Chitra Venugopal

Background

About Chitra Venugopal

As an Associate Professor and Program Director of Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering at Oregon Institute of Technology, I have over 20 years of experience in teaching, researching, and developing curricula in the field of electrical and renewable energy engineering. I am passionate about empowering my students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become successful engineers, researchers, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. I oversee the REE curriculum for both Klamath Falls and Portland-metro campuses, ensuring its alignment with the ABET accreditation standards and the industry best practices. I also advise students on their degree paths, prepare curriculum maps for first-year students, and coordinate the assessment and evaluation processes for the REE program. Additionally, I conduct and supervise research projects on topics such as power systems, biomedical devices, and renewable energy sources, securing grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Through my teaching, research, and curriculum development, I aim to advance the mission and vision of Oregon Tech, foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and inclusion, and contribute to the development and growth of the renewable energy sector in the region and beyond.