Dr. M.V. Krishna Rao is currently a Professor & Head of the Civil Engineering Department at AVN Institute of Engineering & Technology (Autonomous), RR District (TS). He obtained his B.E (Civil Engg) degree from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Formerly MACT, Bhopal (M.P). He holds M.Tech (Structural Engg) and Ph.D (Construction Management- Civil Engg) obtained from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and Osmania University, Hyderabad (Telangana) respectively. He is specialized in structural Engineering and Construction Management and has 52 papers to his credit in these areas published in National & International journals/conferences of repute. He has been into teaching for more than 34 years and his research interests include Alternative sustainable construction materials, Special concretes, Construction delays, Construction Safety, Contract Management and multi-criteria decision making. He is supervising four scholars for their doctoral degrees. He is a fellow of Institution of Engineers (India) and a life member of ICI & ISTE.

AVN Institute of Engineering and Technology

What motivated you to pursue a career in academia and take on the role of the Head of the Civil Engineering Department at AVN College ?

My motivation to pursue a career in academia stems from the disciplined and inspiring professors at the National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, who exemplified a balanced lifestyle. Their commitment to morning exercises and academic excellence influenced my decision to enter teaching, envisioning a positive impact on future civil engineering students. After superannuating from CBIT in April 2023, I discovered a faculty position opportunity at AVN College. The recommendation from CBIT's principal encouraged my interview attendance and subsequent selection. Accepting the Head of the Department role at AVN was driven by the prospect of contributing to the department's upliftment and development. This transition signifies a seamless continuation of my commitment to educational excellence, combining experience from CBIT with a new chapter at AVN College.

What is your vision for the civil engineering department at AVN College and how do you plan to achieve it?

The vision for the Civil Engineering Department at AVN College is centered on transforming it into a hub of excellence that significantly contributes to the built environment while safeguarding natural resources. To realize this vision, my approach emphasizes fostering a dynamic teaching-learning process at AVN. Encouraging students to undertake projects with societal significance is pivotal in shaping their role in societal development and nation-building. I aim to mold our students into contributors to a sustainable and better living environment for future generations. By advocating for the use of sustainable materials and technologies, incorporating alternative construction materials alongside traditional ones, we can ensure the preservation of resources for our successors. It is crucial to recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the present, emphasizing the prudent utilization of resources for the prosperity of generations to come. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of sustainable practices, ensuring a lasting impact on both the field of civil engineering and the world at large.

What measures and programs are in place to support the holistic development of students within the Civil Engineering Department, including academic, personal, and career growth?

In ensuring the holistic development of students within the Civil Engineering Department at AVN College, we have implemented a multifaceted approach. Academically, we go beyond traditional classroom teaching, incorporating guest lectures and field visits to provide a well-rounded educational experience. On the personal front, we have established a robust mentoring system within the institute. Mentors guide students not only in academics but also motivate them to explore their potential in both curricular and extracurricular activities. To bolster career growth, we've instituted a comprehensive Campus Recruitment Training (CRT) program. This program equips students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate interviews successfully, increasing their chances of securing placements in reputable organizations. By fostering a supportive and enriching environment encompassing academics, personal development, and career readiness, we aim to empower our students for success in both their academic journey and future professional endeavors.

How do you attract and retain experienced and qualified faculty members within the department, and what strategies are in place to ensure their professional development?

Addressing the recruitment and retention of experienced and qualified faculty members in our department involves a strategic and supportive administrative approach. Our administration prioritizes creating an environment that attracts and retains skilled professionals, fostering a sense of loyalty to both the institute and the department. To ensure ongoing professional development, faculty members are actively encouraged to pursue higher education. The institute supports this endeavor by facilitating access to relevant faculty development programs. Additionally, we incentivize and recognize faculty engagement in research activities and paper publications. Faculty members who publish in SCI Journals receive a commendable incentive of ₹8000, while those contributing to non-payment journals, like Scope of Index, are rewarded with ₹4000 per technical paper. These measures serve as both recognition and encouragement for faculty to continually enhance their qualifications, engage in research, and contribute valuable insights to their respective fields. The combination of these strategies contributes to the overall growth and expertise of our faculty members.

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What efforts has the department made to foster collaboration with the automotive industry, and how do these collaborations benefit students and the department as a whole?

In our strategic planning, we are actively exploring collaborations, particularly with the construction industry. Recognizing that the construction sector plays a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for our graduates upon completing their undergraduate degrees, we aim to establish meaningful partnerships in this domain. Through these collaborations, students will have the valuable opportunity to visit industry sites, gaining firsthand exposure to industry practices before embarking on their civil engineering careers. This proactive approach ensures that our students are well-prepared and acquainted with the industry landscape, ultimately enhancing their employability and success in the field. By focusing on collaborations with the construction industry, we seek to create a symbiotic relationship that not only benefits our students but also strengthens the department's connection with the practical aspects of civil engineering.

Could you highlight recent improvements in departmental infrastructure and laboratories that have enhanced the learning experience for students?

In terms of infrastructure, our department is equipped with essential facilities to support both undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs. Previously, our focus was on the postgraduate program in transportation engineering. Recently, we have made significant strides in enhancing our infrastructure by introducing specialized software for structural computation. This advanced software serves as a valuable resource for our BTech and final-year students, enabling them to conduct project work efficiently. The integration of such computational tools not only enriches the learning experience but also empowers students to explore and apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. This improvement reflects our commitment to providing a well-rounded and technologically adept environment, ensuring that students have access to the latest tools and resources to excel in their academic endeavors.

In your opinion, what are the primary challenges facing the field of Civil Engineering today, and how is the department addressing these challenges?

In my perspective, the primary challenge facing civil engineering today is the absence of regular notifications for the recruitment of civil engineering graduates, particularly in state departments. Unlike other sectors, such as IT, where recruitment notifications are frequent, the scarcity of opportunities in civil engineering leads to uncertainty and concern among our students. This situation often results in graduates accepting positions in the private sector at lower wages compared to their counterparts in other branches, impacting the overall preference for civil engineering. To address this challenge, our department is actively encouraging students to gain experience in the private sector. By fostering entrepreneurial initiatives and self-employment, we aim to empower our graduates to create employment opportunities for themselves and others. While the current scenario may pose challenges, I remain optimistic that civil engineering will regain its past glory in the future. I advise students to persevere, gain diverse experiences, and contribute to the resurgence of our field, ultimately shaping a positive trajectory for civil engineering in the coming years.

What advice would you offer to students and aspiring professionals interested in pursuing a career in Civil Engineering?

Certainly, it's a pertinent question. My advice to aspiring civil engineering graduates and those contemplating a career in this field is to maintain optimism and not be disheartened by the current challenges. Civil engineering is undergoing a temporary phase, and in the days to come, its glory and significance will undoubtedly rise. The essence of civil engineering lies in its indispensable role in shaping the world we live in. As long as the human race inhabits this planet, civil engineers will be instrumental in providing essential infrastructure for the growing population. From habitation and transportation to water supply and irrigation, the spectrum of responsibilities for civil engineers is vast. In every industry, the groundwork, quite literally, is laid by civil engineers. The significance of our profession cannot be overstated. While the current scenario may seem subdued, it's crucial to recognize that civil engineering is poised for resurgence. National plans allocate a substantial portion, over 50%, for the construction sector, which significantly contributes to the national GDP. I encourage all budding civil engineers to patiently await the restoration of our field's prominence. The time will come when civil engineering will once again dominate and thrive, offering rewarding opportunities for those who choose to pursue this noble profession.