Ramesh Sharma, an 85-year-old Indian American, achieved a remarkable milestone by earning a doctorate degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), on December 13, 2024.
“Growing up, we were told by our teachers and parents to do something constructive that could be useful for humanity or as an example for generations to come,” said Dr. Sharma, who lives in Fort Worth. “I really took that message to heart, so when I retired from my career as a mechanical engineer, I went back to school, first completing a master’s degree in 2014 and now a Ph.D. I took one class at a time, but I did it. I’m so happy to be able to keep the promise I made when I started school.”
Born in Narowal, now part of Pakistan, and raised in Ludhiana, India, Sharma completed his mechanical engineering degree at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 1967. After working in the civilian Indian naval forces for several years, he moved to the United States in 1976. His career took him across Texas, Michigan, and Connecticut before he settled in Fort Worth in 1986, according to a statement from UTA.
“I worked in various nuclear power plants as a stress engineer,” Sharma said. “I did well for myself, and my greatest desire was for my son and daughter to get the best educations they could, which they did. Once they were well-settled and I retired, my next goal was to enhance my own education.”
In 2007, Sharma started a master’s degree program in mechanical engineering, at the University of Texas at Arlington.
“Once I completed my master’s, I had a choice to do a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, but I chose to enhance my knowledge in math, in part because I was so impressed by Hristo Kojouharov and Benito Chen,” he said. “These two professors, along with Michaela Vancliff and Dimitar Grantcharov, helped me continue my studies and never let me get discouraged. Also, my advisor, Tuncay Atkosun, with his background in fluid mechanics involving math, was a very helpful teacher on this journey.”
“Ramesh has been an inspiration to all of us at UT Arlington with his desire and commitment to continue his education in his retirement when he could have been doing so many other activities that are far more relaxing than graduate school,” said Dr. Aktosun, Sharma’s program advisor and a professor of mathematics at UTA. “His unique work and life experiences brought insight to the research endeavors for all of us that had the chance to work with him. He’s earned it.”
“I echo Dr. Aktosun,” said Jianzhong Su, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at UTA. At the graduation event, Dr. Su will perform Sharma’s hooding—the moment when the person receiving the advanced degree has the regalia placed over their head by a significant faculty member, symbolizing their transition from a student to a scholar. “We are so proud of Ramesh for his hard work and dedication. We are happy to celebrate his success in attaining his doctoral degree in mathematics.”
Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife of 51 years and his family for their unwavering support throughout his academic journey. His wife proudly accompanied him on December 13th, when he received his diploma during UTA’s College of Science graduation ceremony.
“I am very thankful to UT Arlington for helping me fulfill a commitment that I made in my young life,” Sharma said. “Now if just one person can benefit from my research or my commitment to education, my goal has been completed.”
Sharma noted he will continue his educational journey through mentoring other students. “I have one student now that I’m helping with his studies,” he said. “It’s great to be able to give back.”
