Ramaraja Ramasamy has been named associate dean for academic affairs and assessment for the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia.
Ramasamy, a member of the UGA faculty since 2010, will work with the faculty and the chairs of the College of Engineering’s three schools to evolve and enhance the student experience. He will be responsible for critical college-level academic processes including curriculum changes, administering the high-demand major application process, promotion and tenure, and third-year review. He will lead the implementation and maintenance of assessment processes associated with accreditation efforts in the College. Ramasamy begins his new role Aug. 1.
“Dr. Ramasamy’s experience and his enthusiasm for engineering education makes him the right person for this important position,” said Donald Leo, dean of the College of the Engineering and UGA Foundation Professor in Engineering. “He provided invaluable leadership as we launched the School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering and I look forward to working closely with Ramaraja as our College continues to grow.”
Ramasamy first came to UGA as an assistant professor in biochemical engineering in 2010. He was named an associate professor in 2015. During the 2016-2017 academic year, he served as founding chair of the new School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering. Ramasamy also serves as an adjunct professor in UGA’s department of chemistry.
Ramasamy has developed and taught many bio-electrochemical engineering courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. His research in the areas of electrochemical energy conversion, biosensors and bio-nanomaterials overlaps with material science, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and analytical chemistry. His work has resulted in 60 articles in leading scientific journals.
In 2001, Ramasamy earned a bachelor of technology in chemical and electrochemical engineering from Central Electrochemical Research Institute in India. He received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2004.
Ramasamy succeeds Ramana Pidaparti, who has served in this role since 2014. Pidaparti will return to full-time research and teaching in the College of Engineering.
“I am very excited to take up this new role as associate dean for academic affairs and assessment and I look forward to work with Dean Leo and our college faculty in the coming years,” said Ramasamy. “I also would like to thank Dr. Pidaparti for his service over the past four years.”
During his tenure, Pidaparti worked with faculty to develop an enrollment management plan and coordinated accreditation efforts and site visits for eight undergraduate degree programs. He also led the development of innovative academic programs such as the combined engineering-MBA dual degree program and was instrumental in building a strong foundation for the capstone design program in the College. Early in his tenure as associate dean he managed faculty instructional assignments and student advising, providing vital leadership to the College during a period in which enrollment tripled over a four-year period.
“Dr. Pidaparti has provided strong leadership as associate dean and has worked closely with faculty, staff, and students on a number of key initiatives,” said Leo. “We are grateful for all that Ramana has accomplished. I know I speak for the entire College when I say it has been a tremendous pleasure to work with Ramana during his time as associate dean. I know that he will continue to provide strong leadership and develop innovative programs from his position as a senior faculty member in our College.”
