Indian American superconductivity expert Venkat Selvamanickam has received the Big 12 Faculty of the Year award in recognition of pioneering research and advances in the field of superconductivity.
Selvamanickam is the MD Anderson Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Houston. The honor is a testament to his influential research, which has helped modernize electric grids, strengthen energy resilience and advance next-generation energy technologies, according to a university release.
“Nearly 40 years after beginning my work in superconductivity as a graduate student at the University of Houston, I am more excited than ever about what this technology can make possible,” Selvamanickam said. “To receive this recognition from the Big 12 is a tremendous honor, and I share it with the students, colleagues and partners who have worked alongside me to unlock the potential of superconductivity to reshape the way we produce and deliver energy.”
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Selvamanickam earned both his MS and PhD in engineering at UH before building a distinguished career as a researcher, professor and founding director of UH’s Advanced Manufacturing Institute. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and, earlier this year, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional honors awarded to engineers.
Throughout his career, Selvamanickam has forged extensive government and industry partnerships that have brought more than $40 million in research funding to UH since 2008. That includes an $8 million federal award last year to develop high-temperature superconducting magnets for compact fusion reactors, technology that could help bring commercial fusion energy closer to reality.
Each year, the Big 12 recognizes one faculty member from each of the conference’s 16 member institutions for excellence in research and innovation. The award also provides an opportunity to showcase the breadth of educational opportunities available to students at Big 12 schools, while helping attract future students.
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“The Big 12 continues to shine on and off the field and that’s evidenced in the diversity of academic offerings and achievements of our faculty across the Conference,” said Jenn Hunter, Big 12 Conference chief impact officer. “Their work has a profound impact on both their campuses and society as a whole. We’re proud that these outstanding educators call the Big 12 home.”
“Professor Selvamanickam is not only a groundbreaking researcher but also an alumnus of the University, showcasing the value of a UH education. The true value of an education extends beyond individual achievement to the impact one makes on society, which Professor Selvamanickam exemplifies through his transformative research,” said UH President Renu Khator.