In the vast realm of academia and technological innovation, certain individuals stand out as beacons of inspiration. S. Shankar Sastry, the Founding Chancellor of Plaksha University, Mohali, is one such luminary whose journey has left an indelible mark on the fields of engineering, computer science, and societal development.
Shankar Sastry’s Early Years: A Foundation of Excellence
S. Shankar Sastry’s academic journey commenced at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977.
His insatiable curiosity and passion for learning paved the way for further studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained his Master’s and PhD degrees in 1980 and 1981, respectively, under the guidance of Professor Charles Desoer.
Leadership and Academic Roles
Sastry’s leadership prowess manifested early in his career, evident in his role as the director of the Electronics Research Laboratory at Berkeley from 1996 to 1999.
He later assumed the position of the director of the Information Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 1999 to early 2001, showcasing his commitment to advancing technology on a national scale.
A Multifaceted Academic Career
Sastry’s tenure as the chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2001 to 2004, and as the director of CITRIS from 2004 to 2007, underscored his dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration.
His impact extended further as the faculty director of the Blum Center for Developing Economies, emphasizing the fusion of technology and business models for poverty alleviation.
Pioneering Research
Sastry’s research spans diverse domains, including resilient network control systems, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, computer vision, and adaptive control. Noteworthy is his involvement in critical infrastructure protection through initiatives like the NSF Science and Technology Center, TRUST.
A Prolific Author and Editor
With over 600 technical papers and 10 influential books, including “Adaptive Control” and “Nonlinear Systems,” Shankar Sastry has significantly contributed to the academic discourse.
His editorial roles in esteemed publications like IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control and IEEE Control Magazine highlight his commitment to knowledge dissemination.
Accolades and Recognitions
Shankar Sastry’s exemplary contributions have garnered widespread recognition. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004, he has received numerous awards, including the President of India Gold Medal, the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, and the distinguished Alumnus Award of the Indian Institute of Technology.
Current Engagements and Future Endeavors
Presently, as the Chancellor of Plaksha University, Mohali, and the Thomas Siebel Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, Shankar Sastry continues to shape the future of education and research. His involvement in the C3 ai Digital Transformation Institute and the FHL Vive Center signifies his enduring commitment to cutting-edge technologies.
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