Prof. (Dr) Maneek Kumar is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SOET). He has earned his UG, PG and Ph. D degrees in Civil Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala. His Ph. D research was on Reliability-based design of Structural Elements. His major research interests include reliability-based design, retrofitting and rehabilitation, and Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). He works on probabilistic and reliability models, neuro-computing and optimization techniques in concrete and reinforced concrete design.
With a teaching and research experience of more than 30 years now, he has been one of the most sought after teachers at Thapar Institute. He has taught courses on Mechanics and Strength of Materials to all disciplines of engineering. He was amongst the youngest to become a Professor at the age of 34 years.
On administration front, Prof. Maneek has been a Director of STEAM & Quality at the DIT University for near to one and a half years. During his tenure of near to 27 years at Thapar Institute, Patiala, Prof. Maneek led the Faculty of Civil Engineering for 6 years and also served as the Dean of Student Affairs for a period from 2014 till 2020. At this position, he brought in several reforms for enhanced student experience and satisfaction, better student living, and increased student participation in co-curricular and sports activities. He has also served as the Professor-In- Charge of Alumni Relations and has established strong networks with one of the oldest alumni bases in the country. He also has led his institute towards NAAC, NBA and ABET accreditations and NIRF rankings. At the national level, he serves on various committees of NAAC, NBA and AICTE in the country.
Maneek is a sports freak and his day usually begins with a game of badminton. In his spare time he enjoys writing poetry, reading books and listening to music specially ghazals by Jagjit Singh.