Fairfield University Professor Rao V. Dukkipati, Ph.D., P.E., chair of the School of Engineering's mechanical engineering program, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, February 11. A former West Haven, Connecticut resident, he was 65.

While Dr. Dukkipati was respected for his expertise in mechanical design, engineering system dynamics, and array of other areas of engineering, he will be equally remembered for his warmth and kindness. Dr. Dukkipati was also known as a loving grandfather who doted on his four grandchildren and spent every spare moment with them. He valued family above all.

E. Vagos Hadjimichael, Ph. D., dean of the School of Engineering, said that he was a gentleman and a very valued member of the faculty. "Rao was a solid and trusted partner in the development of the School of Engineering, and I will miss him very much," he said, noting that the School will plan ways to honor Dr. Dukkipati's memory.

A member of the School of Engineering faculty since 1999, Dr. Dukkipati was also the director of the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) graduate program. In 2002, he was named chair of the mechanical engineering program.

Before coming to Fairfield, he worked for 26 years as a research scientist, both in industry and for the Canadian government. He then taught at the University of Toledo before joining Fairfield's School of Engineering faculty as an associate professor. "I came to Fairfield because I saw the opportunity to have an impact on a new and growing school," he told Campus Currents. "The University has a good reputation and the engineering program is a solid one."

Dr. Dukkipati was awarded the 2008 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) New England Section Outstanding Teacher Award and the Outstanding Research and Scholastic Activities Award in 2009.

Dr. Dukkipati's specialized area of teaching and research included mechanical design, mechanics, vibrations, control systems, engineering system dynamics, economy and reliability, quality control, advanced engineering mathematics, vehicle dynamics and road vehicle accident reconstruction. In addition, he served as a consultant in the field of road and vehicle and accident reconstruction.

He was most proud of the many books he authored and co-authored, including "Vehicle Dynamics" (Narosa Publishing, 2001). Ultimately, he wrote more than 50 books spanning a range of topics that included vibrations, control systems, engineering system dynamics, economy and reliability, quality control, advanced engineering mathematics, robotics, numerical methods, kinematics and dynamics, railway vehicle dynamics and road vehicle dynamics.

He was a member of the Connecticut Academy of Sciences and Engineering (CASE), and a fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineers (CSME). Dr. Dukkipati's other professional memberships included the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and SAE International.

He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1973, and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from both the Andhra University, India and the University of New Brunswick, Canada. He also had earned a post graduate diploma in applied statistics from Andhra University in 1969, and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Sri Venkateswara University, India in 1966.

Dr. Dukkipati is survived by his wife, Sudha Dukkipati, his son, Dr. Ravi Dukkipati, daughter-in-law, Madhavi Ravi and his four grandsons, Anand, Ashwin, Raghav and Vishwa.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hoover Funeral Home and Crematory, 6011 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, Pa, 17112.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rao V. Dukkipati's honor to the American Cancer Society, 1019 Mumma Road, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.

Posted On: 02-12-2010 10:02 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 195