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Professor Vijay Kumar, recognized around the world for his groundbreaking work on the development of autonomous robots and on biologically inspired algorithms, was named dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science March 3. Kumar recently left the White House after serving for two years as assistant director for robotics and cyber physical systems in President Obama’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. He takes over his new position at UPenn July 1.
Kumar joined the Penn Engineering faculty in 1987 and currently serves as UPS Foundation Professor with appointments in the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Computer and Information Science and Electrical and Systems Engineering. He is credited with creating several innovative master’s degree programs at the university when he was deputy dean for education from 2008-12. He has held several high positions at the university including as director of General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception, or GRASP, Laboratory, a multidisciplinary robotics and perception lab.
“Vijay’s superb academic judgment, compelling vision for the future of engineering and applied science, and proven track record as a leader and administrator make him the perfect choice to lead Penn Engineering,” the university’s President Amy Gutmann is quoted saying in a release. “Vijay is one of the most recognized figures in his field and has been instrumental in the development of extraordinary new technologies. That experience will be invaluable in leading the School through what we know will be dynamic years ahead,” she added.
“Technology will play a key role in addressing global challenges in the coming decade, from health care to security to sustainability and beyond,” Kumar said adding that his department was uniquely positioned to make scientific advances in these fields. He has authored more than 400 refereed articles and papers and more than 20 books and book chapters. He has received numerous awards for his work.
