Dr. Soumya S. Singha joined as an Associate Professor and progressed to the Head of Department of Civil Engineering at KG Reddy College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana. She graduated from BPUT, Rourkela, with honors and was a gold medalist in her M.Tech. degree from NIT, Raipur. Dr. Singha received her PhD degree from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with a specialisation in Water Resources Engineering in 2020. Her research areas include GIS and RS, geospatial modelling, groundwater hydrology, and groundwater contamination modelling. She has authored more than fifteen research papers in various national and international SCI/SCIE/Scopus indexed peer reviewed journals. I have a teaching experience of more than 14 years. Currently, Dr. Soumya is also a reviewer of different renowned SCI/SCIE International peer-reviewed journals. She has four Indian patent publications and is the author of two textbooks in the field of Civil Engineering. Furthermore, she is associated with a number of professional organisations in the field of Civil Engineering. Recently, she received a research project from DST-SERB under the CRG Scheme.

K G Reddy College 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 KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology?

As teachers, we can make a positive impact on communities. I can contribute to designing sustainable infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and improving the quality of life for millions of people. This can make it a very fulfilling job to be an academician. This career will not only allow me to do individual research but will also help me build skills through presentations and the sharing of innovative ideas. When I look into the vision of our institute, I feel it is a perfect place for me to work, where I can be a part of the institute and contribute to transforming society into a sustainable community.

What is your vision for the Civil Engineering Department at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, and how do you plan to achieve it?

Our vision is to be recognised for excellence in teaching, innovation, and research aimed at the betterment of society through sustainable infrastructural development. Our plan to achieve this is to integrate innovative teaching and learning practices that will enable students to build technical competence for working in the civil engineering industry. We aspire to encourage innovation, research, and entrepreneurship among faculty and students that will lead to sustainable development. We also aim to become self-sustainable through strategic collaborations with industries and nearby communities focused on consulting services.

How do you ensure that the department's curriculum remains current and aligned with the latest advancements in the field of Civil Engineering?

Our department’s curriculum has been designed based on considerations from advancements in the field of Civil Engineering and various parameters that uplift our student’s capabilities. We incorporate these current trends through lab work and innovative projects. The curriculum has been designed based on the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University curriculum as a reference. The university regularly updates its regulations to meet current societal needs. Further adding to that, external members, including industry personnel, of our board of studies play an important role in guiding us to frame our curriculum.

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 our institute, we have established emerging technology clubs such as the Centre for Engineering Educational Development, the Centre for Innovations in Science and Technology, the Department of Student Affairs, and the Training and Placement Cell. These cells play a prominent role in the holistic development of students. For the Civil Engineering department, we have the Green Construction Club, that conducts activities to meet these requirements and makes students industry-ready by engaging them in different eco friendly construction projects.

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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?

Our faculty members are regularly motivated by their personal development in terms of research and higher studies. We encourage them to attend various programs like faculty development programs, short-term training programs, and workshops in their area of expertise. We put in efforts to provide them with facilities to be on duty for all their developmental activities. Moreover, our well-designed and structured appraisal system helps us in faculty retention for a long time.

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?

The department has MOUs through which regular activities are conducted for the betterment of students and faculties. Activities like industry interaction sessions and industry visits are regularly held. We also have workshops, and seminars that are conducted for the enhancement of departments and industry collaboration.

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

Our professional body membership with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Student Chapter is the latest highlight that we are proud of. We have well-equipped labs, and regular maintenance provides an enhanced learning experience for the students. A total of eight academic labs are utilised for the curriculum, out of which four are considered project laboratories or research laboratories, for students to work on their projects.

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

The challenges facing civil engineering in the 21st century include designing and building sustainable infrastructure, managing the impacts of climate change, and incorporating emerging technologies into infrastructure design and construction. Our department is continuously working to overcome these challenges by offering certificate courses and training, motivating students to take up innovative projects addressing sustainability issues. Industrial visits are arranged to provide students with practical exposure as well as the opportunity to learn to work in a team.

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

Embrace the challenges that come while studying Civil Engineering by actively seeking out new learning opportunities. Working on innovative projects or exploring new areas of interest can help students develop problem-solving skills and boost their confidence and achieve a great career.