New York, USA: Shikha Nangia, who has been serving as interim chair since August 2024, will officially assume her role as the department chair for biomedical and chemical engineering (BMCE) at Syracuse University. Her first term is set to run until the summer of 2028.

A faculty member at Syracuse University since 2012, Professor Nangia is a prominent figure in computational modeling, with her research focusing on biological barriers and their role in addressing complex conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Her expertise also extends to investigating gut tight junctions, infections linked to implantable medical devices, and epigenetics. Among her groundbreaking contributions is enhancing the understanding of the blood-brain barrier to facilitate improved drug delivery to the brain.

“I am incredibly privileged to lead such an outstanding department rooted in innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. Together, we aim to push the frontiers of engineering while embracing diversity, creativity, and a passion for discovery,” Nangia stated.

Dean J. Cole Smith praised Nangia’s leadership abilities, stating, “Shikha Nangia embodies the qualities necessary to drive our academic and research efforts forward. Her remarkable contributions and mentorship are invaluable.”

Throughout her career, Nangia has been honored with numerous accolades, including the NSF Career Award and the ACS WCC Rising Star Award in 2022. Her commitment to education has earned her recognition, such as the Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Experience and the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award.

Nangia earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, an M.Sc. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a B.Sc. from the University of Delhi.