R. Chandrasekaran

Dr. R. Chandrasekaran serves as Professor of Computer Science and Ashbel Smith Professor at UT Dallas' Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, holding appointments in both the engineering and management schools since joining the university in 1975 (transitioning to engineering in 1999).

His educational background includes a bachelor's degree with honors in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and a PhD in operations research from UC Berkeley.

Specializing in mathematical modeling for decision-making, his research bridges theoretical rigor with industrial applications across sports analytics (NFL player matching and game scheduling), retail logistics (grocery store location optimization), and telecommunications (satellite network design). He emphasizes solving complex problems through novel intellectual frameworks that yield enduring contributions.

His honors include the prestigious Ashbel Smith Professorship, named after the 'father of The University of Texas' and first UT System Board of Regents president.

As an educator with over four decades of experience, Chandrasekaran has mentored multiple generations of students—some now retired faculty members—and maintains that only those with genuine teaching passion belong in academia. Despite contemplating retirement due to physical constraints, he plans to continue teaching advanced research-focused courses to maintain intellectual engagement.