Oswego State physics professor Alok Kumar received one of the SUNY system’s highest honors. On Nov. 10, Kumar was one of eight faculty in the SUNY system recognized as a Distinguished Teaching Professor by the SUNY board of trustees.
Kumar has been recognized internationally by peers for his numerous contributions to teaching. He is a distinguished translator of ancient texts and a historian of the evolution of medieval science. Kumar received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Meerut University in India and a Ph.D. from Kanpur University in India.
“He is an extraordinarily productive member of the SUNY Oswego faculty, regularly teaches full course loads that include as many as four unique preparations, often for courses in the first iteration,” according to a SUNY press release.
Kumar is grateful for his family, students and colleagues for their role in his success.
“I give credit to the support system I have around me for this achievement,” Kumar said. “I credit my family for taking pride in my academic endeavors and supporting me completely. I credit my students who ask relevant questions to allow me to reach the limits of my rationale and intuitive thinking, assist me in my scholarship [and] keep me up to date with current literature. I credit my colleagues from Oswego and elsewhere who collaborate, challenge and assist me. All my successes are a result of my interactions with these people.”
Kumar particularly credits Ronald Brown, a physics professor, and John Smith, a communication studies professor.
“[Brown and Smith] always served as a bouncing board for my ideas and assisted me,” Kumar said. “My interactions with them have played a crucial role in my success.”
Kumar starting working at Oswego State in 1992 as an assistant professor and has spent the last 24 years teaching multiple physics classes.
Kumar has also served as a principal investigator on many research projects that have advanced the science of physics. He has written many articles on topics such as atomic physics, chemical physics and science education.
“I like to design experiments that are quite inexpensive and can be replicated around the world,” Kumar said. “I also like to explore non-Western contributions to science. Knowledge is the soul of a democracy. If our democratic society is to survive, we must develop an atmosphere conductive to multicultural education.”
In addition to research, Kumar has recently published two books.
He wrote a book titled “Sciences of the Ancient Hindus: Unlocking Nature in the Pursuit of Salvation” in 2014. In a review from Beth Dalton with Library Journal, Kumar is said to “succeed in his ambitious undertaking to link Hindu religion, culture, and history to significant scientific achievements.”
Kumar and co-author Scott Montgomery wrote “A History of Science in World Cultures: Voices of Knowledge” which was published in 2015. The book uses a broad range of case studies and examples to demonstrate that the scientific thought and method of the present day is deeply rooted in a pluricultural past.
According to Kumar, both books have done well in the market and as a result, he has received multiple invitations to write articles in magazines and newspapers.
“He sets a fine example for others through tireless service, award-winning performance as a master teacher, advisor and mentor,” the SUNY press release said. “He truly contributes to the ongoing success of the SUNY Oswego mission.”
Oswego State student Aedan Flaherty is currently in one of Kumar’s classes and said he is glad that Kumar was recognized by SUNY.
“I think [Kumar] is a great professor,” Flaherty said. “He presents information clearly and is very helpful to students when he is asked. He deserves the award.”
Since SUNY began the program in 1963, they have appointed 1,070 faculty to the distinguished ranks.
