Mr. Satyajeet Parida, Head of the Department, of Mining Engineering at Aditya Engineering College, holds a master’s degree (M.Tech.) from the esteemed National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal. Mr. Parida has accumulated 8 years of teaching experience, and 2 years of hands-on experience in the industrial sector. His research focus lies in the application of Machine Learning techniques in the context of mining engineering, he has authored and published 13 high-impact research papers.

Aditya Engineering College

Being a HOD of the Mining Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the Head of the Department (HOD) of the Mining Department, my foremost responsibility towards the students is to foster a dynamic and enriching academic environment. I aim to ensure that the curriculum is not only comprehensive but also aligned with industry standards, preparing students for successful careers in mining. Supporting faculty in their roles as educators and mentors is crucial to maintaining a high-quality learning experience. I am committed to overseeing the student advising system, providing guidance, and creating avenues for constructive feedback. Beyond academics, my role involves promoting a research-oriented culture and encouraging students to engage in meaningful projects and collaborations. Establishing strong ties with industry stakeholders is another priority, as it opens avenues for internships, placements, and exposure to real-world challenges. I am dedicated to the holistic development of students, fostering an environment where they feel supported, motivated, and equipped to excel not just academically but also as responsible and innovative contributors to the field of mining.

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

In my role as the Head of the Mining Department, I actively strive to infuse a practical and industry-oriented approach into our subjects. One key strategy is to collaborate closely with industry partners, fostering relationships that allow us to understand current trends, challenges, and emerging technologies in the mining sector. Through these collaborations, we can tailor our curriculum to align with industry needs, ensuring that students are equipped with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

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

The strategy involves a multifaceted approach to ensure that our curriculum aligns with industry needs, technological advancements, and academic best practices.

Firstly, I establish a strong feedback loop with industry professionals, seeking input on the skills and knowledge they value in potential hires. This collaboration helps us identify emerging trends and evolving requirements within the mining sector. Regular board of studies meetings with members from premier institutes like IIT and NITs, along with industry experts provide valuable insights that influence our curriculum development process which gets revised every 3 years, unless instructed otherwise by statutory bodies like AICTE, APSCHE, etc.

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

I place significant emphasis on both placements and higher education opportunities for students from the Mining Department. To prepare students for higher education, we offer comprehensive guidance and support throughout their academic journey. 

In the context of competitive exams like GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), our department conducts specialized coaching sessions and workshops. These sessions not only focus on academic preparation but also provide insights into exam patterns, time management strategies, and effective problem-solving techniques. As a result of this, we have now a strong alumni presence in leading industry players, including Coal India Limited, Ramco Cements, and Indian Cements. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge sought by these organizations. Additionally, we facilitate interaction with successful alumni who have pursued higher education in renowned institutions, allowing current students to benefit from their experiences and advice.

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

Absolutely, in the Mining Department, we understand the importance of extracurricular activities and programs in enhancing the overall skills and exposure of our students to real-world challenges. We believe in providing a holistic education that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. The extracurricular activities and programs we offer include but are not restricted to, Industry Seminars and Workshops, Field Visits and Site Tours, Guest Lectures, Internship Programs, Student Research Projects, encouragement to participate in Competitions and Hackathons, Professional Development Workshops, Student Clubs and Societies.

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

My vision upon assuming this role was to create a dynamic learning environment that not only imparts strong academic knowledge but also equips students with practical skills, industry exposure, and a global perspective. I aimed to foster a culture of innovation, research, and collaboration that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving field of mining engineering. To achieve this vision, several strategic initiatives were put in place and continuous efforts are being made.