The Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, celebrates Dr. Nagarani Ponakala on her promotion to the rank of Professor in the Department of Mathematics. The promotion recognises her excellence in research, academic leadership, postgraduate supervision, professional service, and her significant contributions to the advancement of mathematics regionally and internationally.
Professor Ponakala joined the Department of Mathematics in 2007 and has since built an outstanding academic career distinguished by scholarship, leadership, and service. Her research contributions span Physiological Fluid Dynamics, Advanced Mathematical Methods, Non-linear Boundary Value Problems, and Special Functions of Mathematical Physics. She has an impressive publication record in leading international journals, including Acta Mechanica, and her work has earned international recognition through invited lectures and conference presentations delivered in countries such as India, Canada, and Dubai. She continues to supervise research at multiple levels, and has guided PhD, MPhil, MSc, and undergraduate students successfully to completion.
Professor Ponakala’s contributions to research and scholarship have been recognised through numerous awards and honours. These include the Principal’s Research Award for Best Publication, the Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Education and Research, and the TWAS-CAS Young Scientist Award. In 2023, she was elected a Fellow of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences in recognition of her scholarly achievements and professional contributions.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Professor Ponakala has provided exceptional academic leadership within the Faculty as Head of the Department of Mathematics from 2017 to 2023. She initiated the UWI Math Forum and played an active role in the Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad, serving at times as Chairman and Deputy Chairman. She has also contributed to international STEM mentorship initiatives through the UNESCO–UWI Walking in Her Footsteps Programme.
Dr. Ponakala's appointment took effect March 2026. Congratulations Professor!
