Dr. Vikas Khanna is in the news as the University of Pittsburgh has announced his appointment as the interim chair of its Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), effective July 1, 2025.
Khanna, a prominent Indian-American academician and longtime member of the Pitt faculty, will take over the department’s leadership following the retirement of Radisav Vidic, P.E., who served in the role for an extraordinary 23 years.
Michele V. Manuel, U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering, made the announcement, emphasizing Khanna’s deep-rooted experience and extensive contributions to the department and the field of environmental engineering.
“Dr. Khanna has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and inclusive leadership,” said Manuel. “His vision and experience will ensure a smooth transition while the university conducts a national search for a permanent chair.”
A Proven Leader in Academia
Vikas Khanna joined the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks as a respected educator, mentor, and researcher.
Over the years, he has held several key leadership roles within the Swanson School of Engineering, including serving as the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies for the CEE department and chairing multiple faculty search committees.
His service extends beyond the university, where he has held leadership positions in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) subdivisions.
Khanna’s appointment as interim chair places him at the helm of one of the university’s most critical departments during a pivotal time.
His responsibilities will include overseeing departmental operations, guiding academic programming, supporting faculty development, and maintaining momentum in ongoing research initiatives and strategic planning.
Research Focused on Sustainability and Innovation
An expert in sustainability science and systems modeling, Dr. Khanna’s research centers on life cycle assessment and the environmental impacts of emerging chemical and environmental technologies.
He has a longstanding affiliation with the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory, two research hubs at Pitt that focus on sustainable technologies and water systems, respectively.
Since 2017, Khanna has served as an editor for Resources, Conservation and Recycling, one of the leading international journals in the field of sustainable engineering.
His research has been recognized in prominent outlets including NSF Research News, NPR, and Inside Climate News.
Academic Credentials and Honors
Khanna earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from The Ohio State University and is a former National Academy of Sciences Graduate Fellow, an honor awarded to top doctoral students demonstrating outstanding potential in scientific research.
His academic excellence and commitment to sustainability have positioned him as a thought leader in the integration of environmental engineering and chemical systems design, areas increasingly central to addressing today’s global climate and infrastructure challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership
Khanna will succeed Radisav Vidic, a deeply respected figure in the department who is stepping down after more than two decades as chair.
Vidic’s leadership helped shape the department’s trajectory, fostering its growth into a nationally recognized program.
As Khanna steps into his new role, faculty and students alike are optimistic about the continuity and innovation he brings to the department.
