Shekhar Garde is the Elaine S. and Jack S. Parker Chaired Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer.  His research focuses on understanding the role of water in biological systems using tools of molecular modeling and simulation. He has published over 60 articles. He has received several awards including the prestigious NSF CAREER Award (2001), School of Engineering Research Award (2003), and Rensselaer Early Career Award (2004).