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Professor earns award, accreditation commission appointment

Professor Abhijit Dandekar has earned two significant honors: a Fulbright Specialist Award, one of the U.S. Department of State's premier international exchange honors, and an appointment to the 2026–27 Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

As part of the Fulbright award, Dandekar will work with the University of Namibia, sharing expertise in engineering education and collaborating on academic and professional development initiatives. The appointment places him among a select group of U.S. scholars and professionals chosen each year to contribute their expertise at institutions around the world.

The Fulbright Specialist Program isn't just about travel. It's about identifying people who have spent years building knowledge and then asking them to take that knowledge somewhere it can create new opportunities, partnerships, and ideas. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program of the United States, operating in more than 160 countries and supporting collaborations that advance education, research, and cross-cultural understanding.

The appointment to ETAC follows years of service as an ABET Program Evaluator and recognizes Dandekar's expertise, professionalism, and commitment to engineering education. In his new role, he will serve as both an ETAC Commissioner and accreditation team chair, helping review programs, mentor evaluators, and uphold the quality standards that support future engineers and technologists.

It's a recognition reserved for experienced evaluators who have demonstrated the expertise and leadership needed to help guide accreditation efforts nationwide. Beginning in July 2026, Dandekar will participate in national commission activities, accreditation reviews, and leadership training while helping guide the continuous improvement of engineering technology education nationwide.

Dandekar's selection for the Fulbright Specialist Award recognizes both his contributions to engineering education and the growing global reach of the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines, and his appointment to ETAC reflects both his individual contributions and the broader impact of UAF faculty on the national engineering education community.