“I am excited to begin my new role as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Kentucky, where I will continue my research on the design of Intelligent electronic systems for applications in medicine, education, entomology, and other areas where technology can address meaningful real-world challenges. I enter this role with a strong conviction that research must be guided by intellectual honesty and curiosity and grounded in public trust and service, rather than driven solely by metrics or short-term priorities.
My experiences with the Warren B. Nelms Institute helped shape that conviction and develop my leadership through mentoring undergraduates, supporting the IoT Students Club, organizing outreach programs, creating hands-on experiences with our educational platforms, leading projects and demonstrations, and helping organize the annual Nelms Conference. Having been a student until recently, I want to remain connected to the realities students face and build a research group in which students are mentored as people, not treated simply as a means to achieve research goals. Although no individual can create change alone, I believe we can each choose to act with integrity, stand up for what matters, and contribute through the opportunities available to us. I am grateful that my new role gives me the responsibility and opportunity to put those values into practice while helping prepare the next generation.”
Dr. Kalavakonda earned his PhD in August 2026 and was advised by Dr. Swarup Bhunia.