Professor Jonchhe Named Fulbright Grantee

Alfred State College Professor Yogendra (Yogi) Jonchhe,
Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, has been selected as a Fulbright
scholar grantee to Nepal.  He is the third Alfred State College professor
in the 60-year history of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship program
to receive this honor. (Earlier ASC recipients included Dr. Eunice Davis,
Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, 1992-93; and Professor William D.
Sheehan, Electrical Engineering Technology Department, 1991-92.)

Jonchhe's objective is to undertake a lecturing/research assignment with
Kathmandu University in Nepal, from Aug. 1-Dec. 30, 2009.  In addition to
teaching activities in the fields of mechanical, automotive, energy, and
emissions, Jonchhe also plans to work in curriculum review and development;
laboratory development; development of a 12+2 engineering science program at
Kathmandu University for transfer to upper division engineering programs in
U.S. institutions; development of study abroad programs for the students;
development of transfer and articulation agreement programs with various U.S.
institutions; develop a program encouraging the exchange of faculty, scholars,
ideas, and research works; explore online course offerings; conduct 
seminars, workshops, and talk programs; develop international collaborations
with various institutions worldwide; advise on Faculty Senate governance,
promotion, tenure, merit policies and procedures; explore applied research on
appropriate technologies; explore an interlibrary loan program; and explore
"Sister City" agreements.  

Jonchhe, a member of the Alfred State College faculty since 1982, received the
SUNY (State University of New York) Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award
in 1994 and was nominated for SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2008. In
1995, he was recognized by the National Institute of Staff and Organizational
Development (NISOD).  In 1993, Jonchhe was the recipient of SAE
International Teetor Educational Award. In 1991, Jonchhe was named the
Outstanding SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Faculty Adviser.  In his
homeland, he received the Mahendra-Ratna Award from His Majesty the King for
outstanding academic performance.

Jonchhe has undertaken similar assignments abroad.  In 1996-97, he served
as professor/consultant,
Institute of Technology Tun Hussein Onn (ITTHO) Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. This assignment was administered
through Alfred State College under contract from MUCIA (Midwestern Universities
Consortium in America) led by Purdue University with World Bank funding. The
assignment involved teaching, laboratory, and curriculum development.

Additionally,
Jonchhe also served in a similar capacity with the Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus as a U.N. Consultant to
the Engineering Education Project, Tribhuvan University, Nepal under UNDP
TOKTEN (Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals) Program in summer
1993.

In
1991, he led a group of faculty, staff, students, and community people on an
educational tour to Moscow, Leningrad, and Finland.  Jonchhe speaks five
languages fluently:  English, Russian, Hindi, Nepali, and Newari.  He
has earned certification as a qualified interpreter from Russian into English.

In his proposal, Jonchhe states, "I sincerely believe that I am familiar with
the education system in Nepal as I grew up in Bhaktapur/Kathmandu Nepal, went
to school and college in Nepal before I went to USSR for my engineering
education and then returned to Nepal. I worked as technical teacher,
Mechanical Training Center, Balaju under Tribhuvan University and Swiss
Development Corporation in Nepal, 1972-73. Later I also worked in the Royal
Nepal Army as a mechanical/automotive engineer while collaborating with
university campuses to train the technicians for the Army and also being the
member of Curriculum Committee of Institute of Engineering."

In the 29
years since Jonchhe settled in United States, he has visited Nepal
frequently.  "I have never lost my affinity toward Nepal and Nepalese
people and their culture. I have always considered myself the cultural
ambassador both in Nepal and the USA. I can read, write, and communicate well
with the people in Nepal, allowing me to be more effective in achieving my
goals although the medium of instruction in higher education in Nepal is
English for the most part.

"In the past, I have
visited Kathmandu University several times informally and have been very
impressed with the dedicated group of people and their progress and
accomplishment in a short period of time. I have always tried to help them as a
great well wisher."

Jonchhe
has always been actively involved in ABET accreditation, Engineering Science
External Review and Assessment processes; he was also involved in
the Professional Examination Review Course offered for engineers.

Jonchhe was the recipient of the Outstanding Research Activities Award from
SUNY, Colleges of Technology, and Research Council, based on his applied
research activities such as involvement in Gleasman Stepless Geared
Transmission research, development and testing, Electric Car Research Project,
diesel fuel additives research, ethanol blended fuels research, biodiesel fuel
analytical study, automotive emission research, and investigation of hydraulic
turbines.  He was the first recipient of this award from Alfred State College
in 1991. 

Jonchhe has been active with NYS Engineering Technology Association (NYSETA)
for the last 25 years attending semi-annual meetings. Alfred State College
hosted a very successful NYSETA meeting at Alfred State College in 2007 where
he served on the host committee and was responsible for securing the keynote
speaker, technical sessions, vendors, and industrial tours.

In November 2007 and October 2008, Jonchhe participated in the Interaction
Program with Hubert Humphrey Scholars from various countries through the
Cornell program, attending presentations and giving a tour of the Engineering
Laboratory Facilities.

Regarding his goals for his Fulbright interlude, Jonchhe notes, "It will
promote the spirit of global, international, and intercultural understanding,
as well as fellowship as per the mission of Fulbright scholar program."

Jonchhe holds an intermediate of science degree from Amrit Science College,
Nepal; a master of science degree in mechanical engineering (internal
combustion engines) from People's Friendship University, Moscow; and a master
of science degree in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University.

He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers International, the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Engineering
Education, and the Nepal Engineers'
Association.

For 60 years, Fulbright scholars have been advising
businesses, governments, and other organizations on a broad range of science
and technology issues.  Since its creation in 1946, the goal of the
exchange program has been to honor top scientists and promising young
professionals by providing opportunities to conduct research and share their
knowledge, while also serving a broader public interest - increasing
mutual understanding among nations.