Exciting Start to the Spring 2026 Semester at Binghamton University

The spring semester of 2026 has officially commenced at Binghamton University, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science is thrilled to showcase its notable accomplishments in education and research over the past year. With innovative projects, outstanding faculty, and promising student initiatives, the department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning environment that prepares students for future challenges in the field.

Introducing Our New ECE Chair

We are excited to introduce Professor Indranil Bhattacharya as the new chair of the ECE Department. Professor Bhattacharya made his way to Watson College from Tennessee Tech University, bringing along an impressive track record that spans over 20 years of academic expertise, leadership in multidisciplinary research, and a genuine commitment to enhancing both student success and faculty development. His extensive background in education will undoubtedly inspire both students and faculty alike.

Among Bhattacharya’s research interests are cutting-edge areas such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, dynamic wireless charging systems for electric vehicles, and advancements in power electronics and semiconductors. His remarkable ability to secure research funding is evidenced by the substantial support he has received from prominent organizations, including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Over the past seven years, these collaborations have not only advanced scientific understanding but also contributed to real-world technological advancements.

In addition to his research achievements, Bhattacharya has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Tennessee Tech’s highest faculty honor, the Centennial Scholar Mentor Award, and the University-Wide Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching. His expertise in building bridges between academia and industry partners—such as collaborations with Volkswagen USA, Nissan, and the TVA—underscores his dedication to addressing critical real-world challenges through applied research and hands-on learning.

Recognizing Distinguished Talent: Summerville Named Distinguished Professor

We are pleased to announce that Douglas H. Summerville, the former chair of the ECE Department, received the esteemed designation of SUNY distinguished teaching professor in 2025. This recognition reflects his outstanding contributions to education and his commitment to academic excellence.

Throughout his career, Summerville has authored over 50 journal and conference papers, in addition to co-authoring two widely-used textbooks focused on embedded systems design. He specializes in microcontroller systems, digital systems design, computer and network security, covert channels, and tamper detection—areas that are increasingly critical in our technology-driven world.

His dedication to teaching has not gone unnoticed; he has been awarded two prestigious State University of New York Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in both Faculty Service and Teaching. Additionally, he has received the Binghamton University Council/Foundation Award for Service to the University and numerous other teaching awards, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of the ECE Department.

Research Highlights: Achievements and Innovations

The impressiveness of the faculty’s research output is underscored by the recognition received from a Stanford University study assessing the impact of scientists in 2024. A remarkable 29 researchers from Binghamton University were acknowledged for their contributions, including three esteemed ECE faculty members: Professor Yu Chen, Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi, and Distinguished Professor Jessica Fridrich. Their inclusion among the top 2% of researchers worldwide is a testament to the innovative spirit and rigorous research environment fostered by the department.

In a notable achievement, Professor Chen was awarded $50,000 from the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) to advance his groundbreaking CerVaLens technology. This innovative tool employs environmental “fingerprints” and data analysis to identify and flag AI-generated content and deepfakes, underscoring the department’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in digital media authenticity.

Professor Choi has also garnered attention for his impactful research initiatives, highlighting the department’s collaborative spirit. Meanwhile, Professor Tara Dhakal has secured a substantial $254,737 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, aimed at exploring the long-term stability and environmental implications of solar cells, thus contributing to the sustainable energy landscape.

Celebrating Our Student Achievements

This semester, the department is proud to spotlight student accomplishments through a feature in Watson Review, where Ron Alweiss discussed his innovative work alongside Professor Choi. Together, they are developing a cutting-edge biosensor capable of detecting bacteria in the human mouth that can lead to cavities, showcasing a remarkable integration of engineering principles with health sciences.

Furthermore, Soumit Mondal has been selected as a member of the inaugural cohort of the Watson Future Faculty Fellows (WF3) Program. This unique initiative is designed to provide professional development and training to students aspiring to pursue successful academic careers, fostering the next generation of leaders in engineering and academia.

Enhancing Understanding with AI legalese decoder

In today’s fast-paced academic and research environment, navigating the complexities of legal agreements, research contracts, and funding applications can be daunting for both faculty and students. This is where tools like the AI legalese decoder can make a significant impact. By simplifying complex legal jargon into clear and understandable language, the AI legalese decoder aids researchers and students in comprehending essential documents crucial for their projects and endeavors. With its user-friendly interface and advanced algorithms, this tool enables users to focus on their research and academic pursuits without being bogged down by convoluted legalese.

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, members of the Binghamton University community can make informed decisions regarding their research initiatives, facilitating smoother collaborations and partnerships with industry professionals and funding agencies. This alignment with innovative resources exemplifies the department’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also to fostering an environment conducive to forward-thinking research and educational practices.