Faculty

K.G. Janardan, professor, mathematics (1986-2005). Dr. Janardan, retired January 5, 2005, after 19 years of service to EMU. Dr. Janardan was instrumental in developing graduate and undergraduate concentrations in statistics at EMU and directed numerous master's degree projects and theses. He has published more than 100 articles, more than half of them during his tenure at the University. Dr. Janardan has received various honors, including EMU's 1995 Distinguished Faculty Award for Scholarly/Creative Activity. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Mysore and a master's degree in mathematics and a doctorate in statistics, both from Pennsylvania State University.

Whereas much of his work was theoretical, Janardan would very often collaborate with others – chemists, biologists, toxicologists, pharmacologists, engineers, gastroenterologists and radiologists – resulting in a variety of applied papers. “Whenever I consult, I learn that subject. I need to learn to speak the language of the people in that field,” says Dr. Janardan. He recalls once being asked to design an experiment for a company that made potato chips. They wanted to determine the factors that made the best chips. More often, his work was related to issues in the environment – determining techniques for sampling the water from rivers to develop an index for monitoring water quality by estimating the number of pollutants in water. Throughout his work solving applied problems, he would often need to develop statistical models and invariably new mathematics resulted as he worked through each problem.

Dr. Janardan is enjoying his retirement, although he misses his students. “It is very rewarding to hear from my students about how well they are doing and how good they felt by what they had learned in my class,” says Dr. Janardan.

Dr. Janardan often starts his day with prayer, Japa yoga, meditation and reading scriptures. He continues to write – still an important part of his life. He enjoys having more time to spend with his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren. He and his wife volunteer at their temple with Dr. Janardan doing the carpentry to create the ornate carvings on the altar.

Thank you, Dr. Janardan, for all of your contributions. You are missed.