UMass Lowell Names New Distinguished University Professor

10/29/2014

Contacts for media:  Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
and Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu

LOWELL, Mass. – Pradeep Kurup, UMass Lowell professor and developer of an innovative electronic “nose” that can sniff for traces of TNT and other explosives, has been named Distinguished University Professor, the highest distinction bestowed on a University of Massachusetts Lowell faculty member. 

The honor recognizes Kurup – a professor of civil and environmental engineering for 17 years – for his exceptional teaching, research and service to the university. As part of his appointment, Kurup will deliver the annual Distinguished University Professor lecture on a topic related to his research during the spring 2015 semester. A campus reception was held to honor Kurup, who is a resident of Nashua, N.H.

In addition to the electronic “nose,” Kurup’s research includes the development of an electronic “tongue” that can detect and identify traces of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic. He has secured more than $3 million in research grants and his work has been published widely, with more than 65 papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and conference proceedings. Kurup is a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s prestigious CAREER Award for his innovative research and scientific leadership and UMass Lowell’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s Teaching Excellence Award.

“Prof. Kurup has been lauded by his peers and students for his exemplary teaching, for nationally and internationally acclaimed research and for outstanding service to the university community and to his profession,” said UMass Lowell Provost Ahmed Abdelal, leader of the university’s academic affairs. “He is superbly qualified to be honored as the next Distinguished University Professor.” 

Prof. Clifford Bruell, chairman of UMass Lowell’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, nominated Kurup for the honor.

“Dr. Kurup is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher who cares deeply about student learning. He has been successful in creating and sustaining an effective environment for learning of the highest quality and in integrating research and education,” Bruell said.

“I feel overwhelmed and surprised by this great honor. It’s a dream come true for me,” said Kurup, who holds three degrees in civil engineering: a bachelor’s from the University of Kerala, a master’s from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras and a doctorate from Louisiana State University. 

Kurup’s three-year term as Distinguished University Professor will run from September through August 2017. Other current honorees include Prof. Stephen McCarthy of the Department of Plastics Engineering, whose appointment as Distinguished University Professor runs through 2015, and Prof. Laura Punnett of the Department of Work Environment, whose appointment concludes in 2016.

UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 17,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers. www.uml.edu