Alumnus Rao Surampalli elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE)

Iowa State University College of Engineering alumnus Rao Surampalli (’85 PhD civil engineering) has been elected a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of engineering.

“On behalf of the Cyclone Engineering community, I extend my sincere congratulations to Rao on this well-deserved honor,” said W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering. “Rao exemplifies the Iowa State engineering spirit of innovative problem-solving and positive impact. We are exceptionally proud to count him among our distinguished alumni. His outstanding career and contributions serve as an inspiration to future Cyclone Engineers to think boldly and pursue work that advances global progress.”

About Rao Surampalli

Surampalli is a renowned leader in environmental engineering who has a worldwide impact on social good and global sustainability.

Throughout his career, he has championed innovative technologies for resource and energy recovery, remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater, wastewater treatment and removal of emerging contaminants, toxicity reduction of nanotechnologies, and solid and hazardous waste management.

His contributions have strengthened technical capacity in 25 countries across six continents, and he has played a pivotal role in climate change mitigation and adaptation – driven by his lifelong mission to build a more sustainable society for global resilience.

After decades of service to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surampalli became the president, CEO, and chief technology officer of the Global Institute for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, which provides technical and research services to develop sustainable communities across the globe.

Surampalli has lent his extensive expertise and service to numerous organizations, ranging from distinguished visiting professorships at eight universities to editing or serving on the editorial boards of more than 10 journals, and serving on more than 75 national and international committees, panels, and review boards.

Surampalli’s impact on the field has been recognized with more than 30 national honors from professional organizations, including the highest awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Water Environment Federation, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the U.S. National Academy of Construction.

The next generations of environmental engineers have benefited from Surampalli’s work as a visiting professor and graduate studies advisor, ensuring that his exceptional mark on the field of environmental engineering will be felt for many decades to come.

Surampalli holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Oklahoma State University in addition to his degree from Iowa State. He is the author of over 800 refereed publications.

About NAE membership

NAE membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering practice, research, or education. It also recognizes “pioneering new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing and implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”

NAE members are among the world’s most accomplished engineers from business, academia, and government. Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation, offering leadership and insights for complex challenges.

Elected by their peers, the Class of 2026 members will be formally inducted during the NAE’s annual meeting in the fall.