Pramod K. Varshney, Indian American distinguished professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, has established the Endowed Faculty Fellowship to recognize and support a promising research-focused scholar dedicated to mentoring doctoral students, just as he did.
Honoring his late wife Anju, the Pramod and Anju Varshney Fellowship will support an esteemed professor holding a full-time faculty position in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), according to a media release.
“The person [for this position] should be an agent of change,” says Varshney. “They should be transformational in research but have something else—a discovery that will serve humanity, working with groups that are outside of the University, or helping underprivileged students to realize their dream of going to college. Do something in our society that makes a difference.”
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“Anju and I bled Orange,” says Varshney. “What we wanted to do was leave a legacy which would keep and grow the excellence that we have at Syracuse University in the mission of education.”
Joining Syracuse University’s faculty at 23 years old, Varshney has exemplified Orange excellence. A world-renowned researcher and educator, he’s been recognized for his seminal contributions to information fusion and related fields, introducing new, innovative courses to the University, the release stated.
He’s also been an invaluable mentor to countless students on their academic and professional journeys. Supervising 68 PhD dissertations thus far, he’s bolstered the career paths of many students.
This fellowship is yet another example of Pramod and Anju’s commitment to promoting excellence at Syracuse University, according to the release. In 2018, they established an endowed fund that provides annual scholarships and financial assistance to EECS graduate students pursuing their doctorates.
“The first ECS news story I ever read was about Pramod and Anju’s dedication to EECS PhD students,” says Dean J. Cole Smith. “In reading that article, I was instantly struck by how much they mean to Syracuse University and what a lasting impact they have had on countless generations of ECS students. Now, the Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship will support and honor EECS faculty members as they set out to make their own research and societal impacts.”
This continued support reflects Varshney’s dedication to empowering students to become leading figures in their fields—a sentiment shared by many of Pramod’s former students, the release stated.
Varshney hopes this fellowship will set a precedent of appreciation for the college, inspiring others to give back to the University. “I’ve loved being able to interact with a large number of graduate students from all over the world, who have gone on to do great things,” says Varshney.
“My hope is that this fellowship will help keep the University and EECS growing, becoming further well-known around the world as a great place for education and scholarship.”