May 11, 2005
Philip L. Varghese, Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, has been inducted into the UT Academy of Distinguished Teachers, effective in Fall 2005. Dr. Varghese was one among only six faculty members inducted to the Academy across the entire University of Texas at Austin campus.
Established in February 1995, the Academy of Distinguished Teachers was one of the first associations of its kind in the nation, and is emblematic of the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching. Comprising approximately 5% of the tenured faculty in the university, the Academy provides leadership in improving the quality and depth of the undergraduate experience. Dr. Varghese joins three other ASE/EM faculty members in the Academy: Dr. Marc Bedford (retired), Dr. Robert H. Bishop (2002), and Dr. Wallace Fowler (1997).
Professor Varghese holds the Stanley P. Finch Centennial Professorship in Engineering. He has an international reputation in the area of combustion diagnostics and non-equilibrium flows. He received the Department Teaching Award in Spring 2001, served as the ASE/EM Associate Chair for Academic Affairs from June 2001 to September 2003, and was awarded the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching in Spring 2003.
Dr. Varghese’s research focuses on understanding the basic molecular processes occurring in high speed and high temperature flows. He applies his work to the study of combustion, rail-gun and thermal plasmas, and hypersonic flow. He has established a laser diagnostics laboratory for experimental studies in combustion. Dr. Varghese’s research publications have been extensively referenced, with over 400 citations to his work. Since he joined The University of Texas at Austin in 1983, he has been principal or co-principal investigator on externally funded research grants of over $5 million.
