Professor Vijaysekhar Chellaboina is the Dean of Engineering at GITAM Visakhapatnam. He is an academic leader and a scientist with extensive experience in teaching and research and expertise in modelling, analysis, and synthesis. Professor Vijay received his B.Tech. and M.S. in mechanical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and the Florida Institute of Technology, USA. He received his PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, specializing in the mathematical theory of nonlinear control systems

Professor Chellaboina is passionate about modern methods of teaching that are based on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary principles. His archival contributions include over 200 journals, peer-reviewed conference articles, and five books.

GITAM Visakhapatnam

You held key positions at various prestigious institutions throughout your career. What is that one thing that made you excited and walk with GITAM University in the journey?

During the initial phase of my career, I found great fulfilment as a dedicated researcher and educator. After an extensive academic journey in the US and some exposure to corporate research, I decided to join the Indian academia. My quest was to be part of an institution that aspired to transcend traditional textbook-centered education.

Fortunately, I came across GITAM, an organization led by an enthusiastic young leader with an education degree from Stanford. What truly resonated with me was GITAM's ambitious vision, which revolved around excelling not only in research but also in providing student-centric learning experiences. This alignment with my own passion for student-focused education made GITAM the perfect choice for me.

How do you balance the needs of faculty, students, and administration as a Dean of computer science engineering ?

In my role as dean at the university, my primary focus was on enhancing the student experience and recognising them as the most vital stakeholders. While adequate infrastructure plays a role, it is the faculty who significantly contribute to providing students with the necessary education. A considerable portion of my responsibilities centred around the recruitment of high-quality faculty.

We have successfully implemented a transparent recruitment process involving expert panellists from esteemed universities across the country. This ensures that we hire the best faculty members who can impart excellent education to our students. Moreover, my team and I have taken further steps to enhance the student and faculty experience by establishing innovation centers. These centers provide opportunities for students to engage in projects beyond regular classroom activities, fostering creativity and practical skills.

As a Dean of Computer Science Engineering, what is the USP or what are the differentiating factors that make GITAM University stand out from other colleges that are offering CSE?

What truly sets GITAM University apart is its unwavering vision to evolve into a research-driven institution with a strong emphasis on student-centric learning. To achieve this ambitious goal, the management has strategically appointed exceptional leaders who are instrumental in propelling the university towards excellence.

One key aspect that defines GITAM's progress is its commitment to recruiting outstanding faculty members. These dedicated educators play a crucial role in imparting quality education and fostering a culture of research and innovation among the students. Furthermore, GITAM University's investment in developing top-notch teaching and research infrastructure is truly remarkable. This demonstrates the institution's dedication to providing its students and faculty with the best possible resources to nurture their academic pursuits. Through its forward-thinking vision, strong leadership, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, GITAM University is making strides toward becoming a leading institution in the field of education and research.

How do you stay current with the latest trends and developments in the field of computer science engineering and incorporate them into the curriculum and programs offered by GITAM University?

Ensuring the relevance of our curriculum to the dynamic demands of the present is of paramount importance. To achieve this, we recognize the significance of gathering feedback from various stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, employers, and subject matter experts. This comprehensive approach enables us to adapt and evolve our curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of the world.

To cater to the diverse aspirations of our students, we offer them the opportunity to specialize in either applied or core tracks. This flexibility empowers them to pursue either lucrative corporate careers or further education in higher academic institutions. We believe in equipping our students with a versatile skill set that caters to both immediate employment prospects and long-term academic growth.

How well is GITAM is focusing on maintaining industry relationships with companies in order to leverage them for live projects, training, and placements for the students?

At GITAM, we have established various offices dedicated to fostering strong connections between the university and relevant industries. The dean's office plays a pivotal role in this endeavour, with faculty members actively engaging with industry partners to facilitate a range of industry-relevant projects for both faculty and students. Furthermore, the dean's office ensures that our students have access to enriching internship opportunities and meaningful senior project experiences, which are essential for their holistic development and future career prospects. By collaborating with industry professionals, we also organise classroom lectures, allowing students to stay updated on the latest technologies and trends directly from the experts.

In addition to the dean's office, we take pride in our dedicated career and guidance center, which works tirelessly to create ample job opportunities in industries across the country. By establishing strong links with relevant industries, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, empowering our students to make meaningful contributions and thrive in their chosen fields after graduation.

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What measures would you take to ensure that GITAM University provides a conducive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure?

At GITAM, we have made substantial investments in building a robust teaching and research infrastructure. To enhance the learning experience for our students, our faculty development department ensures that educators receive the necessary training to deliver experiential and student-centric education.

We believe in continuously adapting our curriculum to incorporate the latest trends and advancements while aligning with the principles of experiential learning. This approach ensures that our students actively engage in practical experiences, making their education more relevant and meaningful. One of the unique aspects of our curriculum is its flexibility, which allows students to personalize their learning journey. We empower our students with a plethora of choices, enabling them to create a personalized learning path that aligns with their passions and career aspirations.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing Engineering colleges, and how do you plan to address them as a Dean?

Colleges are currently grappling with two major challenges. There is a pressing demand for an adequate number of qualified faculty members, particularly in computer science and engineering. Both students and faculty members often have a background rooted in exam-centric textbook-based teaching, rather than a learner-centric approach that emphasizes experiential learning.

At GITAM, we are taking significant steps to address these challenges. To attract top-notch faculty, we have implemented a rigorous selection process and offer the necessary support for their career growth. Additionally, we are investing in faculty training to shift their teaching methods from exam-oriented to experiential-based, fostering a more interactive and practical learning environment.

How would you promote experiential learning and practical application of knowledge within the College?

Engineering involves the practical application of scientific principles to develop durable and functional products. However, historically, engineering curricula have been more focused on engineering science, with limited emphasis on design courses and practical laboratories. At GITAM, we are currently overhauling our syllabus and teaching approaches to seamlessly blend theory and application.

For instance, in our standard programming course, we have shifted towards a fully experiential approach, where students tackle diverse problems using programming logic. Additionally, we encourage all core engineering students to engage in hands-on projects, wherein they create a product in their first year by understanding the needs and specifications of a "customer." 

What kind of steps GITAM University is taking in order to bridge the gap between academia and the real industry world?

At GITAM, we have established dedicated offices to connect the university with relevant industries. The dean's office plays a pivotal role, in facilitating industry projects for faculty and students, providing invaluable hands-on experience aligned with real-world requirements. We offer enriching internship opportunities and meaningful senior projects for holistic student development and career prospects. Classroom lectures by industry professionals keep students updated on the latest technologies. Our career and guidance center ensures abundant job opportunities through counselling, workshops, and networking events, empowering students to excel in their careers. This collaboration with industries bridges the gap between academia and the professional world, delivering comprehensive and industry-aligned education at GITAM.

The number of students taking engineering programs are increasing drastically year on year in India and colleges are also coming up with new specializations. What is your thought on how the scope of engineering is going to be in the future?

The computer science engineering student population has been rapidly increasing each year, however, at the cost of enrollment in other engineering programs. This trend is concerning as there are now very few students graduating in core engineering disciplines. However, it is essential to acknowledge that modern applications are increasingly interdisciplinary in nature.

At GITAM, although we cannot directly influence students' program choices, we are taking proactive measures to address this issue. We are introducing numerous specializations that embrace interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the diverse and evolving demands of modern applications.