Prof. K.N. Bhat Early Career Chair

Description

Professor Kunchinadka Narayana Bhat, popularly known as Prof. K.N. Bhat, was a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras for over three and a half decades (1969-2006) interspersed with brief stints at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY and University of Washington, Seattle, WA. After he superannuated, he served as a faculty member at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) in IISc Bangalore for another nearly one and half decades. He was a popular teacher especially in subjects related to microelectronics, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), sensors and semiconductor fabrication where he inspired many students over several decades.

Prof. Bhat over the years organised, developed and offered several undergraduate and postgraduate courses at IIT Madras. His distinct and lucid style of teaching supported by his subject knowledge and backed by meticulous preparation on what and how to present for that particular class, made his classes enriching and memorable. In addition to his classroom teaching at IIT Madras and IISc Bangalore, Prof. Bhat offered courses on NPTEL and other online platforms, benefiting students across the country and the world. He was also involved in writing and editing books, both on semiconductor basics and advanced topics.

Prof. Bhat was a trailblazer in experimental research in microfabrication at IIT Madras during a period when theoretical research was more prevalent, and the Indian academic environment posed significant challenges for experimental work. He spearheaded the creation of a cleanroom and microfabrication facility at IIT Madras– which in many aspects may be considered the seed of the current state of the art facilities at that institute. At the facility he helped create (and later at the facilities at the CeNSE, IISc) he trained and mentored many students and research scientists who were pursuing various academic degrees or sponsored research projects. It is a testament to his patient, motivational and effective guidance that several scores of his students who have worked with him have continued to pursue careers involving semiconductor fabrication and manufacturing in the academia, research labs and industry in different parts of India and the world.

Prof. Bhat's support extended beyond academics for those who worked with him. He treated his students and staff as colleagues, and they regarded him as a well-wisher to whom they could turn for advice and support. He continued to be a friend, philosopher, and guide for many even after they left the lab to pursue their careers.

Prof. Bhat passed away on 23 rd of March, 2024, in Bangalore. Until the very end, he continued to motivate and inspire students, encouraging them to perform better, and keenly followed the latest development in the field.

To honor Prof. Bhat's contributions, his grateful students and colleagues are planning to establish Prof. K.N. Bhat Early Career Chair for young faculty members involved in semiconductor devices, fabrication, and related areas at IIT Madras. This institute chair is expected to inspire faculty members, staff, and students in academics, drawing inspiration from Prof. K.N. Bhat's selfless contributions to the academic world in various forms.

We welcome you to generously contribute to the corpus being raised to establish the chair.

Additionally, we welcome you to share your memories and comments about Prof. K.N. Bhat.