Dr. Mohammed Safiuddin is the Associate Professor of the Civil Engineering Department and Dean of IQAC, ISL Engineering College, Hyderabad. He is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with over twenty-five years of experience in academia, research, and consultancy. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan. His academic journey includes a Master's degree from King Fahd ~University of Petroleum and Minerals (K~FUPM) in Dharan, Saudi Arabia, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Civil Engineering with Distinction from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.

Over the past three years, he has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, securing four patent applications with the Indian Patent Office, one of which was granted for twenty years in November 2021. Dr. Safiuddin's contributions to the field are further underscored by his publication of more than twenty research papers in Elsevier journals. He has received prestigious accolades, including the 'Best Researcher Award,' the 'Best Innovator Award,' and 'Best Presentation awards' at two conferences, making him a notable figure in the field of civil engineering and research."

ISL Engineering College

You have held key positions throughout your fabulous 25+ years of professional career, what are the special practices at the ISL Engineering College that you observed and you would like to highlight? What is the reason behind pursuing your career in ISL Engineering College? 

ISL Engineering College is managed by Ahmed Memorial Educational Society, which has been successfully operating educational institutions for more than forty-three years in Hyderabad. This reflects their dedication and service to the field of education. Their portfolio includes Islamia High School, Junior College, Degree College, Engineering College, Management College, B.Ed College, and Law College.

You have published 20 research papers and received ‘Best Researcher Award’. How do you encourage students for various research activities within the institution?

In ISLEC, it is mandatory to publish a research paper in a UGC Care Journal by the Project Group. Faculty and students receive appreciation (Certificates, Mementos, and Cash Awards) for publishing in reputed journals. ISLEC also houses an IPR Facilitation Center that guides and assists students in filing patents. An additional appreciation and award are given for patent filing, published patents, and awarded patents. At the college level, a monthly idea competition is held, with a prize for the best idea to encourage research ideas among students.

Can you describe the role and objectives of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) within the university? 

The vision of IQAC is to facilitate the holistic development of students and establish ISLEC as a recognized institution known for the highest standards of education and the teaching-learning process. 

The objective of IQAC is to guarantee that quality standards are met in all teaching and learning processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement by institutionalizing and internalizing initiatives with both internal and external support to promote the holistic development of the institute.

What specific initiatives or projects has the IQAC undertaken to enhance the quality of education at this institution? Can you provide examples of successful outcomes? 

IQAC at ISLEC has been diligently working to fulfill the college's Vision and Mission. In this regard, it has fortified the ongoing practice at ISLEC of conducting Expert Lectures by inviting prominent figures from various engineering disciplines to enlighten the students about the latest industry trends, bridging the gap between Academia and Industry. Students are provided with opportunities to undertake internships in industries through MOUs. At ISLEC, various committees at both the college and department levels include one Industry Expert and one Alumni member. A significant number of students have secured placements in reputable companies with competitive packages.

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Can you share any innovative approaches or best practices that the IQAC has implemented to promote excellence in teaching and learning?

The chairman, Sir, and the principal are very dedicated to promoting and elevating teaching and learning at ISLEC. In recent years, ISLEC has been recognized as a Host Institute Business Incubator (HIBI) by MSME, and a Research & Development Cell has been established with a co-working space. MOUs have been signed with T-HUB and WE-HUB. 

Our successful best practices include the Mentoring system and Quality Circles.

In the mentoring system, each faculty member is assigned a group of students to monitor their academic as well as extra and co-curricular activities, with regular updates and meetings with parents/guardians. 

In Quality Circles, a group of students from within each class is formed, comprising both active learners and slow learners, who share their thoughts and discuss the topics being taught in all subjects. 

What challenges or obstacles does the IQAC face in its efforts to maintain and enhance quality standards, and how does it address them?

Due to the COVID era and lockdown periods, there has been a gap in students' learning, and getting them back on track to cover the basics and missed classwork in college is a significant challenge. To overcome this, ISLEC is consistently conducting bridge courses for students. 

What is the vision of the IQAC for the future, and how does it align with the broader goals and mission of the university?

IQAC is working to implement Outcome-Based Education (OBE) strategies from 2023-24. It has taken many steps that will help foster a research culture and an excellent teaching and learning process at ISLEC. 

How does the IQAC handle feedback and suggestions from students, faculty, and other stakeholders in order to make improvements? 

As per regular practice, every semester and every year, feedback is collected from students, graduating students, alumni, employers, as well as parents. The feedback is analyzed, and suggestions are given to the respective departments for implementation. 

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

Students should focus more on research thinking leading to Innovations aimed at solving society's problems rather than focusing on getting bookish knowledge.