Beena Sukumaran

"It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you." – Rumi

Dr. Beena Sukumaran earned her PhD in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1996, a formative period defined by the rigorous guidance of her supervisors, Professors Gerald A. Leonards and Patrick J. Fox. This deep mentorship served as a cornerstone upon which she built her career. During these years, she also cultivated steadfast friendships that have blossomed into an extended family. Her drive for lifelong learning was first ignited by her parents, M.K. Sukumaran and Syamala Sukumaran, whose early encouragement was instrumental to her success. Today, this legacy of support continues through her husband, Srinivasan Vanchinathan, and her daughter, Sruthi, who remain her strongest cheerleaders. Her family comes first and foremost in all her endeavors.

Currently, Dr. Sukumaran serves as Professor and the Dinesh and Ila Paliwal Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at Miami University. In this role, she has significantly influenced the student experience through curricular reform. A recent example of this visionary leadership was the development of an undergraduate degree in quantum computing, established in strategic collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic. She believes that a modern engineering education must bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, preparing students to become global problem-solvers.

Prior to joining Miami University, Dr. Sukumaran held several high-level administrative positions at Rowan University, where she joined the faculty in 1998. She served as Vice President for Research before leaving Rowan University, overseeing a period of significant growth in the institution’s research portfolio. Her commitment to equity is exemplified by her tenure as the President’s Fellow for Diversity and Inclusion and serving as principal investigator for a major NSF grant, which developed systemic strategies to enhance the inclusion of underrepresented and underserved groups.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Sukumaran has addressed micromechanics of soils, airport pavement performance, offshore foundation design and engineering education. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the ASCE Educator of the Year and her election as a Fellow of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) in 2021. Through every milestone, she remains committed to fostering the same culture of excellence and community that shaped her own life.