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Prinja appointed interim chair of Nuclear Engineering

May 8, 2014 - By Kim Delker

University of New Mexico School of Engineering Dean Joseph L. Cecchi announced May 8 that Anil Prinja will become the inaugural interim chair of the new Department of Nuclear Engineering. His appointment begins July 1, 2014.

Throughout his 27 years at UNM, Prinja has contributed at all levels as an accomplished faculty member and as a leader in the nuclear engineering program, both within UNM and in the larger community. He serves as professor and program director of nuclear engineering, and associate chair of the combined Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. He has also been a principal architect of the new nuclear engineering department, Cecchi said.

"For all of these reasons and more, Professor Prinja is the right person to lead NE on its exciting new course. I am deeply appreciative that Professor Prinja has agreed to take on this important leadership role in the School," Cecchi said.

The University of New Mexico Faculty Senate voted on March 25 to approve the proposal to transition the Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering into two new departments: the Department of Nuclear Engineering and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The transition is effective July 1.

Tim Ward, chair of the current Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2014. Last month, Cecchi announced that Distinguished Professor Abhaya K. Datye will be the inaugural chair of the new Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. His appointment also begins July 1.