Sushma Kotru, University of Alabama

Dr. Kotru is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alabama. Her research focuses on the development and characterization of advanced materials, particularly thin oxide films. She holds three U.S. patents and has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Kotru leads a highly productive research group specializing in ferroelectric and magnetic materials, with applications spanning photovoltaics, piezoelectric systems, infrared sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), power electronics, energy storage and harvesting, and wearable technologies for wellness. She is deeply committed to mentoring students and early career researchers, fostering both technical excellence and professional growth.

Dr. Kotru has mentored a diverse group of students, including women, international students, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Her mentorship emphasizes resilience, leadership, and innovation, and she actively integrates entrepreneurship into student training through programs such as Crimson Startup and NSF I-Corps. Her mentees have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, including founding a globally recognized international cybersecurity company. Actively engaged in AVS and student organizations, Dr. Kotru cultivates a culture of mentorship in which her students, in turn, mentor others, extending her impact across generations. Her dedication to education, innovation, and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of engineers and researchers while advancing the frontiers of functional materials and device technologies.