Dr. Y.RAJASREE RAO graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh post-graduation in Electronics and Controls from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. She holds a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Dr. MGR University, Chennai. She has 39 years of teaching experience in various positions in Engineering Colleges in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Oman. At present, she is the Principal of the International School of Technology and Sciences for Women at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. She has presented papers in conferences held in Spain, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. Her areas of specialization include VLSI Design, Microprocessor System Design, Fault Tolerance, and Digital Electronics, and has received awards for academic excellence. She is the sole author of six textbooks on Advanced Microprocessors and Electronic Devices and Circuits, Basic Electronics Engineering, etc. She has published papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and has three patents to her credit. She was also the keynote speaker for the IN4OBE Global Summit, New Jersey, and other conferences. She is a member of ISTE, IEEE, and CSI and is a reviewer for many journals and conferences and in this context has visited the USA, Spain, Thailand, and Singapore. She has guided many master’s projects and eight students are pursuing Ph.D. under her guidance out of them four scholars have been awarded Ph.D.

International School of Technology and Sciences for Women

You have held key positions at the ISTS College throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Driven by an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and a genuine passion for teaching and research, I have dedicated 39 years to the education sector. Beyond imparting knowledge to students, I actively engage in upskilling myself to stay abreast of current trends in education. This dual focus on teaching and personal development has not only enriched my expertise but has also allowed me to create a dynamic and impactful learning environment for my students.

Being the Principal of the ISTS College, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

In my experience as an educator, it's clear that technology has become a game-changer in education. I have built a college environment that enables staff to flourish, and in turn, students to excel. I do this by giving clear direction, cultivating the talent of teachers, and encouraging them, guiding them, and directing staff, students to work together in achieving set goals.

I prefer to be Collaborative, Empowering, Results, Innovative, and Communicative.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

The teaching methods used in our college are designed to support students’ growth in logical and analytical thinking. The multicultural society is introduced to our students. We celebrate festivals of various states and religions in addition to regular studies. Research and innovation have a strong track record at our college. Recently our students bagged an award from the CSI Telangana chapter for best innovation project. We emphasize both classroom instruction and extracurricular activities, including student-organized city and heritage walks, inter-college tournaments, and annual festivals. In the end, it facilitates both academic and personal development.

How does the curriculum of the ISTS College ensure the best practice of the industry?

Our college is an Autonomous Institution and our syllabus is framed in consultation with experts from various universities, industrialists, and our affiliating University. Involving industrialists and experts from various universities in curriculum development allows for direct input from professionals who are actively engaged in the field. This helps in identifying current industry trends, emerging technologies, and skill requirements. The curriculum can be designed to incorporate real-world scenarios, case studies, and practical applications. This ensures that students gain hands-on experience and are better prepared for the challenges they may face in their future careers.

An autonomous institution has the flexibility to update its curriculum more frequently compared to institutions that follow a rigid structure. This adaptability allows the curriculum to stay current with industry advancements and technological changes. Collaboration with industry experts helps identify the specific skills and competencies that are in demand. The curriculum can then be tailored to focus on developing these skills, making graduates more employable in the competitive job market.

Building strong ties with industries through curriculum development can also lead to increased internship and placement opportunities for students. This provides them with practical exposure, networking opportunities, and a smoother transition into the professional world. Involving experts from various fields can stimulate research and innovation. Students and faculty can collaborate on projects that address industry challenges, contributing to the overall growth and development of the field.

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Any insights into how your College could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Students need to overcome any apprehension they may feel about interacting with individuals of other cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. We have many clubs and committees and being involved with clubs and organizations introduces them to so many new people and ways of life.

What should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

With our disciplined and collaborative operating style, our vision is to impart good education to girls making them strong enough to face the challenges in their lives. We emphasize curriculum development and teaching methodologies to ensure a high-quality education. We invest in faculty development programs to enhance teaching skills and keep them updated with the latest educational trends. We implement programs that go beyond traditional academics to empower girls with life skills, leadership qualities, and confidence. We also offer mentorship programs and workshops to guide personal and professional development.

We ensure the college has modern infrastructure and technology to support effective learning and invest in IT infrastructure and tools that enhance the educational experience, such as online resources, e-learning platforms, and interactive technologies. We establish collaborations with industries, research institutions, and NGOs to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities. We also foster partnerships that support internships, research projects, and career placement programs. We create an inclusive and diverse learning environment that respects and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We implement policies and programs to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. We develop robust career counselling services to guide students in choosing career paths aligned with their strengths and interests and strengthen connections with employers to facilitate internships, job placements, and networking opportunities.

We encourage community service and outreach programs to instill a sense of social responsibility in students. We also establish partnerships with local communities to address social issues and contribute to the betterment of society. We also implement regular assessments and feedback mechanisms to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of educational programs and foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging faculty and staff to engage in ongoing professional development.

When you first came to ISTS College, what was your vision for the College? Has it evolved, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

To provide efficient and effective service to the college while expanding the resources and creating a culture of accountability and transparency throughout all aspects of operations. I will continue to lead by example, setting the highest standards for excellence in governance and ethics.

What would you like people to know about your college they may not know? 

The focus is on academics, small class sizes, fantastic professors, and an atmosphere where women are expected to contribute intellectually to discussions and to conduct research.

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What do you see as the College’s greatest strengths?

We provide training to enable students to think critically and expertise in coding skills. Every student gets placed in an MNC before graduation. All round personality development of the students

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education in general and ISTS College specifically?

Pedagogical training for new technology practices. We need to leverage learning analytics as a part of curriculum design

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Work hard, be humble, and follow professional ethics.