University of Cincinnati
09/26/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2025 08:08
In Memoriam: Raj M. Manglik, PhD
In Memoriam: Raj M. Manglik, PhD
Mechanical engineering professor was known for his expertise in energy processes
By Lindsey Osterfeld Email LindseyEmail Lindsey
4 minute read September 26, 2025 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
Raj M. Manglik, PhD, was renowned for his contributions to the fields of heat transfer, thermal fluids, and energy systems.
Manglik, a professor in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, died in August. He was 72.
Raj M. Manglik. Photo/Corrie Mayer/CEAS Marketing + Communications
Since 1991, Manglik was a valued member of the UC community. He was a pioneer in the field of heat transfer, his work leading to transformative contributions in literature surrounding the concept. His recent work included the development of a more efficient and sustainable method to cool power plants. Manglik and Milind Jog, PhD, head of UC's Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, collaborated to develop an air-based cooling system, leading to the use of less water.
"I collaborated with Raj on many research projects. He was an excellent researcher who could identify patterns in data that others would miss. He did fundamental work and always had his eye toward practical applications of the results," Jog said.
At the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Manglik served as the director of the Thermal-Fluids and Thermal Processing Laboratory. Earlier this year, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) selected him as an honorary member, making him one of less than 200 ASME members worldwide to receive this honor.
"Raj's reputation in the thermal science community was well known, and although I hadn't met him before arriving at UC, I was familiar with his contributions to the field. Over the years, I learned countless lessons from Raj about both research and life. His presence will be missed both inside and outside of UC," said Kishan Bellur, assistant professor of materials engineering at UC.
In addition to his significant scientific work, Manglik was a dedicated educator and mentor to hundreds of students throughout his academic career. He served as a faculty mentor for dozens of master's and PhD candidates, supporting them throughout their UC journey.
"He was not only a brilliant researcher but also a generous mentor who guided with patience, wisdom, and kindness. His influence went far beyond academics - he shaped my way of thinking, and for that I will always remain grateful," said Sucharitha Rajendran, a former student.
Raj Manglik and Milind Jog collaborated on many projects together. Photo/University of Cincinnati Marketing + Communications
In decades at UC, he generated nearly $10 million in research grants and published more than 260 archival papers and technical reports. A highly decorated scientist, Manglik was the recipient of the National Science Foundation's inaugural CAREER Award in 1995, the ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award, the Donald Q. Kern Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the University of Cincinnati Award for Faculty Excellence, and multiple Distinguished Research Awards from CEAS.
"Raj was an incredible mentor and support for junior faculty in our department, especially those of us in the thermal-fluids group. He truly embodied his role of a senior faculty mentor, and I hope I can follow his example in supporting younger faculty as I become more senior myself," said Sarah Watzman, associate professor of mechanical engineering at UC.
He earned his bachelor's degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and later pursued graduate studies in the United States, completing his M.S. at Iowa State University and his PhD at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before entering academia, he worked for seven years as a design engineer at Triveni Turbines Limited.
Manglik is survived by his wife, Vandana, and their children, Aditi (Neil) and Animaesh (Alexa), and four grandchildren.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Featured image at top: UC is remembering Professor Raj M. Manglik. Photo/CEAS Marketing + Communications.
Tags
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering
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