Every year during Convocation, UW-Platteville celebrates the excellence of its faculty and staff through awards from both UW-Platteville and the Universities of Wisconsin. These honors recognize individuals who exemplify dedication in their work. This year, we’re going beyond titles and achievements to share the personal stories of those who shape our campus and community.
Dr. Avinnash Paruchuri has been selected as a Wisconsin Teaching Fellow. The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) program offers UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the Universities of Wisconsin and from various disciplines.
For those who don’t know, what is your title and what do you do within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering?
I am an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering program, with expertise in thermal and fluid sciences. In addition to teaching senior-level mechanical engineering courses, I am actively involved in establishing an engine test cell to support studies on engine performance characteristics and the use of various fuels. My research interests include engineering education, internal combustion engines and alternative fuels.
My research group is focused on exploring locally sourced alternative fuels in Wisconsin, with the goal of advancing sustainable energy technologies and improving fuel diversity for future engine applications.
How long have you held this position?
I began my appointment in spring 2023 and have been in the role for a little over two and a half years.
What first attracted you to this job?
I was drawn to this position by its strong commitment to engineering education. The opportunity to contribute to a program that values both teaching excellence and hands-on student learning aligned perfectly with my passion for preparing the next generation of engineers.
What do you enjoy most about it?
What I enjoy most is waking up each day and coming to work where I get to engage with my students who are thoughtful, capable and driven. I genuinely draw inspiration from my students, and their energy and curiosity make this role deeply fulfilling.
What project are you working on as part of the WTFS?
The WTFS program has been an incredible opportunity to connect and collaborate with professors across various disciplines, all united by a shared commitment to education and student success. Through this program, I’ve been able to explore creative approaches in engineering education and gain valuable feedback from peers across multiple UW campuses.
I had the opportunity to share my project about building a learning community in a senior-level mechanical engineering course. I received helpful suggestions that made the project more practical and meaningful. My research looks at how small hands-on labs can improve students’ understanding of concepts and help them feel more connected in my heat transfer class through experiential learning.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born into an agricultural family in a small village called Juvvalapalem, located along the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, India. It’s a tiny village with a population of about 400—so small, in fact, you probably won’t find it on Google Maps! If you search for it, you might see another town with the same name nearby, but that’s not my village. I love it dearly. Summers there are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 82 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters are milder, typically ranging from 59 to 86 degrees. The monsoon season brings heavy rains from July to November.You can image how much I enjoy shoveling snow in Wisconsin during winters!
Do you have a story about your family you could share with me?
I’m an only child. My parents weren’t able to travel much due to their work on the farm, but they were incredibly supportive of my dreams. Growing up, I always wanted to explore the world—and they made that possible for me. I’m reasonably proficient in three languages (Telugu, English and Hindi) and can also read and understand a fourth, Sanskrit.
What are your interests separate from your work life?
My wife and I love hiking and exploring state parks. One of our recent favorites is Wisconsin’s Wyalusing State Park, which offers beautiful trails and scenic views that provide a perfect escape from the everyday.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self now?
I’d tell myself to slow down a little in college—explore more, experiment with technology and life and not be afraid to take a few more risks.
Paruchuri will be recognized at the university’s annual faculty and staff convocation on Tuesday Aug. 26.