Anurag University, HOD, Physics: Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Mainampati Interview

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Mainampati is the HOD-Physics at Anurag University. He received a Master of Science (Physics) from Osmania University, Hyderabad in 2000, M.Phil (Physics) from Hyderabad Central University in 2002, and a Ph.D in Physics from Osmania University, Hyderabad in 2015. From 2004 to 2012, he served as Controller of Examinations and Head Department of Humanities and Sciences. In 2012, he joined the Department of H&S at Anurag Group of Institutions as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015. Since 2015, he has been succeeding as Head & BOS Department of Physics. He was honored with “Dr.T.S Narasimha Murthy and Dr.P.G Puranik Memorial Gold Medal (s)” for securing the highest marks in M.Sc Physics from Nizam College, Osmania University in 2000. He was the recipient of the “Best Teaching Faculty Award-2008” declared by Sphoorthy Engineering College, Hyderabad. He is a life member of the Indian Science Congress.

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

The Department of Physics offers Applied Physics and Engineering Physics courses with theory and laboratory. The theory subject mainly focused on essential topics like optical, electrical, magnetic and structural properties of materials, as well as contemporary topics like quantum mechanics, lasers, optical fibers and semiconductors. All the topics are relevant to the present-day generation and also useful for understanding the latest technology developments in the different fields of engineering. All the experiments in the laboratory are aligned with theory for a better understanding of basic concepts by performing the experiments. The courses are intended to be designed in such a way that the technocrats can interpret and understand the real-time societal problems that intern help them to write better algorithms. I am glad to share that CSE, AI and Mechanical students have been outperformed in the field of quantum computing and semiconductor materials processing with inspiration from quantum mechanics and semiconductors.

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

The department comprised of experienced and expertized faculty to teach and guide the students is our strength which enables the best students to opt for our courses. Our laboratories are well-equipped and sophisticated and the students can learn the concepts by doing hands-on activities. The different topics of the course cover fundamentals that are useful for them to learn the advanced courses like quantum computing, optoelectronic devices, electronic devices and circuits, optical communication, transmission lines, 3D printing, laser technologies, data science, artificial intelligence etc.

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

With the help of IOT tools, the Department of Physics is adopting some best practices like structured student seminars, interactive teaching (classroom participation) and demonstrations in the laboratory experimental learning (learning by doing)

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

We have various well-designed experimental laboratories in our department which cover fundamental experiments related to applied physics. These experiments give the real-life idea of the physics of different branches like optics, electronics and solid state physics to the students and can motivate them to develop their skills.

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

The physics courses offer students the skills, experience, and preparation necessary for several career options that exist in the many research programs. These include fusion and space plasma physics, optical and laser physics, and quantum computing etc.

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

It has been regular practice in the department that every faculty should complete at least one advanced course certification from NPTEL/Coursera etc. The department faculty are very keen to update themselves in that process they are regularly conducting and attending various faculty development programs.

Interdepartmental presentations are organized among us every semester during semester gaps to share the best practices and knowledge. Faculty are encouraged with incentives to present their research work in conferences and seminars which helps them to understand the latest developments in the field of science and technology.

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

As a part of Ph.D. program, our supervisors and scholars are working with ARCI scientists to establish connections with industries. Semiconductors are used in almost every sector of electronics, science and engineering. Therefore, it can generate interest to the students during hands-on practice to develop various types of proto- type based on semiconductors which has huge demand in any VLSI and microelectronics industry.

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

The biggest challenge that we have faced was to bring out common syllabi for all engineering streams that satisfy all the stakeholders.

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

Based on the concepts covered in physics courses, different proto-type projects like robotics, sensors, energy storage devices, quantum computing and semiconducting nanomaterials can be developed.

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

All the courses of the department provide a solid foundation for students and further help them to understand different courses in the upcoming semesters. The students can pursue their career options in the fields of semiconductor technologies, thin film processing, optoelectronic devices and quantum computing etc.