
theoretical instruction, laboratory experience and project-based
learning, we seek to foster intellectual curiosity, problem-solving
capabilities and lifelong learning. Our programs will continue to
evolve in response to emerging technologies and industry needs,
ensuring that graduates are well prepared for the demands of
modern engineering practice. I envision a department where
students are challenged to think critically, innovate boldly and
engage deeply with the principles of mechanical engineering.
What keeps you motivated in higher education
and research?
I’ve mentored more than 30 doctoral and master’s students
during my tenure, and I continue to advise graduate students
even after becoming department head. I get a lot of satisfaction
from research, and as my graduate students enter broader
society, I routinely stay in touch with them as a colleague and
derive happiness from witnessing their continued success in their
chosen endeavors. I equally enjoy teaching and how it allows me
to interact with the younger generation and understand what
inspires them.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future
of engineering?
These are exciting times to be a mechanical engineer.
Accelerating technological change, shifting student expectations
and evolving workforce needs are reshaping the direction of
mechanical engineering education. This challenges us to support
continuously progressing industry needs, particularly with
the rapid adoption of AI. Every generation has faced a similar
challenge and, each time, has forged a new path. I am con昀椀dent
we will remain resilient as these developments unfold, equipping
our students to address complex societal challenges and help
shape a stronger, more prosperous future.
FALL 2026 | CAPSTONE ENGINEER | 13
