MSU professor chosen as new department head
February 2, 2009
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A veteran professor and interim leader has been slated to officially take the reigns as the mechanical engineering department head and PACCAR endowed chair for Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE).
Dr. Louay M. Chamra formally begins his tenure as head of the mechanical engineering department February 1.
“I was very pleased to announce Dr. Chamra’s appointment to department head,” said Dr. Sarah Rajala, dean of the BCoE. “He was very effective as acting department head and I look forward to working with him to move the mechanical engineering department and the BCoE to new heights.”
Chamra added, “I am ready to take on the challenge of leading the department to new levels of excellence.”
Chamra came to MSU in 1996 as an assistant professor. The Pennsylvania State University doctoral graduate specializes in research relating to heat transfer enhancement, heat exchangers, boiling and condensation, and refrigeration and process equipment. He has authored numerous refereed journal articles and technical reports.
In his time at MSU, Chamra has also served as principle investigator on many funded projects including recent Department of Energy projects for biomass utilization and micro cooling, heating and power.
Past administrative assignments will give Chamra additional experience to draw from for his new position. He served as chair for the BCoE’s energy working group and the College Faculty Council, in addition to serving on various committees.
“This is a very exciting time in our department. Our research programs have grown significantly while our graduate and undergraduate enrollment has steadily increased,” Chamra explained. “The department will continue to offer quality teaching, cutting-edge research, service and outreach to benefit the state of Mississippi and the region. We are moving toward meeting the challenges of the 21st century and will always strive for excellence and innovation.”