RVS Technical Campus, HOD Science And Humanities: Dr. S. Ashok Kumar Interview

Dr. S. Ashok Kumar is the head of the Department of Science and Humanities at RVS Technical Campus. He was awarded a PhD degree in Physics in 2014. Dr. Kumar has a total of ten years of experience in academics and research. He has published over 15 research papers in international journals and participated in a number of conferences and seminars. His areas of research interest are Nanoscience and Technology, Nanocomposites, and Nanobiomaterials.

Dr. Ashok serves as a reviewer for more than ten journals, which include the Saudi Journal of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Science, Spectrochemica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Process Biochemistry, Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Materials Science and Engineering.

What is the main challenge you are facing to uplift the quality of education of your college?

The main challenge I face is uplifting the quality of education and adapting to the rapid advancements in technology and industry demands. We strive to ensure that our curriculum remains up-to-date, incorporating the latest trends and technologies relevant to engineering. Additionally, attracting and retaining highly qualified faculty members who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical experience is crucial. To further enhance the educational experience, we continuously invest in modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratories, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

As a leader, one should lead a team, and when something good or bad happens, the leader should take responsibility for correcting it and not blame the team. I believe in leading by example by setting clear goals and providing the necessary resources and support for my team to thrive. Ultimately, my leadership philosophy centers around building strong relationships, fostering a shared vision, and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

What are your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students?

My responsibilities focus on leading, managing, and developing the department to ensure it achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities. I supervise and delegate the work of all faculty and staff within the department. Moreover, I mentor faculty to offer support and guidance towards excellence in teaching, service and scholarly activities. I also facilitate the pursuit of professional development and research activities for faculty.

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How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practice of industry?

We provide an extensive curriculum that enriches every student who studies here, ensuring the best Industrial practice. The college follows a Choice based credit system by developing courses in Industrial practice. plans with objectives and outcomes. Though the college is affiliated with Anna University curriculum gaps are plugged through design-based experiments, and additional labs other than the curriculum and evaluated systematically through different assessment tools. This practice enables the students to excel and succeed in any area of research or industry through the latest state-of-art graduate education.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from the curriculum to train/teach the students?

Apart from the curriculum, I employ a range of interventions and approaches to enhance the training and education of our students. I emphasize practical learning through hands-on projects, internships, and industrial visits, providing real-world exposure and industry insights. Additionally, I encourage participation in workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by experts from various fields to broaden students' perspectives. I also promote research and innovation by encouraging students to undertake research projects and participate in technical competitions. 

When you first came to this institute, what was Your vision for the Institute?

When I first joined the institute, my goal was to create a transformative educational experience for students. I focused on developing deep disciplinary knowledge, problem-solving skills, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, and personal health and well-being. We have more or less achieved these goals over the years, but there is a lot more to do.

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

Young people everywhere need to develop a greater breadth of skills to evaluate and apply knowledge in ways that meet the new demands of our changing social and economic landscape. Skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and flexibility have always been important for work and life, but they remain even more crucial for future generations. 

What are some of the plans that you are currently designing for students?

We are working on strengthening industry-academia collaborations by establishing partnerships with leading companies to provide more internship and job placement opportunities. Thereafter, we are also developing a mentorship program where experienced professionals will guide and support students in their academic and career journeys. Additionally, we are implementing a multidisciplinary approach by offering elective courses from different domains to broaden students' knowledge base. Furthermore, we are in the process of revamping our entrepreneurship cell to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and provide resources for students interested in starting their own ventures. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide holistic development opportunities and empower our students to succeed in the competitive professional world. 

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What do you see the department’s greatest strengths and how can it be enhanced? 

The department's greatest strengths lie in its dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong industry connections. To further enhance these strengths, we can focus on continuous professional development programs for our faculty, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest advancements in their respective fields. Moreover, investing in cutting-edge technologies and upgrading our laboratories will help us maintain our position as a centre of excellence in engineering education. By strengthening these aspects, we can continue to provide quality education and produce highly skilled engineers who meet the demands of the industry.