Dr. Rao began his technical education at the University of Bangalore, and began working life at the Central Machine Tool Institute of India. It is here that he became interested in research which led him to seek post graduate education. He developed an early interest in academe during teaching assignments at University of Wisconsin and at McMaster University in pursuit of his ME and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His first post-doctoral assignment was at Battelle Labs in Columbus Ohio, as a research scientist in metal working. Next came a tour in the manufacturing world, and for the next seven years at National Broach and Machine Company Dr. Rao progressed through many aspects of the Machine Tool business beginning as Director of Development, and completing his assignment as VP of Engineering.
In 1990 Dr. Rao moved to Washington DC, and joined the National Science Foundation on a temporary assignment. It is here, which fortunately for us, he came in contact with Penn State and in 1993 landed in the “Happy Valley”. It was there in State College that he and his wife raised their three lovely daughters over the next twenty plus years. This is also where he further distinguished himself in the power transmission world, beginning as Senior Scientist at the Applied Research Lab’s Drive Train Technology Center. He was able to continue his interest in developing the next generation of engineers as an Affiliate Professor in PSU’s department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
But for those of us in the Gear business, it was Rao’s role as the principle factor and facilitator, in the AGMA and ASME’s decision to move the Gear Research Institute (GRI) from Chicago to Penn State in 1996. His hard work and leadership has been the main impetus in the development of GRI as a leader in private and pre-competitive gear research.