Dr. P. Muthupriya obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in 2000 with a GATE percentile of 84.04, her Master’s Degree in 2002, both from Bharathiar University, and her Ph.D. degree in 2011 from Anna University, Chennai. She is working as a Professor and Head of Civil Engineering at Dr.N.G.P. Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, and she has 18 years of experience in Teaching and 12 years of experience in Research. She has published 34 papers in international journals, 8 papers in national journals, and 62 papers in national and international conferences. She has guided more than 30 PG and UG projects. She is the recipient of the "Best Women Faculty'' award for the year 2010 from the VLB and Sri Krishna Group of Institutions, Coimbatore, and the "Senior Women Educator and Scholar" Award from the National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development, Coimbatore, on March 8, 2017. She received the "Best Technical Paper" award from the Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India) for the paper entitled "Repair of Damaged Square Column with GFRP Composites' in the year 2006. He received an honorarium from the Civil Engineering and Construction Review Journal for the Publication of Papers in 2010 and 2014. She has organized four international conferences and seven national conferences, more than 15 faculty development programs, and more than 40 national-level workshops and seminars sponsored by various funding agencies like AICTE, New Delhi, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Defense Research and Development Organization, New Delhi, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, the Indian Space Research Organization, Bangalore, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Mumbai, and the Institution of Engineers (India). She has received Rs. 16,25,500 as a financial grant for organizing Seminars, Conferences, workshops, and STTPs and FDPs at the national and international levels. She delivered more than 21 guest lectures and chaired many Technical sessions at various Colleges. She is an approved Research Supervisor at Anna University, Chennai. She is guiding two Ph.D. scholars pursuing their degrees at Anna University, Chennai. She is serving as a reviewer or editorial board member for various Journals. Her areas of interest include earthquake-resistant structures, self-compacting concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and e-waste concrete.

Dr.N.G.P. Institute of Technology

What are your responsibilities towards the students?

My responsibilities towards the students encompass various aspects. Firstly, I am committed to providing quality education, imparting in-depth knowledge, and nurturing a strong foundation in civil engineering principles. I also play a vital role in maintaining discipline within the student community and fostering a conducive learning environment. Facilitating placements and internships is another crucial responsibility, and I work closely with industries to ensure students have ample opportunities to apply their skills and secure promising career prospects. Ultimately, I aim to guide and support students in their academic journey, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience for a successful future in civil engineering.

What approaches do you bring apart from the curriculum to train the students?

As the HOD of Civil Engineering, we employ holistic approaches to train students. We emphasize the development of effective communication skills through workshops, presentations, and seminars, enabling students to convey their ideas confidently. Soft skills, including teamwork, leadership, and time management, are nurtured through interactive sessions and collaborative projects. Co-curricular activities, such as participation in clubs, events, and community projects, enhance their overall personality. This well-rounded training equips our students with not only technical prowess but also the interpersonal and practical skills essential for success in the dynamic field of civil engineering.

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

I cultivate open communication by actively listening to students' concerns and ideas, fostering an environment where they feel heard and valued. Being approachable and responsive encourages a sense of trust and collaboration. Additionally, I facilitate regular faculty meetings and discussions, creating a platform for sharing insights and resolving any issues collectively. By being a reliable and supportive presence, I aim to establish a positive rapport with both students and colleagues, fostering a harmonious and productive academic community.

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

Encouraging faculty and students to engage in research projects and explore novel solutions keeps us aligned with real-world challenges. Additionally, we prioritize industry training programs that expose students to practical scenarios, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to industry practices. By emphasizing research, innovation, and hands-on industry experiences, we ensure our students are well-prepared for the dynamic and evolving landscape of civil engineering upon graduation.

How does your department prepare students for placement and higher education?

Our department is dedicated to preparing students for both placements and higher education. We organize comprehensive training programs that focus on enhancing technical skills, soft skills, and interview preparation, ensuring students are well-prepared for placement opportunities. Moreover, we maintain strong industry relations, facilitating internships and industrial visits that provide practical insights. For higher education, we conduct seminars and workshops to guide students through entrance exams, offering insights into syllabi and study strategies. This dual approach equips our students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in both placement and higher education pursuits in civil engineering.

How do you prepare your students to deal with the outside competitive world?

We instill a culture of continuous learning by urging students to stay updated with the latest industry technologies and trends. This ensures they are well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Moreover, we foster self-belief and confidence, empowering them to embrace opportunities and overcome obstacles. By nurturing a combination of technical prowess, adaptability, and self-assurance, we ensure our graduates are poised to make meaningful contributions and excel in the dynamic competitive landscape.

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What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths and how can it be enhanced?

Our college's greatest strengths lie in our unwavering vision of delivering impartial, top-quality education and our dedicated faculty. To enhance these strengths, we can further integrate industry collaborations into our curriculum, providing students with hands-on exposure to real-world applications. Additionally, facilitating faculty development programs and encouraging research initiatives can elevate their expertise. Strengthening our ties with alumni and industry experts through regular interactions and mentorship programs would create a robust support network. These measures will amplify our commitment to quality education and enhance the prowess of our esteemed faculty.

What valuable advice would you like to share with the students for a prosperous career ahead?

Firstly, have unwavering faith in your abilities and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Secondly, make the most of your college life by actively engaging in academics, extracurricular activities, and industry interactions. Network, learn, and build skills that extend beyond textbooks. This holistic approach will not only enrich your knowledge but also equip you with the tools necessary to navigate the dynamic world of civil engineering and pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career.