Arvind Raman
As of October 2026, Arvind Raman is director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and acting head of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), which develops AI testing and evaluation capabilities. A mechanical engineer by training, he joined Purdue University's faculty in 2000 and became dean of its engineering college in 2023. He became a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2012 and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2026. The Senate confirmed him in May 2026, and he was sworn in as the 18th NIST director in June 2026.
Timeline
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2000
Joining the Purdue faculty
He joins Purdue as an assistant professor in 2000. His degrees include a bachelor of technology from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His atomic force microscopy simulation tools reach thousands of researchers through the Purdue-led nanoHUB.
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2008–2012
A Purdue Faculty Scholar
He is named a Purdue University Faculty Scholar from 2008 to 2012. He becomes a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2012.
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2019–2023
Executive associate dean
He becomes executive associate dean of engineering in December 2019. In that role he leads faculty-recruiting activities and efforts to support the quality of academic programs.
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2023
Dean of Purdue Engineering
Purdue names him John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering in February 2023. He succeeds Mark Lundstrom, the interim dean since July 2022, and takes the post in April 2023.
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May 2026–June 2026
The 18th NIST director
The Senate confirms him in May 2026, and he is sworn in as the 18th director of NIST in June 2026.
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July 2026
Chris Fall steps down at CAISI
In July 2026, Chris Fall leaves the CAISI director role after three months in office. CAISI develops AI testing and evaluation capabilities and supports standards for advanced AI systems.
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2026
Fellow of the AAAS
He becomes a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2026.
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As of October 2026
Directing NIST and CAISI
He is NIST director, a post he takes up in June 2026, and acting head of CAISI. NIST’s research and standards work covers artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, manufacturing and biotechnology.
Sources and credits
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- Arvind Raman Confirmed as the 18th NIST Director | NIST
- Arvind Raman selected as the next dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering, the largest top-ranked program in the nation - News
- Arvind Raman Selected as New Dean of College of Engineering
- Chris Fall Steps Down as CAISI Director, NIST Chief Raman to Serve as Acting Head
- Director of Commerce Dept's Center for AI Standards and Innovation resigns after 3 months