Suresh Garimella was born in Nedunuru, Andhra Pradesh, India, into a family with no formal college education. His early environment offered limited resources but abundant motivation. From a young age, he displayed a deep curiosity for how things worked—an instinct that would later mature into a lifelong devotion to engineering and problem-solving.
His academic journey is a powerful testament to how talent, discipline, and opportunity can intersect to transform lives. Against the odds, Garimella earned admission to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, one of India’s most selective and rigorous institutions. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1985, later describing the experience as intellectually more intense than many elite global universities.
Suresh Garimella: Global Education – Forging an Engineer-Scientist
After IIT Madras, Suresh Garimella moved to the United States, beginning a remarkable ascent through some of the world’s finest engineering institutions. He earned his Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1986, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989.
At Berkeley, Garimella refined not only his technical expertise but also his capacity for original research. His doctoral work laid the foundation for a prolific career in thermal sciences, microscale heat transfer, and advanced cooling technologies—fields that would later become central to modern electronics, energy systems, and sustainability efforts.
Academic and Research Career: Building Knowledge at Scale
Purdue University: Research Leadership and Global Vision
At Purdue University, Suresh Garimella emerged as a nationally respected academic leader. He served as Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
In this role, he oversaw a research enterprise exceeding $660 million annually, integrating discovery with industry collaboration, federal partnerships, and global engagement. His leadership helped expand Purdue’s influence across life sciences, data science, defense research, and international experiential learning.
One of his most enduring achievements was founding the Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC)—a National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center. Under his direction, CTRC became a global hub for translating academic innovation into industrial solutions, particularly in electronics cooling and thermal management.
Suresh Garimella: A Prolific Scholar and Mentor
The scholarly output of Suresh Garimella is extraordinary. His research group has produced over 525 peer-reviewed publications, secured 13 U.S. patents, and attracted sustained funding from agencies such as the NSF, NASA, DARPA, the U.S. Army, and major industry partners.
Equally impactful is his role as a mentor. More than 27 of his former doctoral students and researchers now serve as faculty members at leading universities worldwide, multiplying his influence across continents and generations.
Science and Diplomacy: Serving Beyond the Campus
In 2010, Suresh Garimella was appointed a Jefferson Science Fellow by the U.S. Department of State, serving as a science advisor in the International Energy Office. His work helped shape models for integrating academic science into U.S. foreign policy.
He represented the United States at the International Energy Agency, participated in the U.S.–Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission, and later served as a Senior Fellow in the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, a presidential initiative aimed at supporting sustainable energy development across Latin America.
In 2018, he was appointed to the National Science Board, placing him among a select group of leaders advising the U.S. government on science and engineering policy.
University of Vermont: A Presidency Defined by Tough Choices
Suresh Garimella became the 27th President of the University of Vermont on July 1, 2019. His tenure was marked by decisive leadership during periods of financial strain, public scrutiny, and evolving social expectations.
While his administration faced criticism over program restructuring and campus governance issues, Garimella consistently emphasized long-term institutional sustainability, academic rigor, and fiscal responsibility. His presidency highlighted the realities of modern university leadership, where decisions are rarely simple and consensus is often elusive.
University of Arizona: A New Chapter in Leadership
On October 1, 2024, Suresh Garimella assumed office as the 23rd President of the University of Arizona, one of the nation’s leading public research universities.
In 2025, his administration drew national attention following sweeping changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks. Whether praised or criticized, his actions underscored a defining characteristic of his leadership style: a willingness to act decisively in alignment with his interpretation of institutional mission, governance norms, and public accountability.
Suresh Garimella: Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his lifetime contributions to engineering and education, Suresh Garimella was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2025.