Dr. Rama Shanker Verma has been working as the Director of MNNIT Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. As part of his education, he has done Graduation and Postgraduation from the University of Allahabad, PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University of New Delhi in 1984 and Post Doctorate from School of Medicine - Indiana University Medical Centre of Indianapolis in 1991. Then he joined National Institute of Health of Bethesda as Research Scientist and later on worked with University of Pennsylvania as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. After serving for 11 years overseas, he returned to India and then joined IIT Madras in 2004 after 4 years of service as GM & VP in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

He has made noteworthy contributions in domains like Stem Cell Regeneration of Tissue Engineering, Cardiac and Liver Tissue Regeneration, Cancer Stem Cell and Targeted Therapeutics, Biomarker and Pathways Studies in Fanconi Anemia, Construction and Production of Bacterial and Humanized Immunotoxins for Cancer Therapeutics, Monoclonal Antibody Production followed by development of indigenous medical devices and in Tissue Engineering. He has to his credit various projects funded by DRDO, IIT, DST-RSF, CSIR, IC, RBIC, DBT, BRNS, RBIC(Lailapharma), RRBIC (HLL), and MHRD. He has also guided 32 PhDs, 100+ M. Tech and MS students, published 206 research papers and several book chapters (15) and review papers on Stem Cell Biology, Tissue Engineering, Fanconi Anemia and Immunotoxin based cancer therapeutics.

Dr. Rama Shanker is an elected fellow of National Academy of Sciences (India-Allahabad) (2014), AMI of India (FEMI) (2010), The Biotech Research Society, India (2015), Society for Applied Biotechnology (2011) and Madras Research Foundation. He has been awarded with Life Time Achievement Award by Nature Science foundation of Coimbatore, ABAP Senior Scientist Award in 2014 by Society for Applied Biotechnology and Applied Pharmacy India, Award for Excellence in Medical Biotechnology by Society for Applied Biotechnology - India in 2011 and Genomic Pioneer Recognition Award in 2008 during HUGO’s International Human Genome Meeting in Hyderabad. He has delivered expert lectures in numerous conferences, seminars and workshops on national and international platforms.

MNNIT, Prayagraj

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

My journey in the education sector has been incredibly engaging and fulfilling so far. And during various training tours, we were introduced to different kinds of institutions which ultimately landed me in the academic world. Also, when I guide my young and talented students to help them achieve excellence in their lives, it gives me immense happiness and joy. Last but not the least, witnessing their success, their job placements, and even their ability to create opportunities for others fills me with immense satisfaction. Hence I would say all these factors together are the driving forces of my so long association with the dynamic and challenging educational domain.

In your opinion, how joining the MNNIT Allahabad would be beneficial for students?

For an ambitious student, joining our advanced institution would mean stepping into a world of unparalleled knowledge and getting best quality guidance for the Engineering and Management domain. Because we not only offer exceptional academic programs to youths but also have an amazing team of esteemed and experienced industry professionals as faculty followed by state-of-the-art facilities nestled in a scenic campus. Apart from this, our campus is known for its cleanliness and eco-friendly environment, and houses an extensive library filled with books, journals and publications. We have also developed a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for students to thrive in their academic pursuits.

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

Our college’s curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and much needed practical skills crucial to succeed in today's technology-driven world. The journey mainly begins with daily lectures and is expanded further to practical sessions with cutting-edge equipment. And in each semester, students delve deeper into industry tools and processes through hands-on practice and by enhancing their overall knowledge in a suitable research-oriented environment. All in all, the presence of experienced technical staff and our structured approach of delivering education set our students apart, giving them a competitive edge in the industry.

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How is your institution more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Our aim is to create an environment where every individual feels valued and engaged, fostering both independent and collaborative growth. Diversity is at the heart of our admission process, because we firmly believe that exposure to different cultures enriches the overall learning experience of students. As a result, we have students from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and a diverse alumni base from all parts of India and abroad. 

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

I would advise my dear students and ambitious youths to prioritize their studies, because success is well within your reach. Also, set practically achievable goals for yourself and maintain consistency as both will lead to remarkable achievements. Lastly, approach your education earnestly, as true dedication and excellence are fundamental pillars of a successful future.

What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths?

There are several pillars that make our institution's strength. First and foremost, our college isn’t just a place of learning, it’s an environment nestled amidst lush green fields, providing a serene backdrop for academic growth. Then we have a well-equipped and extensively rich library with lots of books and other study materials for both students and teachers knowledge enhancement, sports facilities to ensure and promote everyone’s physical and mental well-being, and extracurricular activities to enhance students skills and give them a suitable environment to showcase their unique talents. In addition to this, industrial visits further enrich our students' practical knowledge and Students Exchange Programs which we regularly conduct with various educational institutions also bolster harmony among students of various Nationalities. 

What makes your institution unique and different from others?

At MNNIT, each student’s comprehensive development along with their physical and mental well-being is our priority because we see every individual as an integral part of our extended family. Apart from this, our vision revolves around addressing critical health questions in our communities through education, research and service as all are rooted in our core values including integrity, accountability, compassion, diversity, effective resource utilization, and the advancement of our institutional mission while nurturing personal growth. Last but not the least, we aspire to provide an enriching and transformative experience, guiding each student towards self- improvement and success. Hence I would say that the way we treat our curious students and the kind of education we provide to them makes us different from others.