Oklahoma State University
01/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 13:37
Kolla selected as ASME Petroleum Division Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recipient
Kolla selected as ASME Petroleum Division Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recipient
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Petroleum Division announced that Dr. Srinivas Swaroop Kolla received the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes dedication to improving engineering and science awareness for students and enhancing education for future leaders. Recipients must have a strong interest in furthering student education and be in an advisory position.
Kolla - a teaching assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University - was recognized for his outstanding contributions to engineering education and his efforts to raise awareness of science among students. This prestigious recognition underscores his dedication to shaping the next generation of engineers and leaders.
Dr. Srinivas Swaroop Kolla, teaching assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.Kolla is an accomplished academic and industry professional with a distinguished career in mechanical engineering, research and leadership. With expertise spanning both academia and industry, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of engineering education and practical applications. Kolla holds a bachelor's degree (2002), a Master of Science (2007), and a Ph.D. (2018), all in mechanical engineering. He further strengthened his qualifications by earning an MBA specializing in international business (2022), which enhanced his ability to integrate engineering solutions with business strategy.
Kolla's career trajectory includes over a decade of industry experience, where he transitioned from an engineer to project manager. In these roles, he successfully led design, analysis and sales teams, collaborating with cross-functional groups on complex and high-profile projects, including the PRELUDE project - the world's only Floating Liquefied Natural Gas production ship. His work spanned from the initial design phase through to commissioning, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of industry challenges, emerging trends and the practical application of engineering principles. This real-world experience continues to inform and enrich his academic pursuits, ensuring that his teaching and research are closely aligned with industry needs.
Upon transitioning to academia, Kolla has spent more than a decade advancing research in multiphase flow separation, particle transport and cyclonic technologies. As a teaching assistant professor at OSU, he has developed and taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Mechanical Engineering Design, Fluid Mechanics, System Dynamics, and Experimental Fluid Mechanics. Additionally, he has designed and established experimental labs focused on dynamics and control, fluids and hydraulics, and digital data acquisition. Kolla has integrated virtual and hybrid teaching technologies to engage a diverse student body, encompassing traditional and working students.
Kolla's research contributions are substantial, with 32 published articles and five patents. His work addresses real-world engineering challenges, and he has secured funding from leading organizations such as OCAST, NSF, DOE and ACS PRF. He has also successfully obtained NSF OK EPSCoR grants to support the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, mentoring students from underrepresented groups, many of whom have gone on to pursue graduate studies or establish successful careers in the industry. Kolla's research is collaborative, bridging multiple disciplines, and he is currently engaged in NSF and DOE proposals to further advance practical engineering solutions.
In addition to his academic and research pursuits, Kolla has been a key leader within the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. From 2020-24, he served as chair of the ASME Mid-Continent Section, where he revitalized the section post-COVID and led it to receive the Best Section Award for two consecutive years. Through strategic initiatives, he increased student engagement, fostered collaborations with local organizations and raised significant funds for engineering scholarships. As an ASME sections ambassador, Kolla continues to support professional and student sections, helping them expand their reach and impact. He also serves as the lead organizer for multiple technical tracks within the ASME Fluid Engineering Division.
Kolla's research interests focus on multiphase separation, transport and Cyclonic Technologies, emphasizing experimental research, numerical simulations and data-driven mechanistic modeling. He is committed to advancing sustainable energy technologies and addressing key challenges. Beyond his research, Kolla actively participates in initiatives to support underrepresented populations, believing that a diverse academic environment fosters innovation and enriches the educational experience for all students.
Through his blend of industry expertise, academic leadership and commitment to research and mentoring, Kolla continues to significantly contribute to engineering education and applied research. His work ensures that engineering programs remain innovative, engaging, and aligned with the evolving needs of society.
An awards luncheon was held on Dec. 7, 2024, in Houston to honor Kolla.
The ASME Petroleum Division was founded in 1924 to provide mechanical engineers working in the areas of Petroleum, Natural Gas, Petrochemicals, Coal, Oil Shale and others with the opportunity to participate in technical workshops and conferences while fostering the continued growth of engineering education and promotion of mechanical engineering as a career choice.