Bina Ramamurthy receives Fulbright Scholar Award

By Elizabeth Egan

Bina Ramamurthy, professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has received the prestigious Fulbright Scholar award to study and teach abroad.

The Fulbright program, coordinated by the United States Department of State, is devoted to improving intercultural relations, diplomacy and competence between the people of the U.S. and other nations through educational exchange.

"UB is so proud of this year’s Fulbright Scholar recipients,” says Robert Granfield, vice provost for faculty affairs. “This prestigious recognition highlights that not only are UB faculty exceptional researchers and teachers, but they are strong international collaborators and colleagues who aim to make a global impact.”

Ramamurthy has spent the fall semester in Austria as a visiting professor at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, teaching and conducting research on blockchain-based systems.

“Professionally, being selected for a Fulbright Scholar award by two independent Fulbright commissions of experts from the United States and Austria is a tremendous honor,” said Ramamurthy. “This recognition validates nearly a decade of my research, teaching, and global outreach on blockchain and cryptocurrency, and resultant Coursera online courses that have reached learners worldwide.”

Ramamurthy continued, “The fellowship offers an invaluable and unique opportunity to immerse myself in Austrian culture while exchanging knowledge and perspectives through direct engagement with Austrian people, institutions, and students.”

During her time in Austria, Ramamurthy said she has had the opportunity to explore and learn about the country's college-level educational system. She has also engaged with Austrian business leaders and visited other universities, including IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences, to connect with faculty and explore potential collaborations. Ramamurthy also had the opportunity to deliver a presentation at Secure Business Austria (SBA) Research, one of Austria's leading research centers for information security, titled, “Blockchain's Next Decade: Privacy, Scalability, and a Path to Practical Decentralization."

“My goal is to develop this knowledge and connection with educators and students so that the collaboration continues and mutually benefits the U.S. and Austria beyond the Fulbright period of one semester,” said Ramamurthy.

While working at the university, Ramamurthy has been living in Vienna and commuting to St. Pölten by high-speed train, a routine that she noted has given her firsthand experience of Austria's public transportation infrastructure. When she is not in the classroom or engaging in research on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance, Ramamurthy said she has been enjoying exploring Vienna’s vibrant music scene, attending local sporting events, visiting historic churches, experiencing Vienna's Christmas markets, and viewing the stunning alpine scenery.

Ramamurthy is an expert on blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital assets, tokenization of assets and data-intensive computing. As the director of UB’s Blockchain ThinkLab, she has worked extensively on these emerging technologies. She has developed a successful series of massive open online courses on blockchain technology that has reached thousands of global learners. She is the author of “Blockchain in Action,” which introduces fundamental blockchain principles and teaches users to build blockchain-based decentralized applications.

Her most recent work includes a series of online courses focused on decentralized finance. She also teaches a course on the subject, and recently published a book titled “Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Decentralized Finance Systems: Concepts and Applications.”

Ramamurthy earned her PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University at Buffalo and her master’s degree in computer science from Wichita State University, Kansas.

UB faculty members Shermali Gunawardena, Barbara Prinari, Adrian Rodriguez-Riccelli, Hua “Helen” Wang and Hao Zeng are also 2025 recipients of the award.

The Office of Faculty Affairs supports applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. UB faculty interested in learning more about the program can contact Maria Almanza, director of faculty recognition, or Tilman Baumstark, UB Fulbright liaison and associate vice provost for faculty affairs.