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Lehigh names Vinod Namboodiri as health innovation chair
Namboodiri, whose work focuses on assistive and accessible computing, will hold the position for an initial five-year term.
Vinod Namboodiri / Lehigh University
Lehigh University has announced the appointment of Vinod Namboodiri as its first Ellen and Vincent Forlenza, endowed chair in health innovation and technology, a position aimed at advancing rehabilitative technology and accessibility research.
Namboodiri, a professor in the College of Health Innovation and Technology’s department of computer science and engineering, will serve his initial term for five years.
The position, established through a gift from Alum Ellen and Vincent Forlenza, aims to drive innovation in rehabilitative technology and expand the university’s Disability Independence research cluster.
Beth Dolan, dean of the college of health, cited Namboodiri’s expertise in computer science, engineering and community health as key qualifications for the role. “He doesn’t only have technical knowledge, but he knows how to work with communities of people that have a particular health need,” Dolan said.
Namboodiri leads the ‘Assistive and Accessible Computing Research Laboratory’, where he develops technologies to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. His work includes MABLE, a mobile navigation tool that provides accessible route guidance within indoor environments.
Commenting on his appointment, he said it will allow him to focus more on research and collaborations. “It’s recognition that you are doing good things, and they want you to continue,” he said.
Associate dean Won Choi said Namboodiri’s leadership will provide new research opportunities for students and faculty. “This will help him give opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students to be part of the team to advance and develop technologies. He is giving opportunities to faculty, not only in the College of Health, but other colleges to work together to have a greater impact.”
Namboodiri joined Lehigh in 2023, having previously held appointments as a full professor and associate director for research engagement at Wichita State University, and as an adjunct senior scientist at the Envision Research Institute.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, masters from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and bachelors from Gujrat University.
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