Engineering Professor Dukkipati Passes Away

Dukkipati

The longtime chair of the mechanical engineering program at Fairfield, Rao Dukkipati, passed away on Thursday with his family.

Dukkipati, who was 65, joined the Fairfield faculty in 1999 after spending 26 years as a research scientist in the private sector and with the Canadian government. In 2002 he was named the chair of the mechanical engineering program.

“Dr. Dukkipati was as respected for his expertise in mechanical design, engineering system dynamics, and array of other areas of engineering, he will be equally remembered for his warmth and kindness,” stated an University press release. “Dr. Dukkipati was also known as a loving grandfather who doted on his four grandchildren and spent every spare moment with them. He valued family above all.”

Dukkipati also taught at the University of Toledo. He specialized in mechanical design, mechanics, vibrations, control systems and various vehicle fields. He also served as a consultant in the field of accident reconstruction.

“I came to Fairfield because I saw the opportunity to have an impact on a new and growing school,” he told Campus Currents. “The University has a good reputation and the engineering program is a solid one.”

In 2008 he earned the American Society for Engineering Education New England Section Outstanding Teacher Award and in 2009 he won the Fairfield Outstanding Research and Scholastic Activities Award.

He published over 50 books, including “Vehicle Dynamics,” published in 2001.

“Rao was a solid and trusted partner in the development of the School of Engineering, and I will miss him very much,” said E. Vagos Hadjimichael, dean of the School of Engineering in a press release, noting that the School will plan ways to honor Dukkipati’s memory.

He is survived by his wife, Sudha, his son Dr. Ravi Dukkipati, daughter-in-law Madhavi Ravi, and four grandsons, Anand, Ashwin, Raghav and Vishwa.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Hoover Funeral Home and Crematory at 6011 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dukkipati’s honor to the American Cancer Society, 1019 Mumma Road, Wormleysburg, Pa. 17043.