Dr. Pullagura Indira Priyadarsini, Professor and Head of the Dept. of Data Science & Cyber security completed a Doctor of Philosophy from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur in the year 2015. She had 17 years of teaching experience. She has published more than 20 research articles in Scopus-indexed and various international journals. She has conducted various conferences and workshops and acted as a convener. She has guided nearly 80 projects at the B.Tech and M.Tech levels. She acted as a Reviewer for “The International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Data Engineering (ICCIDE-2017), (ICCIDE-2018), and the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Trends and Pattern Recognition (ICAITPR2022) and various international journals. She has served as IQAC coordinator and Board of Examiners (BOE) in the various reputed Engineering colleges. She completed her M.Tech (CSE) from Koneru Lakshmaiah College of Engineering. She completed her B.Tech from RVR & JC College of Engineering. She had an excellent academic record and was a GATE scorer. Her research interests are Network Security, Machine Learning, and Soft Computing.

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Could you kindly provide an overview of your role and responsibilities as the Head of the Computer Science and Data Science Department at AVN College?

As the Head of the Computer Science and Data Science Department (CSE-DS) at AVN College, my primary role is to provide academic leadership, ensuring excellence in all department activities. I lead, manage, and develop the department, fostering a positive and effective environment for skilled education. Managing and motivating staff, I prioritize maintaining discipline among students and faculty. I oversee the department’s smooth functioning, regularly updating the curriculum to align with industry standards. I am committed to enhancing the educational experience by integrating industry internships and value-added courses into the B.Tech program. Collaborating with the Principal, I attend meetings, providing insights into departmental activities. I appoint class committees, advisors, and faculty to create a student-centric approach to teaching and learning. In summary, my multifaceted role encompasses academic leadership, staff management, curriculum development, and creating an environment that encourages both discipline and innovation within the CSE-DS department at AVN College.

How do you facilitate effective communication and collaboration among the esteemed faculty members within the CSE DS Department?

Effectively fostering communication and collaboration among esteemed faculty members within the CSE DS Department at AVN College is a priority. I employ clear and concise communication methods to ensure information is easily understood and shared. Active listening is integral, and understanding diverse perspectives enhances collaboration. Building strong relationships with faculty members cultivates trust and encourages open communication. Utilizing technology is crucial for seamless interaction. Platforms for virtual meetings, shared documents, and collaborative tools enhance communication efficiency. Being proactive in disseminating important information and updates promotes a proactive and engaged faculty.

What thoughtful strategies do you employ to ensure that the curriculum of the CSE DS programs remains current and aligned with the evolving trends in the industry? 

Ensuring the relevance and alignment of the CSE DS programs’ curriculum with evolving industry trends is a strategic priority. Adopting an outcome-based education approach is fundamental; it ensures that the curriculum is structured to meet the dynamic needs of the industry. Feedback from our alumni is actively sought, providing valuable insights into industry requirements and enabling continuous improvement in the education we provide to Computer Science and Data Science students. To stay abreast of technological advancements, a key strategy involves consistently expanding the knowledge base of our teachers. This includes providing opportunities for professional development, training, and exposure to emerging technologies. By equipping our faculty with the latest knowledge, we ensure that they, in turn, impart relevant and up-to-date information to our students.

How does the department respectfully support faculty in integrating emerging technologies and pedagogical innovations into their esteemed teaching methodologies?

The department is dedicated to respectfully supporting faculty in seamlessly integrating emerging technologies and pedagogical innovations into their esteemed teaching methodologies. We recognize that technology should complement, not replace, the pivotal role of teachers in the learning process. Our approach is highly focused on learning, emphasizing the significance of teachers while incorporating technology as a valuable tool. We ensure that the integration of emerging technologies is structured and well-designed, maintaining a high level of professionalism alongside promoting inquiry and autonomous learning among faculty members. This approach encourages a dynamic and innovative teaching environment. Recognizing the diversity among faculty members, our support is highly personalized and acutely sensitive to individual and group differences. We provide tailored feedback to guide and enhance the integration process, fostering an environment where faculty members feel empowered and equipped to embrace new technologies and pedagogical approaches.

May I enquire about any ongoing research projects or collaborations within the CSE DS Department and how they significantly contribute to the department’s esteemed academic and research goals?

Yes, we at the Department of CSE (DS) striving hard to excel the department with lot of research activities. Apart from that, two of our faculty has applied a project proposal in SERB.

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How do you encourage and support faculty members in their admirable pursuits of research activities, publications, and attendance at conferences within the dynamic fields of Computer Science and Data Science?

We provide Academic research incentives in various forms, including monetary rewards, gift cards, vouchers, and access to exclusive content, certificates, or other tangible and intangible benefits.

Could you kindly share information about any initiatives or programs within the CSE DS Department aimed at fostering student engagement, such as hackathons, coding competitions, or industry internships?

We conducted Coding competitions to encourage upgrading the students' programming skills. Students of III year have done industry internships in the summer vacation. We didn’t yet conducted Hackathons but our students have participated in Hackathons in other colleges.

How does the department respectfully address the challenges associated with maintaining up-to-date laboratory facilities and technological infrastructure within the CSE DS Department?

The CSE DS Department at AVN College addresses challenges in maintaining up-to-date laboratory facilities and technological infrastructure with a multifaceted approach. A Student Help Center staffed with knowledgeable personnel provides general assistance, while specialized Instructors in the Lab and support students in foundational courses. Peer assistance encourages collaborative problem-solving, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, faculty members actively engage in clarifying academic assignments, ensuring students receive comprehensive support. This combination of professional guidance, peer collaboration, and faculty involvement creates a respectful and effective support system, allowing students to navigate challenges associated with laboratory facilities and technological infrastructure while fostering a conducive learning environment within the department.

May I enquire about the department’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion among the highly valued students and faculty within the esteemed field of Computer Science and Data Science?

We indulge in various activities like diversity calendar celebrations, cooking lessons, and speaking sessions. These activities aim to recognize all faculties and students regardless of background, culture, and individual traits. Diversity and inclusion activities also foster team bonding while helping students retain diverse talents

How do you envision the future growth and development of the CSE DS Department at AVN College, and are there specific goals you aspire to achieve in the coming years?

I envision the future growth and development of the CSE DS Department at AVN College through a holistic approach encompassing various strategic goals. Our focus includes continuous curriculum enhancement to align with industry trends, fostering research and innovation with collaborations, strengthening industry connections for real-world exposure, and creating a supportive learning environment through student engagement and diverse initiatives. Additionally, we prioritize faculty development, invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, and promote global collaboration. A commitment to assessment and continuous improvement, coupled with strategic planning, ensures our long-term goals evolve in tandem with the dynamic landscape of computer science and data science education. Ultimately, we strive for a department that excels in academic excellence, research contributions, industry relevance, and the holistic development of our students and faculty.