University Professor R. Panneer Selvam of the Department of Civil Engineering at the U of A has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a recognition granted to members who have demonstrated outstanding engineering contributions and achievement. Selvam has been a member of ASME since 2005.

This prestigious title places Selvam among an elite group of engineers globally, with only a small percentage of ASME members attaining Fellow status.

Renowned for his expertise in structural mechanics and fluid dynamics, Selvam has made significant advances in areas such as wind engineering, finite element analysis, bridge aerodynamics and computational modeling for structural resilience against natural disasters. His work has shaped engineering practices and influenced standards for design and disaster preparedness. His research in computational fluid dynamics modeling of spray cooling, for instance, has advanced the understanding of heat transfer in multiphase flow, aiding in the development of efficient cooling systems for high-power electronics on Earth and in space. Additionally, his work in high-temperature concrete that withstands up to 600 degrees Celsius supports thermal energy storage for solar power and other applications.

Selvam's contributions extend beyond research; he has played a pivotal role in engineering education. At the U of A, he has taught 23 different undergraduate and graduate courses, developing 12 of them, and has mentored 17 Ph.D. students, 7 postdoctoral students, 35 master's students and 27 undergraduates.

As a first-generation college graduate from India, Selvam's path reflects the transformative power of higher education. Dedicated to advancing engineering education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, his impact on both academic excellence and student success exemplifies ASME's values.

Selvam has also served on the American Society of Civil Engineers' Engineering Mechanics Institute Board of Governors and as president of the Arkansas Academy of Science. He contributes to multiple international engineering journals and is set to present at four international conferences, including the International Conference on Recent Advances in Aeronautical and Aerospace Technologies, where he will deliver a keynote address in December 2024. He will also present at the International Conference on Matrix Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, the International Conference on Pure and Applied Mathematical Science, and the sixth International Conference on Applications of Fluid Dynamics.

Recently named a Fellow of the Engineering Mechanics Institute as well, Selvam's ASME Fellowship celebrates his exceptional contributions to engineering, his leadership and his commitment to educating future generations of engineers.