College of Health Appointments Inaugural Ellen and Vincent Forlenza '75 Endowed Chair

“Dr. Namboodiri is an interdisciplinary scholar and visionary leader whose work advances research that drives innovation in technology toward improvements for people with disabilities,” Hoelscher said. “I believe that Vinod will bring to bear the full weight of his experience, expertise, personal awareness and commitment to sustainability in improving the lives of those living with disabilities through technology as the inaugural Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75 Endowed Chair.”

Namboodiri joined Lehigh in 2023 as a professor of community & population health in the College of Health, and professor of computer science & engineering in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

He actively contributes to both colleges in research, service, mentoring and teaching. He teaches courses in statistical learning, assistive technologies, human-computer interaction, accessible computing and computer networks. Namboodiri is the principal investigator on past and ongoing large projects with the National Science Foundation, has both established and emerging community partnerships, and has a funding record that includes federal and foundational funding with the potential for funding from the private sector.

“Dr. Namboodiri is the perfect faculty member to hold this inaugural chair,” Dolan said. “His work in developing life changing assistive technology with community input aligns with the Forlenza's early vision for health technology and innovation as a differentiating aspect of the College of Health's identity. In this position, Dr. Namboodiri will grow research and education in this area not only for the College of Health, but across Lehigh.”

For more information about the College of Health, and its mission to promote health equity, please visit their website.

Story by Jessica Jackson.