SECS welcomes scientist Louay Chamra as its new dean

By Katie Land, news editor

Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science will welcome a new dean to its fold this fall, as the Board of Trustees has approved Louay M. Chamra to begin work on Monday, Oct. 5.

“Dr. Chamra brings a wealth of accomplishments and strong credentials to his new position as the dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science,” said Virinder Moudgil, OU’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

As the PACCAR endowed chair and head of mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University, Chamra focused on strengthening research areas and increasing research expenditures, increasing the number of graduate students, promoting a diverse faculty, encouraging faculty opportunities in the professional community and fostering student-focused activities to showcase the work of both undergraduate and graduate students.

“Dr. Chamra’s commitment to quality education, experience in bringing resources to faculty instructional and research programs and enthusiasm to advance the school in visibility and growth are consistent with the work and aspirations of our faculty and staff,” Moudgil continued. “We are delighted to welcome him in his new academic leadership role.”

Chamra received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin; his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Portland; and his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Since receiving his doctorate, Chamra attained his academic and administrative experience at Mississippi State University.

In research areas such as enhanced heat transfer and energy utilization and efficiency, Chamra has been primary or co-investigator of projects totaling more than 10 million dollars. In addition, he has served as a co-director of the Southeast Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CHP) Regional Application Center, established in 2004 for the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Chamra’s scholarly output includes more than 60 journal articles and conference papers, a textbook, and five textbook chapters.

For more information about SECS programs, visit the Web site at oakland.edu/secs.