Dr. Vijayakumar Bhagavatula

Professor

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Biography

Vijayakumar Bhagavatula received B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Since 1982, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he holds the U.A. & Helen Whitaker Professorship. His research interests include machine learning, computer vision, and biometric recognition, focusing on algorithms for matching live biometric images to stored templates, and improving detection methods in challenging conditions for connected vehicles. He has published extensively, including a book, over 22 book chapters, and more than 620 papers combined across conference and journal platforms. Besides his academic work, he has held various leadership roles such as Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of Carnegie Mellon University Africa. He has been recognized as a fellow by several prestigious organizations including IEEE and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.

Research Interests

Machine Learning Biometrics Computer Vision Signal Processing Data Storage Systems

Experience

U.A. & Helen Whitaker Professor

1991-09-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Director

2018-01-01 — 2021-12-31

Carnegie Mellon University Africa • Kigali, Rwanda

Director of the university's campus in Africa.

Interim Vice Provost for Research

2017-04-01 — 2017-12-31

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Oversaw university-wide research initiatives.

Associate Dean for Graduate Faculty Affairs

2010-07-01 — 2017-03-31

College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Managed graduate faculty affairs.

Interim Dean

2012-08-01 — 2012-12-31

College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Acted as the dean of the college.

Associate Department Head

1994-07-01 — 1996-06-30

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Managed departmental activities.

Associate Professor

1987-09-01 — 1991-08-31

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Taught courses and conducted research in his field.

Assistant Professor

1982-09-01 — 1987-08-31

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Initiated his academic career.

Awards

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Philip Dowd Fellowship

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Outstanding Faculty Award

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Faculty Service Award

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.