Dr. Komar Kawatra was named Interim Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering by Dean of Engineering Robert Warrington. Dr. Michael Mullins’ term as chair ended in May after serving in this capacity for 5 years.

Dr. Kawatra joined the faculty of Chemical Engineering in 2003. He is an accomplished researcher, teacher, and lecturer. His primary area of research is chemical engineering specializing in: instrumentation and on-line analysis for monitoring and control of chemical and particulate process plants; and treatment/remediation of chemical and industrial wastes. He has received eight prestigious awards for his research activities, and is the author or editor of numerous books and over 100 technical publications. Dr. Kawatra plans to maintain his active research program while leading the department of Chemical Engineering in this period of transition.

Dr. Kawatra joined the faculty at MTU in1977 as an associate professor in the department of Metallurgy. He was promoted to Professor in 1985 and from 2000 to 2002 Dr. Kawatra was chair of the department of Mining and Materials Process Engineering.

An open search for a permanent chair will be initiated by the department’s Executive Committee at the beginning of the school year.