MCC Daily Tribune
MCC Proud: Meet Christopher Kumar
Christopher Kumar has worked at Monroe Community College (MCC) for sixteen years. He currently occupies two roles within the Engineering Science & Physics Department. As the chair, he supports faculty and staff in fulfilling their objectives and serves as the department's administrator, overseeing essential managerial responsibilities.
“My role includes promoting the academic curriculum, fostering student success, and upholding the standards of the discipline,” he said. “Additionally, I advocate for the department's missions to both the administration and the wider community.”
Kumar is also a faculty member responsible for teaching engineering and capstone courses.
When asked how he became interested in this line of work, Kumar described “being inquisitive in learning and figuring out how things are interconnected and function impeccably”.
During his time at MCC, Kumar has received several grants, including a $1M National Science Foundation grant awarded with the Rochester Institute of Technology. The grant will allow the Engineering Science & Physics Department (and the institution) to create access to an emerging technology career for diverse learners through experiential learning opportunities. Moreover, it will allow STEM students an additional option to explore in the emerging STEM education.
A second National Science Foundation grant, led by partner institutions Clarkson University and University of Rochester, allowed MCC engineering students to conduct Undergraduate Research Experiences at their schools.
Kumar also received a Semiconductor Training Initiative grant where he will serve as a member of the project design team, representing the engineering and physics courses that offer academic credit.
Internally, Kumar has received multiple grants to renovate classrooms, laboratory rooms, and the department learning center. He also received funds to upgrade experiment/data collection equipment and classroom furniture.
“It was greatly needed for the engineering students to have industry and transfer institution standard devices as well as an environment to study projects that are comparable to real field applications,” he said.
Additionally, Kumar was awarded grant funding over the period of two years to convert Statics (ENR 251) and Mechanics of Materials (ENR 256) from passive, lecture-based learning environments into dynamic, project-based courses.
Lastly, Kumar received a Xerox STEM grant and an MCC Foundation annual grant for the MCC Student Unmanned Aerial Systems team.
Along with grants, Kumar has received several accolades, including the MCC Emerging Excellence award honoring those who have gone above and beyond to make the college a better place to learn and work. He was also nominated for the MCC Hall of Fame Award.
Kumar was even acknowledged at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Competition, the SUNY annual undergraduate research conference, the SUNY Two-Year Engineering Science Association Conference and MCC Scholars’ Day for the engineering project he led.
Looking back on his time at MCC, Kumar has several fond memories, including his first year teaching the Engineering Design Lab/capstone course. Kumar coached and supervised engineering students through this pivotal class (prior to their graduation) characterized by open-ended projects, requiring students to collaborate in teams of four.
“It presents significant challenges for both students and faculty alike,” said Kumar. “As an instructor, it is crucial to strike a balance between providing support and fostering students' confidence in their ability to work autonomously.”
Qualified teams have the opportunity to participate in the national competition organized by the ASEE.
Kumar specifically recalled one student (Bill) who initially doubted his ability to complete the project. His team narrowly qualified for one of the four slots to attend the national competition. Despite these challenges, Bill continued to enhance his robot's design and coding. On the day of the competition, MCC faced off against both four-year and two-year colleges. After three MCC teams had completed their runs without success, it was time for Bill's team. The room fell silent as his robot executed a flawless run, leaving everyone speechless.
“I take immense pride in what our students can achieve, surpassing even the most ambitious expectations,” said Kumar.
When asked what suggestions he would give current students, Kumar said, “Learn how to manage your time and work effectively. Don’t be afraid to fail and take risks in your life. Advance your social skills and understand how to manage personal finances.” Students considering enrolling in the engineering program are encouraged to take as many Mathematics and Physics courses as possible in high school.
Christopher Kumar is an MCC alumnus, earning his Associates Degree in Engineering Science. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics at Rangoon University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He returned to the University of Rochester to earn his Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
He also has an Accounting Certificate from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Fun Facts About Christoper::
Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Christopher: Fruit/vegetable/tofu/honey shake
Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
Christopher: Matrix
Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
Christopher: English football team – Manchester United
Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Christopher: I enjoy dancing and listening to chanting/classical music
Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Christopher: Mahatma Gandhi
Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
Christopher: Waking up early
Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Christopher: It’s now or never
Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Christopher: India – country side
Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Christopher: Yoga and hiking
Photo caption: Head and shoulder shot of Christopher Kumar smiling directly into the camera. He is shown standing outside, wearing a light blue button-down-shirt and dark grey blazer.
Attached Files:
Kumar_Christopher_photo.jpg
Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
04/23/2025