Our Bureau
Dallas, TX
The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas, Dallas is pleased to announce the name of Dr. Nandika D’Souza, known for increasing student success and spearheading collaborative initiatives, as its associate dean of strategic initiatives.
In her new role, D’Souza will work to build flexible pathways for community college students and working professionals to engage with the academic strengths of the Jonsson School, ensure that every student, faculty and staff member is valued, and monitor the school’s progress attaining benchmarks for excellence and national recognition. As a professor of mechanical engineering, D’Souza will also teach and continue her research in sustainable high-performance products.
At UT Dallas, D’Souza is excited to create paths for others to become engineers, as so many did for her.
“I seek to break down barriers that enable people to transform their economic trajectory,” D’Souza said. “Engineering was that path for me, and I am aware how unlikely it was for me to become one, were it not for a proactive mum, encouraging family, and faculty and community mentors.”
Dr. Stephanie G. Adams, Jonsson School dean and Lars Magnus Ericsson Chair said, “Her visibility in the mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering communities, and her advocacy for broadening participation in engineering and computer science, makes her an exemplary fit for this position.”
D’Souza has spent her career as an instructor, researcher and administrator focused on expanding access to engineering education for students from all backgrounds. She spent 28 years at the University of North Texas (UNT), where she held faculty and leadership positions, most recently as associate dean for academic affairs for the College of Engineering.
Her research areas include tunable thermal conductivity, dielectric strength biobased molding compounds, die attach adhesives, biobased foams, high-electric insulation polymers, and bioinspired coatings.
She is a fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers, 2015 and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2023.
D’Souza earned her bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering from the University of Poona (now the Savitribai Phule Pune University) in India, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and a PhD in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.
