Dr. S. M. Shashidhar is an exceptionally seasoned and dedicated Engineering Professor with a distinguished career spanning teaching, research, academic leadership, and professional service. He is widely recognized for his ability to explain highly complex engineering theories and practical concepts in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner to both professional and non-professional audiences. Deeply committed to student development, he is known for offering learners his full attention, mentorship, and expertise to help advance their academic and professional goals.
Dr. Shashidhar received his early education at Kotturu. He earned his B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Government BDT College of Engineering, Davangere in 1985. He later completed his M.E. in Power Electronics from PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi in 1989, securing First Rank, reflecting his strong academic foundation.
He began his teaching career as a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering in the Department of Mineral Processing at Gulbarga University. Over the years, he built an extensive academic career across multiple institutions. He served at RYM Engineering College, Ballari for 16 years, contributing significantly to engineering education. He later worked as Professor and Head of the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering at Proudhadevaraya Institute of Technology (PDIT), Hosapete, where he played a key role in academic and institutional development.
Dr. Shashidhar also served as Principal of Proudhadevaraya Institute of Technology, Hosapete, during Oct 2014 – Feb 2015 and again from 2018 – 2022, providing leadership in academic administration, governance, and quality enhancement. He is currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Mineral Processing at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU), Ballari, continuing his contributions to interdisciplinary engineering education.
His research work focuses on VLSI / DSP-based Condition Monitoring of Induction Motors, pursued at SVU College of Engineering, Tirupati. He has authored and co-authored over 40 research papers published in reputed international journals and conferences. In addition to his research contributions, he actively serves as a reviewer for peer-reviewed technical journals, supporting scholarly quality and academic rigor. He has recently been appointed as the Honorary Editor of the International Journal of Research in Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (IJREECE).
Dr. Shashidhar has maintained strong engagement with professional and technical bodies. He is a member of IEEE and served as an Executive Committee Member of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), Bengaluru Chapter (2008–2010). He has also served as a Member of the Karnataka State Managing Committee of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) during 1996–1998 and 2009–2011. He is the Joint Secretary of Karnataka Jnana Vijnana Samithi, reflecting his long-standing interest in science popularization and public knowledge initiatives. Additionally, he is a Member of The Institution of Engineers (India) and served as the Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), Munirabad Local Centre (2023–2025).
Demonstrating his commitment to societal impact and energy awareness, Dr. Shashidhar authored a book titled “Saving Electricity”, published by Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi.
Beyond academics, his interests include freelance writing, reading, travelling, and popularizing science and technology. He is passionate about making complex technological ideas understandable and relevant to the general public.