U of I honors the legacy of internationally recognized scholar Prasanta K. Kalita
Prasanta K. Kalita, professor of agricultural and biological engineering in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences with a joint appointment in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, died on July 5.
Kalita joined the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in 1999 and devoted nearly 30 years to advancing research, educating students, and serving in leadership roles across the university. An internationally recognized expert in water resources engineering, he advanced research in sustainable water management, environmental protection, and food security. He had a true passion for enhancing the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, believing that everyone deserves food, nutrition, and water.
Kalita played a significant leadership role within the College of ACES. He served as assistant dean for research from 2012 to 2016 and associate dean for academic programs from 2016 to 2018, helping strengthen the college's research enterprise and academic programs. He also directed the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss from 2014 to 2017, leading efforts to reduce global food loss and strengthen food security.
His leadership and expertise were recognized across the University of Illinois System. Kalita was named a University of Illinois System Presidential Fellow, where he helped advance the Discovery Partners Institute by developing collaborative strategies to address food insecurity. Through this work, he brought together faculty, industry, and community partners to help translate research into real-world solutions.
"Whether he was working with collaborators around the world or mentoring students and colleagues here at Illinois, Prasanta believed our greatest breakthroughs happened when people came together to share knowledge and learn from one another," said College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero. "His enthusiasm for his work — and for the people he worked alongside — was infectious. He built lasting partnerships because he genuinely cared about improving lives, and his legacy lives on through the people and communities he touched."
Kalita authored more than 170 scholarly publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, technical reports, and conference proceedings. His contributions to engineering earned national and international recognition. He was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers. In 2020, he received the ASABE Kishida International Award for outstanding contributions to improving food and fiber production and education outside the U.S. He also received the Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement from the University of Illinois.
Kalita was named a University Distinguished Teacher-Scholar, one of the university's highest honors recognizing sustained excellence in teaching and scholarship. His dedication to students also earned the USDA National Award for Excellence in College and University Teaching, the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture National Teaching Award of Excellence, and the Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Award from the College of ACES. Students consistently recognized him as an excellent instructor throughout his career at Illinois.
Kalita earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India, a master's degree in agricultural engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand, and a doctorate in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University.
"With heavy and grateful hearts, we celebrate the lasting impact Prasanta made on our community, which extends from his dedicated research efforts, the enduring value of his teaching and mentorship capabilities, and his generous service to the institution," said Rashid Bashir, dean of The Grainger College of Engineering. “He was a leader adept at connecting people to initiatives and concepts that drove purposeful work, fueling the passion of students, faculty, and staff who worked alongside him. The U. of I. community is greater because of Prasanta and will continue to strive to make the world a better place for all.”
A memorial service celebrating Kalita's life will be held Monday, October 26, at 5 p.m. in Foellinger Auditorium.