Kansas State University has awarded its highest faculty honor, the title of University Distinguished Professor, to Bala Natarajan for his significant contributions to electrical engineering and cyber-physical systems.
Natarajan, a professor in the Mike Wiegers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins a select group of faculty recognized for making a permanent impact on their field.
For Natarajan, that impact began with a foundational education in India, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. This early training prepared him for a career in the United States dedicated to solving the complex mathematical problems behind modern connectivity.
At K-State, Natarajan serves as the director of the Cyber-Physical Systems and Wireless Innovations (CPSWin) group. His research focuses on the “brains” of infrastructure, the systems that allow the digital world to interact safely and efficiently with the physical world. This includes work on improving the reliability of smart power grids and the precision of biomedical devices used in healthcare.
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“I have been very fortunate to have worked with amazing students and colleagues over the years,” Natarajan said. “I am glad I got the opportunity to use my core analytical skills to solve real-world problems and work on many projects that have had a tangible impact.”
His career is defined by a commitment to the next generation of engineers. To date, he has mentored 34 doctoral students and 26 master’s students. This focus on human development mirrors his academic rigor; he has authored a graduate-level textbook and published more than 300 refereed works.
In addition to the new UDP rank, Natarajan is the Clair N. Palmer and Sara Palmer Electrical Engineering Professor and a Steve Hsu Keystone Research Scholar.
The University Distinguished Professor rank is a lifetime appointment. By bridging his academic roots in India with his cutting-edge research in Kansas, Natarajan has built a legacy of innovation that ensures smarter, more resilient technology for the future.