Dr M. Senthil Kumar completed his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry and M.E in Aeronautical Engineering from Park College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore respectively in 2005 and 2007. He also completed an MBA in Human Resource Management from Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore in 2011. He is now pursuing his PhD from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Anna University-Chennai. He has published more than 50 research articles in International Journals and Conference Proceedings. He has thirteen years of teaching and research experience and currently, he holds the post of Assistant Professor (SRG) in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, and Tamil Nadu. Senthil Kumar. M has secured distinction (94%) in the Tamil Literary examination in Karaikal and He is interested in Tamil Literature and History.

Kumaraguru College of Technology

Being a Faculty of the Aeronautical Department, what are your responsibilities towards the students?

As the Head of the Aeronautical Department, my role involves overseeing departmental activities, supporting faculty and students, and encouraging their overall development. Responsibilities include fostering industrial exposure through expert-led industry sessions, guiding students towards higher education options, and providing training programs for career readiness in both the public and private sectors. I aim to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills and guidance to excel in academia and transition into successful careers, both in the government and private sectors.

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

It's important to develop strong connections with both students and fellow faculty by prioritizing their academic, career, and placement needs. I aim to establish a good rapport with students and colleagues to foster healthy relationships. This involves being a good communicator and listener, paying attention to their concerns, and ensuring their needs are addressed concerning academics, career progression, and placement opportunities. Through open communication and attentive listening, I seek to create an environment that supports their academic journey and professional growth.

How do you bring in a practical and industry-oriented approach towards subjects?

We offer our students exceptional opportunities for internships with renowned organizations, focusing on in-flight piloting, design work, and various other aspects in prestigious companies across the nation. Moreover, our curriculum includes hands-on training in building Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and developing aerospace software. These practices ensure students receive industry-oriented training and practical experience, aligning them with real-world applications in the aeronautical field.

Which best practices are offered by your department to students to help them gain necessary skills?

After each semester, we assign students mini-projects concerning UAV Training Design Analysis and Propulsion Systems. These tasks are designed to encourage innovative thinking and application of their knowledge and skills. By engaging in these projects, students not only explore new concepts but also have the opportunity to expand their learning and enhance their skills.

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How do you strategize and renew the curriculum to make it helpful for the students?

Our curriculum undergoes updates every four years, incorporating contemporary trends, tools, theories, and industry expectations through new programs. The primary objective is to enrich students' practical exposure and experience. We actively engage students in projects and research activities, aiming to align their education with the evolving demands of the corporate sector and the external world."

How does your department prepare students for higher education?

We equip our students with specialized training and additional classes, aiding their preparation for various competitive exams such as CDS, Navy, AFCAT, GATE, and TANCET. Our department extends guidance to students regarding the comprehensive process of enrolling in higher studies and pursuing an M.S. from prestigious Indian Institutes as well as renowned international universities, ensuring they are well informed about the avenues and steps to further their education.

Which extracurricular activities are organized in your college to strengthen the skills of students?

As part of our commitment to students' holistic growth, our college organizes a variety of co-curricular activities designed around aviation and aeronautics. These programs cover a wide range of training sessions, focusing on ESG Drones, Fixed Wing UAVs, Aircraft Manufacturing, Maintenance Engineering, Airline Management, Airport Operations, and Logistics. Moreover, we conduct frequent industrial visits coupled with rigorous training sessions dedicated to the latest technologies, such as Big Data and IT strategies. These activities are aimed at broadening students' knowledge and providing hands-on experience in the field, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

How does the curriculum of your department assure the best practices of industry?

The curriculum in our department is designed to address real-world challenges prevalent in the industry. We engage students in understanding the practical issues faced in the industry, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions. By exposing them to these real-life problems, our curriculum is aligned with the best practices of the industrial world. This approach not only enriches students’ academic learning but also prepares them to effectively apply their knowledge and skills in addressing the complexities and challenges encountered in the professional landscape.