Rowan presents Lindback Award to Dr. Krishan Bhatia

Known by his students as “Dr. Car” and the “Car Guy,” Dr. Krishan Kumar Bhatia, a mechanical engineering professor at Rowan University, was honored with the institution’s Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award on Tuesday, April 7. Funded by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, the teaching award recognizes a full-time, permanent faculty member with an excellent record in teaching.

A 10-year Rowan veteran, Bhatia is passionate and enthusiastic about all things automotive. His area of specialization is hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain design and vehicle aerodynamics. He brings his passion to life in the classroom by using real-world examples and having the students work on hands-on projects.

And students have raved about him for years.

“I’ve never seen student evaluations like his,” said Provost Dr. James Newell, at the Celebrating Excellence ceremony during which Bhatia was honored.

His colleagues are equally enthusiastic.

“Dr. Bhatia has the most natural talent of any instructor in the Mechanical Engineering program, and probably within the College of Engineering as a whole,” said Dr. Eric Constans, professor of mechanical engineering, in a letter supporting Bhatia’s nomination.

“Dr. Bhatia is an outstanding instructor and extremely worthy of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. I am truly impressed with his rapport with the students, ability to clearly explain material with great enthusiasm and promote student learning,” said Dr. Jennifer Kadlowec, professor and chair of Mechanical Engineering.

Bhatia follows the teaching philosophy of Mr. Rogers, “deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.” Bhatia believes that developing a strong relationship with students is key.

“Be yourself. Don’t act like a professor; act like a normal human being,” said Bhatia. “I have poured my entire heart into student education and truly love those who sit in my class. Nothing gives me greater joy than being in front of a classroom.”