Dr. Ritika Mehra is currently a professor and the Dean of the School of Computer Engineering and Computing at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. She has an extensive academic record,a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, 2010, a Master of Technology degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun and a Master of Computer Applications fromGurukul Kangri University Dehradun. 

With over 21 years of experience in her specialization in core areas of computer science, she has developed a highly innovative mindset and has deep knowledge of Machine Learning, Mobile Computing, Data Mining, Bigdata Analytics etc. She has also published more than 100 research papers in National and International Journals.

She also contributes her time as an associate editor and guest editor to many international journals and has lifetime memberships to The Indian Science Congress Association, Computer Society of India, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, ACM, IEEE. 

Dev Bhoomi Uttrakhand University

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

At Dev Bhoomi Uttrakhand University, our top priority is to bridge the gap between industry and academia. To achieve this, our curriculum has been incorporated with minor projects, internships, and several projects which provide real-time exposure to the students on the latest and trending technologies. We have also built research programs that enhance the academic reputation of the School of Computer Science and generate trained Computer Science degree holders. Our ultimate goal is to develop students with a high level of performance and competence as required by current and future industries.

When you first came to Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

As the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing, I have formulated a clear vision for our department. Our goal is to become recognized as one of the top private computer science and Engineering Schools. We wish to establish a strong and positive visibility of school and research activities both nationally and internationally.

I have also developed some strategies to reach our vision. We regularly organize state and national-level seminars, conferences and workshops, talks and guest lectures by eminent personalities in the areas of Information Technology. There are also arranged industrial visits to giants in the IT Industry along with technical, aptitude and value-added classes.

We have a team of highly motivated faculties who work on funded research projects and consultancy. We ensure that all programs of the school operate smoothly and efficiently, with an emphasis on aligning our operations and activities with proactive planning to achieve our goals. The university has, towards this end, provided adequate offices, labs, and meeting spaces. The school recognizes the establishment of engineering laboratories phase-wise helps supports the activities necessary to achieve our goals.

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

There are several things, people might not know that Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University such as the functioning of the University is under the ambient of e-governance that expedites the digitization process. There is also immense support and encouragement for enrollment in Ph.D. programs and other higher education for the faculties and students.

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What do you see as Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University’s greatest strengths?

Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University’s greatest strengths lie in the adaptability and flexibility of its course curriculum which is achieved by incorporating flexible choices that are based on the credit system in academics. Moreover, we promote an interdisciplinary research culture on campus to target research opportunities that connect disciplines.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University specifically?

In my opinion, some of the biggest challenges of Dev Bhoom Uttarakhand University are regarding the recruitment of faculties at the commencement of each semester especially in the field of Computer Science. Due to a shortage of experienced and trained Computer Science faculty members, it can be challenging to ensure the smooth conduct of semesters and providing effective experiential learning opportunities for students becomes an issue.

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

My advice for the students is to prioritize multiple skill development where one is working on growing their skills for their self-betterment and pushing their limits. Students must also be open to learning as that will make them more versatile and capable of showing their intellect in the right context.

Learning different aspects of management like managing people, taxes and expenses, has major advantages like being punctual and effective with work. Developing leadership qualities adds weight to the words and this helps students to get recognition. On the other hand, proper communication skills will help them make better relations with people and organizations.

Always grow with technology as change is a universal law and if one doesn’t evolve, survival is not possible. Students should always have a backup because no matter how dedicated they are towards their goal; unforeseen circumstances can always create setbacks. Never take shortcuts when climbing the stairs to success. It is an experience where every step has its importance.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for Dev Bhoomi Uttrakhand University, international affairs, and/or students?

Currently, we have pursuing major plans for the school’s development. We plan to motivate our faculties during school meetings to write research papers, get patents and take up funded projects by giving them targets. We have also identified the research faculty of our school and have assigned them a lower teaching load so they can concentrate more on research work.

Our strategy is to have our students function as research assistants and collaborators on faculty projects. Additionally, we will have our students and teachers complete NPTEL registrations and certifications to enhance their technical skills required for research purposes. Any innovative project submitted by students will also be pushed for patent filing. 

We hold and organize national-level hackathons to give the students nationwide initiative and to give them a platform to solve some problems related to upcoming research areas. In the coming months, there will also be international conferences and symposiums organized to get students acquainted with the new upcoming research fields.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute/ university?

To establish a healthy learning atmosphere in the university, it is necessary for students and teaching faculties to bond. This will help the faculty to get to the root of the students’ problems, especially for slow learners with poor performance. At the same time, this bond will allow students to respect the faculty more. Secondly, for students, there is a small break in between lectures to give them time to refresh and restart the next one with renewed vigor and improved concentration. We also want to create new ways for learning, to understand a topic better, visually, through presentations, videos, special lectures etc. 

With the competition so high, how do you guide your students to survive in such a competitive scenario?

My contribution toward students to help them survive in such a competitive scenario is by offering high-quality and effective instruction in a variety of modes which includes exploring opportunities for experiential learning. We also offer new pedagogical approaches including hybrid education as a means of increasing efficiency and increasing student learning opportunities with core courses, elective courses, open elective courses, life skills courses, value-added courses and MOOCs courses.

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

I would like to tell our youth that they are the future drivers or rather I must say the future creators of this country. They shouldn’t be distracted from unnecessary evils in society. They should aim for higher achievements and goals while simultaneously enjoying their lives to the fullest with their friends and family. They should inculcate a deep respect for their elders not only because of age but also experience. All these qualities will, in time, create upstanding individuals in our students.