Dr. M Dileep Kumar is a seasoned Professor specializing in Computer Science and Engineering, with 18 years of experience. Currently serving as the Head of the Department (HOD) at St. Peter's Engineering College, he is dedicated to shaping the academic landscape and fostering innovation. Dr. Kumar's expertise lies in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, reflected in his extensive research contributions. His work spans diverse areas, including cardiovascular disease prognosis and innovative IoT-based security systems. Published in esteemed journals, his research underscores his leadership in the field. Alongside his academic role, Dr. Kumar excels as an educator, teaching subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, and Computer Graphics. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing technology, Dr. Kumar is a driving force in the realm of Computer Science and Engineering, inspiring students and colleagues alike.

St. Peter’s Engineering College

Which latest program are you offering in your institute to help students outperform?

Our institute is introducing the DevOps program aimed at empowering students to excel in the dynamic field of technology. This comprehensive curriculum is meticulously crafted to meet the evolving demands of the industry, featuring intensive lab sessions that foster practical skills development. We have implemented robust training protocols to ensure students have ample opportunities to engage in DevOps experiments, thereby enhancing their proficiency in this critical area. DevOps, recognized as a pivotal and highly sought-after skill within the IT sector, emphasizes the seamless integration of software development and IT operations. 

Our initiative to offer this program stems from the acknowledgment of its significance in equipping aspiring individuals with the requisite competencies and knowledge essential for thriving in contemporary coding and software development environments. By enrolling in this course, students can cultivate the expertise necessary to distinguish themselves not only in their current academic pursuits but also in their future professional endeavors.

Which factors make the programs of your institute the best fit and worth pursuing for students?

Undoubtedly, the DevOps program offered by our institute stands out as an ideal choice for students due to several compelling factors. One of the key highlights of this course is its emphasis on social innovation projects, where students actively participate in real-world case studies and initiatives. Through direct engagement with communities, they conduct thorough surveys, communicate with locals, and identify pressing challenges, ultimately devising innovative solutions to address them.

Moreover, to enhance practical exposure and encourage impactful contributions to society, students are involved in funded projects sponsored by esteemed organizations such as the Directorate of Skill Development and DRDO. These opportunities not only allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge but also empower them to create tangible solutions that positively impact lives.

Furthermore, the DevOps program offers a diverse range of projects covering emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, network security, machine learning, data analytics, and IoT. By integrating these fields, students develop a comprehensive skill set and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge advancements, preparing them for the evolving demands of the industry.

How do the courses of your college ensure the future readiness of students?

We have adopted a comprehensive teaching-learning approach and made advanced certification courses and hackathons an integral part of the courses we are offering currently to students to make them ready for the evolving job market. Many companies nowadays have included hackathons in their recruitment process to assess the problem-solving skills and practical knowledge of students. Along with this, students receive training from industry experts who provide valuable insights to them about the latest technologies and trends. Students who do well in hackathons are offered internships so that they can further enhance their existing knowledge and use classroom learning for some fruitful projects. I would say that the amalgamation of apprenticeship, hackathons, and training programs which start from the 2nd year onwards, enables students to develop essential skills, making them more confident, competitive, and ready for future endeavors.

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How did you train faculty to help them deliver the newly introduced program to students in the best way possible?

Our college has implemented a comprehensive training approach to ensure that faculty can deliver the DevOps program effectively to students. To keep faculty up-to-date with the latest happenings and trends of the involved technologies and modern teaching methodologies, workshops and faculty development programs are conducted regularly. To make lectures more interactive and make the learning environment mode dynamic, we motivate our teachers to engage students in meaningful activities including presentations and discussions. All this in return helps ambitious youths to clear their doubts and understand the topics in a better way.

What challenges have you faced while inculcating a DevOps program in your curriculum?

One of the biggest challenges in front of us, while we were inculcating the DevOps program, was providing industry-driven projects and a real-time learning environment and experience to students. At present, we are using simulation tools, which may not fully replicate the real corporate setting. Another hurdle in front of us was to have a robust and modern infrastructure to deliver the program effectively, hence we are working on building a cloud laboratory on campus to provide the best environment to students where they can experiment with their ideas.

What specific steps does the department take to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students of diverse backgrounds?

I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all our students, irrespective of their backgrounds. To achieve this, we have implemented mentorship programs connecting students from diverse backgrounds with faculty mentors, industry professionals, and experienced peers, providing guidance and networking opportunities. Our commitment to developing an inclusive curriculum ensures that course materials represent a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and genders, creating an environment where every student feels valued and represented. 

Additionally, we prioritize recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff team to serve as relatable role models and mentors, fostering a departmental culture that celebrates diversity and supports the success of all students. Through these efforts, we strive to create an environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and professionally within our department.

What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a career in AI and ML, and what qualities do you think are essential for success in this field?

As the Head of the Department, I would advise students contemplating a career in AI and ML to first focus on building a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. These fundamental concepts serve as the bedrock for advanced studies in AI and ML and are essential for navigating the complexities of this field. Additionally, I would stress the importance of developing strong problem-solving skills. AI and ML revolve around tackling intricate challenges, so honing the ability to dissect problems, analyze data, and devise innovative solutions is crucial. 

Furthermore, I would encourage students to actively seek out hands-on experience through projects, internships, and research opportunities. Practical application not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also provides invaluable insights into real-world scenarios. In conclusion, I would emphasize the significance of lifelong learning and specialization, along with a keen awareness of the ethical implications of AI and ML. Being adaptable, curious, and persistent will be key attributes for success in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field, offering numerous opportunities to shape the future positively.