Dr. Suman Mishra is working as a Professor and Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at CMR Engineering College. He has obtained his UG degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from The Institution of Engineers (India), his master’s degree in Applied Electronics from the University of Madras and his PhD degree from Sathyabama University, Chennai. He has obtained certification from the Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) for teaching methodologies.

Dr. Mishra has over 22 years of teaching and research experience, coupled with four years of industrial experience. He is guiding a full-time research scholar for the PhD degree. His research areas include Digital Image Processing, Embedded Systems, and Wireless Sensor Networks. He has guided 15 M.Tech dissertations and 55 B.Tech projects. He has published 35 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, both at the national and international levels. He has authored two textbooks, Electronic Devices and Wireless Sensor Networks. He is a lifetime member of AMIE, ISTE and IAENG. He is the reviewer for two international journals and has been a member of technical committees for two international conferences. He has acted as examiner for PhD theses and has been guiding the student community to develop excellent, path-breaking projects that are useful to mankind.

CMR Engineering College

In over 25 years of experience, what are some unique practices of note at CMREC facilities?

We have introduced a unique approach to curriculum design that includes project-based learning, interdisciplinary programmes, or flexible course structures that address students' individual needs. We highlight CMREC's commitment to research by highlighting research centers, ongoing projects, collaborations, and faculty and student publications. We have partnerships with industry leaders that lead to internships, co-op programs, and student placements. We have space to showcase our efforts to create an inclusive and diverse campus, including scholarships, support services, and cultural events that celebrate diversity. We also highlight strong career services that assist students with job placements, internships, resume development, interviews, and networking opportunities. We have introduced programmes or centers that support entrepreneurship, promote startups, and encourage student innovation. Moreover, we emphasize the integration of technology into education, including digital learning resources, online courses, and state-of-the-art laboratories. We have a variety of student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities on campus, encouraging students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom. The college also has state-of-the-art facilities, specialized laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces that enhance students learning and living experience. To attract students from all backgrounds we promote scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, and initiatives that make education more affordable and accessible.

Technology has recently undergone many dynamic changes. What steps do you take to stay on top of the latest trends and incorporate them into your data science curriculum?

It's important for educators to keep up with the latest technology trends, especially in areas such as data science. It's important to stay on top of things. As an educator, you are engaged in continuous learning. We attend workshops, conferences, webinars, and seminars about data science and emerging technologies and make use of online platforms such as Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning that offer numerous professional development courses. We regularly read industry publications, blogs, and magazines and stay informed of the latest developments by subscribing to newsletters, following influential data scientists on social media, and joining relevant online communities like GitHub and Stack Overflow. We also build partnerships with local businesses and data science experts from the industry to share their insights and experiences with students. We also have collaborative projects with industry that can provide real-world context to the curriculum. We encourage students to gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or projects where they can develop their skills by providing access to real-world datasets and hands-on exercises. We also organize and encourage participation in data science contests and hackathons. These events provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in competitive environments. Our teachers familiarize students with popular open-source data science tools and libraries such as Python, R, Tensorflow, and Scikit-learn. We encourage students to explore and contribute to open-source projects.

You started your career in industry, what motivates you to continue your academic career in the ECE field?

From my industrial career to my academic career in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE), the move to this world was motivated by several factors. I had a strong passion for educating students and conducting research. Academia provides me with a platform to share my knowledge and make significant contributions to the field. It allows me the freedom to explore niche research areas and tackle complex problems without being bound by commercial goals or product development schedules. Monitoring and mentoring students is extremely rewarding because academics is where I have the opportunity to influence and shape the next generation of engineers and innovators. Although academia typically requires a higher degree (such as a Ph.D.), I chose to pursue higher education to further my professional knowledge and contribute to the development of student community. It also offers a different work-life balance than industry, allowing for more flexible schedules and autonomy in one's own research and teaching activities. Another reason is that academics often focus on long-term contributions to knowledge and technology, which I found appealing.

Check CMREC Courses & Fees

How do you collaborate with industry and other academic institutions to provide practical experience and internships for ECE students?

We work to significantly enhance the educational experience by providing Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) students with hands-on experience and internships. We have established a strong presence in ECE-related fields and identified and prepared industry and academic institutions with which to collaborate. We look for organizations that share a common interest in providing hands-on experience and internships for students. Our teachers attend industry-specific events, seminars, and conferences where they can network with potential partners. We also leverage our alumni connections, faculty connections, and professional networks to connect with industry experts and representatives from other academic institutions. Once both parties are interested, we formalize the cooperation through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or similar agreement. Work with industry partners to align curriculum with the skills and knowledge needed by potential interns and make sure the student’s internship experience complements their academic coursework. We encourage students to work on projects sponsored by industry partners or in collaboration with other academic institutions. These projects act as a bridge between theory and practice. We have also established a mentoring program where industry experts mentor the ECE students. This helps students gain valuable insights and make connections with the industry. Getting regular feedback from industry partners and students helps us evaluate the effectiveness of the collaboration. Use this feedback to make any necessary improvements and adjustments.

What are the infrastructure facilities available at CMREC considering the ECE program?

The infrastructure of the ECE program at CMR Engineering College includes modern and state-of-the-art classrooms which are accompanied by fully equipped laboratories. Outside the classroom, our library holds all the latest books, journals and research papers. We also have computer labs and workshops where students can practice classroom teaching. Candidates who have a research inclination make use of our research centers. We also have multi-media-equipped seminar rooms, audio-visual rooms, and project rooms where we hold expert talks and extracurricular events. Our entire campus has Wi-Fi connectivity, an auditorium, a hygienic cafeteria and hostel accommodations for out-of-state students, along with transportation.

How do you support and encourage innovation in electronics engineering students?

We have created a dedicated innovation space or lab where students can work on projects, experiment with new technologies, and collaborate with colleagues. These laboratories are equipped with the latest electronic components, tools, and equipment. We actively promote collaboration between students from different disciplines, such as computer science and mechanical engineering, to encourage diverse perspectives and ideas. The college administration organizes innovation challenges, hackathons, and competitions within the department or in collaboration with external partners. These events motivate students to find creative solutions to real-world problems. We invite industry experts and successful innovators to give lectures and workshops and share their experiences and insights. This experience inspires students and provide them with valuable knowledge. We have numerous resources and guidance for students interested in starting their own electronics business by offering courses on entrepreneurship or connecting with startup incubators. Recognizing and rewarding innovative projects and ideas through awards, grants, or publication opportunities. Positive reinforcement motivates students to continue innovating. We have mechanisms for students to receive feedback on innovative ideas and projects from peers, mentors, and industry experts. Constructive feedback helps us to refine our efforts. The overall goal is to foster a sense of community within the Department of Electronics, allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and support each other on their path to innovation.

As the HOD of ECE, what is your vision for the next few years at CMREC?

As HOD of ECE, my vision is aligned with CMREC's goals and the evolving technology and education landscape. In the coming years, the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) aims to be at the forefront of innovation and excellence in education and research. Our vision is guided by a commitment to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing technological environment and make meaningful contributions to the society. Our goal is to provide a world-class educational institution that provides students with a solid foundation in fundamentals while promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our curriculum is dynamic and regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and new technologies. We envision our department to be a center for groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries for knowledge. We actively promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex global challenges and encourage faculty and students to engage in innovative research projects. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced equipment, and a conducive learning environment. Our infrastructure support hands-on learning and experimentation, allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. Moreover, our goal is to build an inclusive and diverse academic community where all students and faculty are valued and supported. We actively encourage students to pursue career in ECE and succeed in our sector. Our faculty are encouraged to actively collaborate with international organizations and promote global perspective among our students. We foster opportunities for international research collaboration, student exchange programs and participation in global competitions. We recognize the responsibility of engineers to address global challenges and integrate sustainability and ethics into our curriculum. Our graduates develop the ability to develop environmentally sustainable and ethical technology solutions.