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October 20, 2006 Vol. 77, no.
10F
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| PEG SKORPINSKI PHOTO |
Professor Minute with EECS/ME professor Kameshwar Poolla
EECS/ME professor Kameshwar Poolla received his B.Tech. degree
in EE from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, in
1980.
In 1984, he received his Ph.D. in EE from the Center for Math System
Theory, University of Florida, Gainesville. He joined the Berkeley
faculty in 1991. His research interests include robust multivariable
control system synthesis, adaptive feedback systems, time-varying systems
and control of flexible structures.
What first inspired you to go into engineering?
To tell you the truth, when I was young, I wanted be a physicist like
my dad. But he convinced me to study engineering because he thought
I could start a company in India, employ lots of people and give
everyone excellent salaries and dental and health benefits. It didn’t
quite work out that way, but I am very lucky to be teaching engineering
at Cal. I cannot imagine a better job!
What’s been your most memorable career moment?
There have been so many, it’s hard to choose. One that comes
to mind is taking my entire EECS 221A class to Napa for a picnic after
our midterm.
If you had a few extra hours, what would you do?
I would take tango lessons.
What should engineering students make sure they do at Berkeley before
they graduate?
Learn as much as possible. Take classes outside engineering, maybe
a macroeconomics course or a course on Greek Tragedies. Get to know
faculty. Use the resources on campus like Pacific Film Archive. Attend
talks outside your area of specialization like the Emilio Serge Lectures.
Enjoy these years. You will remember them as some of the best of your
life.
What is one thing you would like to learn how to do?
Windsurf. This looks like so much fun, and I have tried several times
without success. Maybe I should take swimming classes first!
If you
would like us to feature your favorite professor, please email his
or her name to engnews@coe.berkeley.edu
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