Igniting Possibilities
Pride of PNW: Magesh Chandramouli
Magesh Chandramouli, professor of Computer Graphics Technology, finds joy in the many practical applications for virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) in STEM and other areas of industrial training.
He enjoys helping students realize their potential in creating computer applications and guides them in international design competitions and practical VR applications. He served as the Director of Programs of the Engineering Graphics Division of the American Society of Engineering Education and recently, he has been selected as an international fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute (UK).
“I believe that ‘Teaching is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire’. Especially as technology focuses primarily on the application perspective, being a faculty member involved in research allows me to actively engage students in research.”
As an ardent scholar in Computer Graphics Technology, Chandramouli has taken advantage of numerous sponsored research grants and fellowships to contribute to new directions in Computer Graphics Technology around the world. During his academic journey spanning the globe, he has been recognized by national/international organizations, including the Warner Professional Practice Award from the International Honor Society of Technology and the Outstanding Technical Paper Award from the American Society for Engineering Education (Engg. Graphics Division).
For his VR research, Chandramouli has received funding from premier funding agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Engineering Information Foundation (EIF). He has received multiple NSF funding including NSF-ATE, NSF-PFI (Partnerships for Innovation, NSF-GOALI, and NSF-IUSE (Improving Undergraduate Stem Education). He was awarded the Innovator Award by the Society of Innovators, Northwest Indiana for his contribution to digital manufacturing using Virtual Reality applications.
Collaborating with leading industries, Chandramouli has developed advanced solutions to address issues such as the lack of skilled workforce in manufacturing sector. “Virtual reality has tremendous potential in terms of cost-savings and productivity with numerous applications in a plethora of domains.”
Chandramouli also believes in promoting accessibility of these manifold topics to his students. This inspired him to author 3D Modeling & Animation: A Primer, published by CRC Press/ Taylor & Francis Publishers.
“Many students have worked with me and continue to work on many research projects including NSF efforts. I see immense potential in our students, who continue to inspire me with their creativity every day.”
“Many students have worked with me and continue to work on many research projects including NSF efforts. I see immense potential in our students, who continue to inspire me with their creativity every day.”
I believe that ‘Teaching is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ Especially as technology focuses primarily on the application perspective, being a faculty member involved in research allows me to actively engage students in research.
Magesh Chandramouli, professor of Computer Graphics Technology
Why did you become a professor?
Being a professor allows me to integrate my research with teaching and involve students actively in research activities. I enjoy the opportunity to actively engage with industry from NWI and global industry leaders in transforming academic research into practical applications.
What piece of advice do you typically share with new students?
Enjoy learning, every bit of it. Learning is one of the greatest pleasures of life. I greatly enjoyed working a team of students who actually demonstrated this passion for applying their learning during the HousTex International 3D Design competition. Our team won third place in this international design competition. More than the destination, the journey was extremely enjoyable.
