Physics Professor Nitant Kenkre will be the 50th Annual Research Lecturer at the University of New Mexico, the highest honor the institution can bestow on a faculty member. Kenkre, who was selected through a peer review process, will give his lecture “Movers and Shakers in Physics and Biology,” on April 12, 2005 at 7 p.m. The lecture, which will be held in the auditorium of the Continuing Education building at 1634 University Blvd., N.E., is free and open to the public.
“Dr. Kenkre is an outstanding example of a professor who has contributed seminal research in his chosen fields of theoretical and condensed matter physics and statistical physics,” said President Louis Caldera. “Then (he) moved on to make notable contributions in areas far outside his field, in the applications of mathematical models to the theory and spread of epidemics. We are honored that he has chosen to spend a substantial part of his career at UNM.”
Kenkre joined the Physics and Astronomy Department in 1984. He served as the director of the Center for Advanced Studies (1996-2000) and is the founding director of UNM’s Consortium of the Americas for Interdisciplinary Science. The consortium has twin goals of international collaboration between the United States and Latin America, and interdisciplinary research directed at mathematical biology, complex systems, nanoscience and novel materials.
During his career, Kenkre has written a number of books, authored or co-authored more than 200 scientific articles and has mentored 16 Ph.D. physics students working on their dissertations. In addition to being an elected fellow of the American Physical Society, he has interests in visual art, philosophy, comparative religion and literature, and is facile in several languages.
“I am happy to have been chosen for this honor and thankful to those who were involved in the selection process,” said Kenkre. “Much exciting work remains to be done in crossing borders, whether in disciplines or nations, and my colleagues and I are looking forward to continued efforts.”
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627