LOWELL, Mass. – Pradeep Kurup, a University of Massachusetts Lowell professor who is the developer of an innovative electronic “nose” that can sniff for traces of TNT and other explosives, was named distinguished university professor, the highest distinction bestowed on a faculty member.

The honor recognizes Kurup, a professor of civil and environmental engineering for 17 years, for his teaching, research and service to the university. As part of his appointment, Kurup will deliver the annual distinguished university professor lecture on a topic related to his research during the spring semester.

A campus reception was held to honor Kurup, who is a resident of Nashua.

In addition to the electronic “nose,” Kurup’s research includes the development of an electronic “tongue” that can detect and identify traces of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic. He has secured more than $3 million in research grants and his work has been published widely, with more than 65 papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and conference proceedings.

Kurup is a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Career Award for his innovative research and scientific leadership and UMass Lowell’s department of civil and environmental engineering’s Teaching Excellence Award.

“Professor Kurup has been lauded by his peers and students for his exemplary teaching, for nationally and internationally acclaimed research, and for outstanding service to the university community and to his profession,” said UMass Lowell Provost Ahmed Abdelal, leader of the
university’s academic affairs. “He is
superbly qualified to be honored as the next distinguished university professor.”

Professor Clifford Bruell, chairman of UMass Lowell’s department of civil and environmental engineering, nominated Kurup for the honor.

“Dr. Kurup is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher who cares deeply about student learning,” Bruell said. “He has been successful in creating and sustaining an effective environment for learning of the highest quality and in integrating research and education.”

“I feel overwhelmed and surprised by this great honor. It’s a dream come true for me,” said Kurup, who holds three degrees in civil engineering: a bachelor’s from the University of Kerala, a master’s from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras and a doctorate from Louisiana State University.

Kurup’s term as distinguished university professor will run from through August 2017. Other current honorees include professor Stephen McCarthy, of the department of plastics engineering, whose appointment runs through 2015, and professor Laura Punnett, of the department of work environment, whose appointment concludes in 2016.