May 23, 2026 Ramanathan named ECE Interim Chair Written By: Allyson Crowley Departments: Electrical & Computer Engineering Categories: Community|Faculty The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomes a familiar and accomplished leader to serve as interim department chair. Effective May 25, 2026, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Parmesh Ramanathan begins a one-year appointment as interim chair while the department conducts a national search for the position. Parmesh Ramanathan speaks to ECE PhD student Olivia D’Souza at the recent ECE Graduate Student Research Symposium Ramanathan brings decades of experience in research, teaching and academic leadership to the role. He joined UW–Madison in fall 1989 as an assistant professor and has been a member of the department for more than 35 years. Ramanathan has built a distinguished research career, leading projects spanning ultrafast networks, millimeter-wave wireless networks, smart electric grid technologies and, more recently, genomic networks. His long-standing commitment to ECE includes previous service as department chair from 2005 to 2009. In addition to his leadership within the department, Ramanathan has served the university in several important roles. From 2017 to 2024, he was associate dean for graduate education in the Graduate School, where he helped support graduate education and student success across campus. He also holds affiliations with the Department of Computer Sciences and the Genomic Sciences Training Program. A professor of electrical and computer engineering, Ramanathan was awarded a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship in 2018 as recognition of his distinguished scholarship and excellence in teaching and service. As interim chair, Ramanathan will help guide the department through the coming year while continuing its strong tradition of excellence in education, research and service.