Priyanka Thakur is an assistant professor-in-residence with a joint appointment in UNLV’s Honors College and Howard H Hughes College of Engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Wichita State University, where her research focused on intelligent control systems for automated hormone delivery. Her work brings together control systems, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering to develop safer, meal and exercise-aware artificial pancreas systems for people with Type 1 diabetes.

At UNLV, Thakur teaches engineering-focused sections of the Honors Orientation Seminar and contributes to instructional leadership education. She is passionate about helping students navigate the transition to college, explore the many pathways available within engineering, and connect technical knowledge with creativity, leadership, and real-world problem-solving. She strives to create an inclusive classroom where students feel supported, curious, and confident in their ability to grow.