[3][4] At Purdue University, Garimella was executive vice president for research and partnerships and the Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

In 2018, Garimella was appointed as a member of the National Science Board by the Trump Administration.

[7] He had received criticism for the university's plan to terminate select humanities programs which led to the creation of UVM United Against the Cuts, where over 3,000 people voiced their lack of confidence.

[8] His administration had faced pushback for its response to a Department of Education investigation into antisemitism on campus,[9][10] and over the cancellation of a planned guest lecture by Palestinian author Mohammed El-Kurd.

[11] On August 9, 2024, Dr. Garimella accepted the position of President of the University of Arizona.