It is a milestone for the Indian-American academic fraternity as Dr. Ganesh Thakur, a renowned petroleum engineering professor at the University of Houston (UH), has been named President of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST). The university has officially stated that Dr. Thakur assumed office in February 2025, as no other faculty member from UH has previously occupied the position. TAMEST is a highly respected academy with 350 members of the US National Academies and eight Nobel laureates, comprising the best researchers from top institutions such as UH, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, etc. The academy is distinguished by tackling actual problems through multidisciplinary approaches.

Addressing his appointment, Dr. Thakur said, "TAMEST brings together the best brains from UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and others to solve problems of this world." He also stated that he is deeply committed to increasing the profile of UH research nationally as well as facilitating cross-industry and academic collaboration in Texas. Dr. Thakur's term as TAMEST President will extend to 2027, through which he intends to make Houston a national hub for science and innovation. The subsequent TAMEST Annual Conference on the theme of climate change will be held in San Antonio in February 2026.

Who Is He?

Dr. Ganesh Thakur is an internationally renowned petroleum engineering and reservoir management expert. He was the 2012 SPE International President and holds membership in the US National Academy of Engineering. Throughout his 37-year tenure at Chevron Energy Technology Company, he held various leadership positions such as Vice President, Global Advisor, and Fellow. He is also Chief Petroleum Engineer/Advisor at Tachyus and Chief Technology Advisor to Geo-Park and YPF, besides his academic position in UH's Cullen College of Engineering.

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Dr. Thakur has a Ph.D. and M.S. in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering, and a M.A. in Mathematics from Pennsylvania State University. He also has a B.S. (Honors) in Petroleum Engineering from IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, where he stood first and was awarded a Gold Medal. He also has an MBA degree from Houston Baptist University. Dr. Thakur has also been an adjunct professor at King Saud University and worked with Aramco, highlighting his international impact in petroleum technology and reservoir dynamics. His portfolio is well-stocked with several scientific publications and research papers, reinforcing his position as an energy sector thought leader.

Speaking on the appointment, Pradeep Sharma, Dean of Cullen College of Engineering, stated, "Ganesh's leadership will bring well-deserved attention to UH's faculty and research excellence."

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