The College of Engineering announces with sadness the passing of Professor Harsh Chopra, a respected scholar, educator, and former chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18 2025, surrounded by family. 

Professor Chopra earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Maryland in 1993 and devoted his career to advancing fundamental and applied research in materials science. His work focused on the emergence of physical properties: magnetic, mechanical, transport, and magnetoelastic, across length scales ranging from single atoms and atomic chains to the mesoscale, bridging quantum and classical behavior. Through this research, he made significant contributions to the development of functional materials for sensing and actuation, with particular emphasis on magnetism, micromagnetics, domain imaging, non-Joulian magnetostriction, spintronics, and multiferroic materials. 

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Professor Chopra was a dedicated teacher and mentor, deeply committed to his students and to the academic mission of the College. He also served the institution with distinction as department chair from 2014 to 2017, providing thoughtful leadership during a period of transition and growth. 

A private funeral service was held with family members. Professor Chopra will be remembered by colleagues and students for his intellectual contributions, professionalism, and lasting impact on the academic community.