Dr. M. Chandrasekhar brings a distinguished 21-year background in Defense Industrial Research and Development (R&D) and 11 years of experience in teaching engineering at prestigious Central and State Universities. His expertise led him to a senior managerial role in Missile Technology at Bharat Dynamics, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Defense, Government of India. During his tenure, Dr. Chandrasekhar made significant strides in indigenous design and development of Embedded Test Systems Deployment. His exceptional contributions were recognized with prestigious national awards, including the Excellence Award-2003, conferred in 2005 for Indigenization efforts that saved foreign exchange worth 40 Crore. He also received the Excellence Award 2005 in 2007 for innovating a Countermeasure defense system for fighter aircraft, a ground-breaking achievement in India. These accolades were bestowed upon him by the Honourable President of India through the Defense Ministry, Government of India.

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Could you provide an overview of your role as the Dean of Research and Development at ISL Engineering College and highlight some of your key responsibilities in shaping the research and innovation landscape of the institution?

As the Dean of Research and Development at our Engineering College, your role is pivotal in shaping the research and innovation landscape of the institution. Some responsibilities include Strategic Planning, Faculty Support, Student Involvement, Quality Assurance, Industry Collaboration, and Promoting Research Culture.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future post-pandemic corporate culture?

Preparing students for the future post-pandemic corporate culture requires a forward-thinking approach from the R&D program. Here are several strategies that I use in R&D programs to ensure students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the evolving corporate landscape: Emphasize Digital Literacy, Develop Remote Collaboration Skills, Cultivate Adaptability and Resilience, Encourage Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Focus on Emotional Intelligence. 

How do you plan to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and ensure that research efforts within ISL Engineering College remain relevant and impactful?

I always focus on adapting new technologies and I will always ensure staying ahead of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and ensuring that research efforts within an Engineering College remain relevant and impactful requires a proactive and strategic approach.

You have more than 21+ years of combined University teaching and R&D management experience. how do you plan to leverage your network to establish partnerships, collaborations, and research exchanges that can benefit ISL Engineering College?

I try to leverage your extensive experience in defense R&D and your combined background in university teaching, research, and R&D management provides you with a valuable network and expertise to establish partnerships, collaborations, and research exchanges for the benefit of ISL Engineering College.

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How do you plan to encourage faculty members to integrate research into their teaching methodologies, ensuring that students benefit from the latest developments and insights in their respective fields?

I will encourage the faculty members to attend seminars and conferences which will enable them to learn new technologies and also will conduct various activities for the students so that they can explore and learn the new methodologies which will help them to expertise in their respective fields.

Innovation often requires risk-taking and experimentation. How do you foster an environment where faculty and students feel empowered to explore unconventional ideas and approaches in their research endeavors?

As a Dean, I will always focus on new things and that enables. Here are some key points to consider regarding this statement: Risk-Taking Drives Progress: Taking risks is an essential part of the innovation process. Without risk-taking, there can be no significant breakthroughs. Innovation often involves challenging the status quo, which inherently carries uncertainty and risk. Learning from Failure: Experimentation, by its nature, implies a willingness to accept that not all attempts will succeed.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

I have some valuable pieces of advice for students to help them build a prosperous career: Follow Your Passion: Pursue a career aligned with your interests and passions. Enjoying your work will lead to greater job satisfaction and success. Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will guide your career choices and actions. Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Stay updated with industry trends, new technologies, and developments in your field. Develop Soft Skills: Cultivate essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable in any profession. Network Effectively: Build a professional network by connecting with peers, professors, alumni, and industry professionals. Networking opens doors to opportunities. Internships and Experience: Seek internships and practical experience related to your field. Real-world experience enhances your resume and provides valuable insights. Embrace Failure: Don’t fear failure; instead, view it as a learning opportunity. Many successful people faced setbacks before achieving their goals.

Lastly, what is your long-term vision for the research and development department at ISL Engineering College, and how do you plan to measure the success of your initiatives in the coming years?

My long-term vision is to be a globally recognized hub of Innovation and Research Excellence. By regularly assessing these indicators, the R&D department at ISL Engineering College can evaluate the success of its initiatives and adapt its strategies to achieve its long-term vision effectively. Success should be defined not only in terms of research outputs but also in the broader context of the department.