Govind Gopakumar

Govind Gopakumar is an Associate Professor and Chair at the Centre for Engineering in Society within the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at Concordia University. He is also cross-appointed to the Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment and co-directs the Mobilities Hub at the Next-Generation Cities Institute. His work bridges Technology and Society, Urban Infrastructure, and Global Engineering, with a focus on Indian cities.

• PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2008)
• MSc in Energy and Environmental Policy from the University of Delaware
• MSc in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University
• B Tech in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kerala, India

His research explores the politics of urban infrastructure, particularly automobility and water supply in Indian cities, and examines interdisciplinary engineering education reform. He has published extensively in journals like International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Mobilities, and Water Alternatives. Key projects include the SHIFT Research Fellowship and a documentary Social Life of a Bus (2015), which critiques automobile-centric urban planning in Bengaluru.

• Recipient of National Science Foundation (USA) and SSHRC grants
• 2010 Robert Boguslaw Award for Technology and Humanism
• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Partnership Research Grant

He teaches core courses like Professional Practice and Responsibility and Development and Global Engineering, which are CEAB-accredited. He also led interdisciplinary student design challenges for inclusive public transit in Bengaluru and contributes to engineering policy frameworks for sustainable development.