Anurag University, HOD Chemistry: Dr. Savita Belwal Interview

Dr. Savita Belwal is the HOD of Chemistry at Anurag University, Hyderabad. She received a Bachelor of Science (Honors) and Master of Science from Banasthali Vidhyapith, Rajasthan, stood II position in order of merit in the University. She moved to the Department of Chemistry, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur for research and received JRF (UGC) and SRF(CSIR), completed Ph.D. in 1999. Her initial academic appointment was at the University of Rajasthan as Assistant Professor. Thereafter she took academic appointments in various engineering institutes namely Arya College of Engineering & IT Jaipur, Maharishi Arvind Institute of Engineering & Technology, Jaipur then Amity University (Jaipur Campus) where she taught for four years and held an important position as a member of the academic council. She joined the Manav Rachna International University in 2009 in Delhi as an Associate Professor. At Hyderabad, she joined the Anurag Group of Institutions in the Department of Chemistry and presently heading the department. 

She is the author of the book titled “Applied Chemistry for Engineers” (Paragon International Publishers, New Delhi). She is a life member of premier scientific organizations namely, The Indian Science Congress Association (L29879), The Indian Society of Chemists and Biologists, CSIR (CDRI) (LF- 814/2017), and The Society of Biological Chemist, Bangalore (3971).

What is the latest pro gram that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

The most recent program we've introduced in our institute is the Doctorate in Chemistry, and it promises to be a game-changer for students aspiring to stand out in the field of chemistry. This program is designed to provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the world of chemistry, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the subject. What sets our Doctorate in Chemistry apart is its strong emphasis on research. We believe that true learning in the field of chemistry is best achieved through hands-on experience and exploration. As part of this program, students will have the unique privilege of engaging in extensive research projects that align with their interests and career goals. These research endeavors are not only academically enriching but also contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Moreover, our program encourages and supports students in publishing their research findings in both national and international journals of repute. This not only showcases their dedication and expertise but also establishes their credibility as emerging experts in the field. By facilitating these publications, we provide our students with a platform to share their discoveries and innovations with the global scientific community.

In essence, our Doctorate in Chemistry is designed to empower students to excel academically, gain invaluable research experience, and make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving field of chemistry. It equips them with the tools and knowledge to stand apart from the crowd, making them competitive candidates for prestigious positions in academia, industry, and research institutions.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

Our program stands out as the best choice for students due to several compelling factors. Firstly, we prioritize cutting-edge research, focusing on innovative areas such as green synthesis of nanomaterials, computational chemistry, and the application of nanomaterials in biology and pharmaceuticals. This ensures that students are at the forefront of scientific advancement.

Secondly, our commitment to staying abreast of the latest technology is a key factor. We provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, fostering hands-on experience and technological proficiency.

Lastly, our program promotes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore the convergence of chemistry with other scientific disciplines. This holistic approach equips them with a diverse skill set and a broader perspective, making them highly competitive in the ever-evolving field of chemistry.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

In our program, we adhere to a set of best practices that define our commitment to academic excellence. These include thorough literature surveys, enabling students to build a strong knowledge foundation. We emphasize meticulous experimental design to ensure the validity of research outcomes. Additionally, our program fosters a clear research focus, promoting a deep understanding of specific topics.

Ethical conduct is paramount, instilling integrity and responsibility in our students. Scientific writing skills are honed to effectively communicate findings, and we actively encourage students to publish their research, enhancing their visibility in the academic community. These best practices collectively empower our students to excel and contribute meaningfully to the field of chemistry.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

Certainly, our program offers valuable insights that set it apart. Firstly, we cultivate a robust research culture, fostering curiosity and innovation among students. The availability of substantial funding opportunities within our institute empowers students to pursue ambitious research projects.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and resources provide a conducive environment for groundbreaking research. Collaboration is another key aspect, as we encourage interdisciplinary research with other departments, broadening students' perspectives.

Furthermore, career development is a priority. An advisory committee supports students in charting their academic and professional journey. Finally, our program places a strong emphasis on generating high-quality publications, ensuring that our students make significant contributions to the scientific community. These insights collectively make our program exceptional and impactful.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our PhD program is meticulously crafted to ensure our scholars are not just educated for the present but thoroughly prepared for the future. We provide invaluable teaching experience, allowing students to hone their pedagogical skills, which is essential for academic careers.

Networking opportunities abound, connecting students with experts and peers. We instill a strong sense of educational research ethics. Workshops and seminars on publication and grant writing equip them with practical skills.

We stay up-to-date with evolving technology and maintain a robust feedback and assessment mechanism, ensuring our students remain competitive and adaptable in the ever-changing landscape of chemistry and academia.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Ensuring faculty readiness is paramount in delivering our Ph.D. program effectively. We conduct training sessions on advanced research methodologies and keep our faculty updated on the latest developments in their respective fields through professional development programs like conferences, seminars, and Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) facilitated by the institute. Communication skill development is also emphasized. We foster a culture of continuous learning among our faculty, enabling them to provide the highest quality education to our students.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program? 

Establishing robust industry connections is pivotal to our program's success. We achieve this through several strategic approaches. First and foremost, we engage an Industry Advisory Board, which provides invaluable insights, guidance, and networking opportunities for our students.

Active participation in industry conferences and collaboration initiatives further strengthens our ties with the industrial sector. Additionally, we actively seek funding programs and research centers that bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise to enhance our students' real-world exposure.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program into your curriculum?

Certainly, implementing this program came with its share of challenges. One of the major hurdles was integrating interdisciplinary elements seamlessly into our curriculum. Additionally, forging strong collaborations with industry partners demanded careful coordination.

Ensuring we had specialized faculty members with the expertise required for this program was crucial. Moreover, equipping our labs with the latest equipment to support advanced research and hands-on learning presented logistical challenges. Overcoming these obstacles was essential to delivering a comprehensive and effective program.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Within our program, students engage in a diverse range of projects. These encompass the synthesis of novel compounds and advanced materials using green technology, a cutting-edge field with broad applications. We also delve into the study of molecular dynamics through computational chemistry, a critical area for understanding molecular behavior. Additionally, our program explores the intersection of green chemistry and drug discovery, pushing the boundaries of sustainable and innovative approaches to pharmaceutical research.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

There are several benefits. Pursuing a doctorate in chemistry opens various career options for scholars. In academics such as professors and researchers, can work in industry as scientists in government sectors at various research positions are opened, and they can work as patents under Agni regulatory affairs. They can pursue their career in data science and analytics as quality control managers.