Dr. A Vanathi currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Aditya Engineering College, Surampalem. She received her undergraduate degree from Bharadhidasan University and her postgraduate degree from Anna University. Thereafter, she received her doctoral degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Acharya Nagarjuna University. Dr. Vanathi has around 20 years of experience in teaching and has published many research works in peer reviewed journals, patents and book chapters in her area of interest. She has also presented papers at various international/national conferences. She qualified for the NTA NET, AP and TN SET exams. She has received the “Uttam Adhiyapika Award “from the Bharat Education Excellence Award and the “Maa Saraswati Award” for motivating students towards better placements. She is also a recipient of the NPTEL Discipline Star for completing the maximum number of online courses and a life member of CSI and ISTE. Her research interests include IoT, Machine Learning, Data Science, Network Security, Wireless networks, etc.

Aditya Engineering College

Being a HOD of CSE Dept., what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the HOD for the Computer Science and Engineering department, there are several key roles and responsibilities I have towards the students. The responsibilities include guidance in academic excellence, placement training, technical training, knowledge enhancement in trending technology, and various technical activities organised for the students to inculcate multi-disciplinary skills in them along with their academic activities. Regular feedback is taken from them regarding the academic activities and the necessary suggestions are provided for them. The students are encouraged to participate in the research activities. Their main projects are converted into research papers and submitted for publication in the conference or research paper. This helps the students excel in continuous education and professional development.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

As a HoD, I try to be open or available for the staff and students’ queries. I am a patient listener to their queries and issues. For students, I mentor them during their academic activities and appreciate them for all their achievements, along with motivating them towards their careers. We also organise various events towards their technical advancements. For staff, I encourage them to their qualifications upgrade and motivate them towards research and funding activities

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

To bring a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects, we organise guest lectures by eminent industry experts on recent technologies. We also organise field visits to understand the practical implementation of the subjects and arrange workshops on emerging technologies to make them industry-ready. We also believe in encouraging them to complete various certifications on a global platform.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain necessary skills?

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, academic departments play a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in their chosen fields. We offer hands-on practice in practical sessions and projects on societal benefits, along with internships to experience the industry environment. We also have career counselling, guest lectures by industry experts, mentorship programs, professional body activities, extracurricular activities and guided research applications. We also have regular workshops on recent technologies, a feedback mechanism in place and foster alumni engagement.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

The curriculum is updated based on the employer, alumni, and teachers' feedback on the existing curriculum. Industry requirements and the feasibility of higher studies are also considered to recognise the qualification globally. It is ensured to include all courses specified in the GATE syllabus. The department has a strong Board of Studies consisting of eminent persons from various reputed institutions like IISC, XIME and JNTUK. With their suggestions, the curriculum is well-prepared and greatly benefits the student's community to become industry ready. The curriculum is updated regularly, every two years. Care is taken to ensure the curriculum is in line with the AICTE and APSCHE guidelines.

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What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department how does your department prepare students for Higher education?

For placements and higher education, there must be proper preparation beforehand. We conduct various technical trainings for the students, encourage them to complete global certifications and conduct mock interviews and aptitude tests. We also help them prepare interactive resumes, motivate them to compete in coding competitions conducted on various global platforms, arrange guest lectures from industry experts and facilitate internship opportunities. We take care to maintain a strong alumni network for job referrals and ensure a well-equipped library and digital resources. We maintain a dedicated placement cell, establish relationships with companies for recruitment drives, and organise campus placement events.

How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

Helping students cope with high competition in the outside world is crucial for their success and well-being. For that, we have established mentorship programs where experienced faculty or alumni guide students through academic and career challenges. Offer workshops and courses that focus on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem solving, which are essential for success in competitive environments. We also provide resources and support for stress management and mental health, including counseling services, workshops on stress reduction, and awareness campaigns.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

At the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Aditya Engineering College, we believe in the holistic development of our students. Beyond the classroom, we are dedicated to providing a dynamic and enriching learning experience that goes far beyond traditional academics. Our range of extracurricular activities and programs is designed to empower our students with practical skills, expose them to real-world challenges, and foster their personal and professional growth. We have events like "Paint Your Dreams" to foster creativity and expression; coding competitions to help students develop technical skills; technical quizzes to promote knowledge in the field; and poster presentations to enhance communication and presentation abilities. We also have singing events that provide a platform for artistic expression and a Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) which encourages Peer Learning and offers workshops and guest lectures to keep students updated with the latest trends in technology.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

As the Head of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at Aditya Engineering College, we have encountered several challenges in our efforts to uplift the quality of education. Ensuring that our faculty members are up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and teaching methodologies is an ongoing challenge. Faculty development programs and access to resources are essential. Attracting and retaining talented faculty members can be a challenge, especially when there's high competition among educational institutions. Encouraging active student participation and engagement in the learning process is challenging, especially with the increasing distractions and demands on students' time. Establishing and maintaining strong ties with the industry for internships, placements, and collaborative projects can be a continuous effort.

When you came to college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same? 

The objective is to establish the department as centre of excellence in the computing field. We can achieve this goal through effective curriculum implementation with industry needs, collaborations with various MNCs and professional societies and upgrading the resources required on a curriculum basis. We also need to inculcate research activities among students and staff, foster strong alumni interactions, encourage students to undergo internships, and motivate them to complete global certifications.