Distinguished Professor Pramod K. Varshney has established the Pramod and Anju Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship at Syracuse University. This initiative aims to recognize and support a promising research-focused scholar dedicated to mentoring doctoral students within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
Pramod Varshney, known for his significant contributions to information fusion and his mentorship of 68 Ph.D. candidates, continues to make an impact in the academic community. “Anju and I bled Orange,” Varshney stated, highlighting their longstanding dedication to Syracuse University. He hopes that the endowed fellowship will “keep and grow the excellence” at the institution.
The purpose of the fellowship is to attract faculty members who are “agents of change” and transformational in their research. Varshney emphasized the importance of scholars discovering ways to serve humanity, collaborate beyond the university, and help underprivileged students achieve their educational dreams.
This fellowship is an addition to previous support by the Varshneys, who established an endowed fund in 2018 for financial assistance to EECS graduate students. ECS Dean J. Cole Smith noted the enduring impact of the Varshneys on EECS students, describing their continuing influence as one that has significantly shaped Syracuse University.
Former students of Pramod Varshney also praised his mentorship. Kotikalapudi Sriram, a former doctoral student, called him “a true source of inspiration and professional support.” Another former student, Engin Masazade, expressed gratitude for Varshney’s guidance, which has shaped his academic and professional growth.
Pramod Varshney’s goal for the fellowship is not only to enhance the university’s educational and scholarly reputation but also to encourage others to contribute to its continued development. “My hope is that this fellowship will help keep the University and EECS growing,” Varshney stated, reflecting on his positive interactions with numerous graduate students throughout his tenure.
