K. (Hari) Srihari, professor of systems science and industrial engineering, has been named a distinguished professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees. A prolific scientist, Srihari is known as an expert in many diverse aspects of electronics packaging, including the exciting new area of opto-electronics packaging.

The distinguished professor title, granted only by SUNY trustees, is the highest academic rank possible and is conferred on individuals who have achieved national or international prominence.

Srihari, who joined the faculty of Binghamton’s Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1988, has played a key role in creation of University-industry partnerships as director of Electronics Manufacturing Research and Services (EMRS) and assistant director of the Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC).

He has also been a supervisor and mentor to an unusually large number of doctoral and master’s degree students, graduating nearly twice the average number for faculty at research intensive universities. In nominating Srihari, President Lois B. DeFleur said, “His creativity and insight in applying fundamental theories to industrial applications have earned him international recognition and provided his students with outstanding developmental opportunities.”

Proud of his work with students and the collaborative nature of his research, Srihari said this appointment reflects on everyone he has worked with. “For me, I think this is more of a recognition of the work that many people have done,” he said. “The efforts of my past and present graduate students – over 150 of them – and collaboration with other research faculty, as well as those who are funded by my research grants.

“This is a win-win-win relationship – the University, the students and the customer,” he added. “We are extremely responsive, we maintain good communication and we treat our partners as customers.”

Srihari also received praise from colleagues in his field, including Richard Wysk, Leonhard Chair in Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, who said, “Hari has become a premier researcher in industrial manufacturing and engineering.”

Author or co-author of over 140 articles in journals and industrial technical reports, Srihari has helped prepare students to move on. Many of his students have moved into leadership positions at other universities and in industry, and they credit his vast knowledge and dedication in helping them prepare for productive careers. “Between last December and this summer, four of my PhD students will graduate and all of them have excellent jobs,” he said. “We are producing doctoral students that the market requires and I’m extremely proud of what my students do.”

Srihari earned his bachelor’s degree in production engineering from the University of Madras, India and his master’s and doctorate in industrial engineering and operations research from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.