Center for Faculty Excellence New Faculty Member Spotlight: Meet Irfan Ahmad Ganie

Purdue University Northwest’s Center for Faculty Excellence is pleased to introduce several new faculty members who have joined the university during the 2026-27 academic year.

Get to know more about Irfan Ahmad Ganie, assistant professor of Electrical Engineering!

Why did you choose PNW?

“I chose PNW because it offers an excellent environment to grow as an educator, mentor and researcher. I was excited by the opportunity to teach and work closely with students, build a strong research program in robotics, control systems and artificial intelligence (AI), collaborate with faculty across different disciplines and stay closer to my family.”

What are you most excited about in your first year?

“I am most excited about meeting my students, setting up my research lab and starting new research collaborations. I am also looking forward to teaching control systems courses and helping students connect the concepts they learn in class with real-world engineering applications.”

What challenges did you overcome as a student?

“Throughout my education, I experienced several major transitions, moving to different places in India and eventually to the United States to pursue my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Each move meant entering a new environment, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures and ways of life.

I was able to adapt well to these changes and became comfortable adjusting to new surroundings. These experiences strengthened my independence, confidence and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

They also taught me to approach change with an open mind, something that continues to shape the way I interact with and support my students today.”

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

“Don’t worry about having everything figured out. Stay curious, keep learning and don’t be afraid to take on challenging opportunities. Every experience, even the difficult ones, will help shape who you become, both personally and professionally.”