September Member Meeting Featuring Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi

Description

AGC East Tennessee is proud to welcome Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as our featured speaker for the September Member Meeting.

Dr. Yelamarthi is a nationally recognized leader in engineering education and innovation, with expertise spanning smart systems, advanced technology integration, and workforce development. Under his leadership, CECS is shaping the next generation of engineers and computer scientists while strengthening partnerships with industry to meet the region’s growing workforce needs.

Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of engineering, technology, and education in Chattanooga—and what it means for our construction industry.

About Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi

Kumar Yelamarthi received his Ph.D. and M.S. degree from Wright State University in 2008 and 2004, and B.E. from University of Madras, India in 2000. He is currently the Dean and Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Dr. Yelamarthi has a strong background in academic leadership, research, and industry engagement, with experience in undergraduate and graduate program development, student retention, and research collaboration. He is known for his focus on fostering curiosity, connection, critical thinking, communication, creating value, and character in engineering education, which he calls “Six Cs”. 

In the past, he served as the Associate Dean and Professor in the College of Engineering and Tennessee Technology University, Director for School of Engineering and Technology, and Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Central Michigan University (CMU). He also served as the chair for Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering programs, and Assistant to the Dean of College of Science and Engineering at CMU. His research interest is in the areas of Internet of Things, wireless sensor networks, edge computing, embedded systems, and engineering education. He has published over 185 articles and delivered over 100 talks in these areas. He has successfully raised funding of over $11 Million for research from organizations such as NSF, DoE, NASA, and the industry.

Throughout his career, Yelamarthi has launched multiple engineering programs, including undergraduate programs and 2+2 programs with international universities and community colleges, as well as a graduate program in engineering. He has served as a chair, technical program committee chair, treasurer for several international conferences, and as a reviewer and panelist for numerous externally funded proposals. He served as editor for journal special issues, currently serves as the topic editor for Sensors, on the editorial board for Internet of Things journal, and International Journal of Forensic Software Engineering, He has served as the Chair of IEEE Northeast Michigan Section, and vice-chair for ASEE North Central Section. He led several engineering and engineering technology programs through successful ABET accreditation, and currently serves as an ABET Program Evaluator for EAC and ETAC.

He is a senior member of IEEE, founding advisor for the IEEE Student Chapter at CMU, an elected member of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, and a senior member of IETI.