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Newsmakers of the Week AUGUST 01, 2025 | The Indian Eye 34

Commenting on his appointment, Ambassador Sandhu said he was de-
lighted to join USISPF as Chairman of its Geopolitical Institute. He added that
the India-US relationship had evolved into a Comprehensive Global Strategic
Partnership, underpinned by shared values and vibrant people-to-people ties.
He also acknowledged USISPF’s role, under the leadership of Mukesh Aghi,
in forging deeper connections between governments, industry, academia, and
innovators in both countries, according to the release.
Under Ambassador Sandhu’s diplomatic stewardship, India and the Unit-
ed States witnessed deep collaboration across sectors like energy, critical and
emerging technology, education, space, and defense. As per the release, no-
table milestones during his tenure included Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
historic state visit to the U.S. in June 2023, President Joe Biden’s participation
in the G20 summit in New Delhi, and President Donald Trump’s first visit to
India in February 2020.

Dr. Kartik Balachandran

appointed Interim Associate

Dean at UoA

r. Kartik Balachandran, a sea-
soned professor of biomedical
Dengineering renowned for pi-
oneering microphysiological systems
such as organs-on-chips, has been ap-
pointed interim Associate Dean for
Research in the College of Engineer-
ing, effective July 16, 2025.
Balachandran joined the Univer-
sity of Arkansas (U of A) in 2012, im-
mediately after a postdoctoral fellow-
ship at Harvard University. He began
his studies in mechanical engineering but transitioned to biomedical engi-
neering in graduate school because of his interest in translational research
and biomedical devices that could improve patients’ lives.
His research focuses on building microphysiological systems — 3D organ
models engineered from human cells and tissues that mimic critical human
functions and are referred to informally as “organs-on-chips.” These models
are useful to study and understand biological mechanisms, including what hap-
pens when diseases, toxins or trauma interfere with them. These models are
also of increasing importance in pharmaceutical drug testing and development.
Balachandran said it’s an honor to be appointed to the role.

“I am very excited to work with the dean’s office and the college’s
research team toward advancing our college’s research mission
as we work toward our Vision 2035 strategic objectives,” he said.
“I look forward to strengthening our college’s efforts in promot-

ing innovative and collaborative research activities that can po-
tentially drive economic development in our state.”

College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy said Balachandran’s experience
as a researcher who has garnered substantial extramural funding and done
groundbreaking research into complex processes made him a perfect fit to
lead expansion of the college’s research efforts.
“I was so pleased when Kartik agreed to step into this role, and I’m con-
fident he will be a great adviser who can guide me and the faculty through
uncertain times regarding federal research funding,” she said.

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