Dr. Chelakara obtained his Ph. D in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996, under the tutelage of several highly accomplished academicians, many of whom are elected to the elite National Academy of Engineers. During this time, Dr. Chelakara’s dissertation work resulted in several important papers related to the development of current LED technology and demonstrated the shortest wavelength continuous wave laser at that time. Dr. Chelakara now works as a senior manager at Raytheon Technologies where he works on critical defense technologies. Ram loves advocating STEM education to high-schoolers and undergraduates alike. He has been a judge and panelist at several undergraduate research conferences at University of Notre Dame and the Semiconductor Research Symposium (SRC). He is also a mentor at the on-site ‘Stand and Deliver’ program for Lawrence middle school students. Ram discovered the joy of meditation in improving the quality of life and his passion for the past 20 years has been spreading the knowledge of these through his volunteer work through the Art of Living Foundation.  He is an experienced instructor and has taught thousands of people from all walks of life – from kids in inner schools to corporate executives and in the community. Ram’s hobbies include playing tennis, hiking and meditating.