McMaster’s dean of engineering has been elected by his peers to join a distinguished academy that offers key advice on matters of critical importance to Canada.

Ishwar K. Puri, dean and professor, was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) during a ceremony in Ottawa on June 26.

Puri joins the most highly accomplished group of people in the field of engineering in the country. Fellows are nominated and elected for their distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession.

Puri’s election as Fellow recognizes the international impact of his scholarship in engineering research and education.

He is globally known for his contributions to combustion research, which has enhanced fire safety and ameliorated pollution, and for his work with magnetic fluids and nanoparticles that has produced novel cooling techniques, multifunctional materials, and physical and biological inks for 3D printing. These contributions have been published in over 160 peer reviewed archival publications that have been cited more than 4,900 times in the literature.

The Academy also recognized Puri for his contributions as an educator. He has written three textbooks and is a steward of the McMaster University engineering programs, which consist of 173 faculty members, 5,000 undergraduate and nearly 1,000 graduate students.

“I am humbled by this honour, which has memorably arrived on the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada,” Puri says. “I am very grateful to my role models in the CAE for electing me as a peer.  It is only right that I acknowledge the work of my collaborators, particularly of the twenty four doctoral students who completed theses I have mentored.”

“It is fitting that this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering. McMaster and Canada have provided me with the support, encouragement and opportunities to succeed as a new Canadian for which my gratitude knows no bounds. I pledge to work for the betterment of our nation by enhancing engineering research, education and engagement. ”

“I am thrilled that the Canadian Academy of Engineering has recognized the great contributions Ishwar has made to the engineering profession and education,” said David Wilkinson, Provost and Vice-President at McMaster University and CAE Fellow.

“A colleague and friend, Ishwar has demonstrated his dedication to forwarding the best interests of Canada through his innovative approach to engineering challenges and commitment to enhancing the student experience.”

“The Canadian Academy of Engineering celebrates Canada’s most distinguished and experienced engineers; its mission is to provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada,” said Gilles Patry, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation.  “Ishwar is one of those forward looking engineers, and educators, who recognizes the importance of research, innovation and the entrepreneurial culture.”

“Ishwar a highly accomplished engineer in both the USA and Canada,” said Doug Barber, Distinguished Professor-in-Residence, McMaster University.  “He has contributed much both in technical work and publishing and also in facilitating advanced learning both technically and humanly.  He also has demonstrated valuable skills in leadership both in the University and also beyond that.  I am convinced that Ishwar is highly deserving of the honour of induction as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers.

The Canadian Academy of Engineering has close ties with similar prestigious academies throughout the world, being an active member of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences, and as one of three member academies of the Council of Canadian Academies, the other two being the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.