Cherukuri receives Fulbright Fellowship

Dr. Harish Cherukuri will spend a semester conducting research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as the recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Fellowship. While there, he will collaborate with researcher Chandrasekhar Jog to develop high-accuracy, three-dimensional hybrid finite elements that are used to solve equations governing physical problems, such as those encountered in heat-treatment processes, machining and laser processing. These elements will enable researchers to obtain solutions to thin-walled structural problems in a more efficient and accurate manner.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, with a Ph.D. in theoretical and applied mechanics, Cherukuri joined UNC Charlotte in 1997. Besides his teaching and research activities, Cherukuri served as the director of graduate studies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from 2003-09. During his University tenure, he has won several teaching and research awards including the 2001 Maxheim Faculty Fellowship Award. Last year, Cherukuri was nominated for the Phi Beta Delta International Scholar Award; this year, he serves as a member-at-large of the executive committee of the Mu chapter of Phi Beta Delta.

Fulbright-Nehru grants and scholarships are awarded by the United States Indian Educational Foundation (USIEF) to promote mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the United States through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars and professionals. Besides working at the Indian Institute of Science, Cherukuri intends to research and lecture at various other colleges and universities to initiate and develop sustained academic liaisons between these institutions and UNC Charlotte.