Dr. M. Laxmaiah is the Head of the Department of Computer Science Engineering Data Science at CMR Engineering College. He received a B.Tech. degree in CSE from Sri Krishna Deveraya University, and an M.Tech. in CSE from JNTU. He also received his PhD in the area of Data Mining in the Computer Science and Engineering discipline from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTUH) in 2016. His research interests include Data Mining, Data Science and Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. He has over 25 years of experience in teaching and ten years of experience in the field of research.

Dr. Laxmaiah has published many research papers in the peer-refereed national and international journals, and conferences. Currently, he is guiding four research scholars, and two PhD scholars have completed their PhD under his supervision. He is an IBM DB2 and Data Science and Big Data Analytics Certified Professional. He has been instrumental in conducting hackathons such as the Rurathon Jalathon, Coronathon, Ideathon, Smart India- Internal Hackathon, and Swecha Hackathon.

Dr. M. Laxmaiah has received the Drona Award from IBM in First Position in “The Great Mind Challenge” competition in 2011, the Outstanding Researcher in Computer Science Engineering Award from the Global Outreach Organisation in 2019 and the Best Researcher Award in Computer Science and Engineering from Prahas Vidya Parishad Trust in 2020. He has also received the Best Teacher Award from many educational institutions, like CMREC, MLRIT, and TEC. He has published four patents and has received a national merit scholarship and the Telugu Vignana merit scholarship in SSC. He has worked as a secretary for the Indo-Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) of the AP Chapter from 2006 to 2014. He has held different academic positions like Principal(I/C), BoS Member, Chief Superintendent of Examinations, IIIC Head, Dean SAC, Head-Dell EMC Centre of Excellence, and Head of CSE Department in a couple of engineering colleges. He is also a member of IEEE, a lifetime member of CSI, the Indian Society for Technical Education, the Soft Computing Research Society, the Internet Society, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers and a Member of the International Association of Engineers.

CMR Engineering College

In your 25+ years of experience, what are the special practices at the CMR Engineering College institution that you observed and you would like to highlight?

In my extensive 25+ years of experience in academia, CMR Engineering College has exhibited several special practices that deserve recognition. Firstly, the institution places a strong emphasis on a student-centric approach to education, striving to provide the best learning experience for our students. This includes small class sizes, dedicated faculty-student interactions, and personalized mentoring. Additionally, CMR Engineering College has a robust research culture. We encourage faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual growth and discovery. This research-oriented approach not only benefits our students but also contributes to the advancement of the field of Data Science. Our strong ties with industry partners facilitate curriculum updates, internships and placements for our students, helping them gain practical exposure and real-world experience.

Technology is going through a lot of dynamic changes these days, what steps are you taking in order to be updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into the curriculum of Data Science?

In my extensive 25+ years of experience in academia, CMR Engineering College has exhibited several special practises that deserve recognition. Firstly, the institution places a strong emphasis on a student-centric approach to education, striving to provide the best learning experience for our students. This includes small class sizes, dedicated faculty-student interactions, and personalized mentoring. Additionally, CMR Engineering College has a robust research culture. We encourage faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual growth and discovery. This research-oriented approach not only benefits our students but also contributes to the advancement of the field of Data Science. Our strong ties with industry partners facilitate curriculum updates, internships and placements for our students, helping them gain practical exposure and real-world experience.

Technology is going through a lot of dynamic changes these days, what steps are you taking in order to be updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into the curriculum of Data Science?

Staying current with the rapidly evolving technology landscape is crucial in the field of Data Science. To ensure our curriculum remains up-to-date, we have implemented several strategies. First, we maintain strong ties with industry leaders and organizations. This allows us to receive valuable insights into the latest trends and emerging technologies in the field. Additionally, we encourage our faculty to engage in continuous professional development. They attend workshops, seminars, and conferences, and participate in research projects that keep them at the forefront of Data Science advancements. We also regularly review our curriculum and make necessary updates. This ensures that our students are learning the most relevant and contemporary skills. Moreover, we incorporate practical, hands-on experience through projects and internships to bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.

How do you collaborate with industries and other academic institutions to provide practical exposure and internships for CSE Data Science students?

Collaboration with industries and academic institutions is integral to providing practical exposure and internships for our CSE Data Science students. We have established partnerships with several prominent companies in the data science domain to facilitate internships and practical experience. Our students benefit from industry-driven projects, where they work on real-world problems and gain hands-on experience. We also encourage participation into industry-led workshops, seminars, and hackathons to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Furthermore, we collaborate with other academic institutions through knowledge-sharing initiatives, joint research projects, and student exchange programs. These partnerships enhance our students' exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas, ensuring they are well-rounded and industry-ready upon graduation.

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Can you explain to us the infrastructural facilities available with respect to the Data science at CMR Engineering College?

CMR Engineering College is committed to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to support our Data Science program. Our facilities include well-equipped data labs with high-end computing systems, dedicated servers, and access to the latest data science software and tools. These labs are accessible to students around the clock to facilitate their research and project work. We have a specialized library section with an extensive collection of books, journals, and research papers related to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The library also provides access to online resources and research databases, ensuring that our students have access to the latest literature in the field. In addition, we have a Data Science club and Data Science competitions to encourage a culture of learning and innovation. Our campus is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity, creating a conducive environment for online research and data analysis.

How do you support and encourage the students in the Data Science department towards innovation?

Fostering innovation is a key aspect of our educational approach in the Data Science department. We support and encourage our students in several ways. We promote research projects and encourage students to work on innovative research topics. This includes collaborations with faculty on cutting-edge research projects and participation in research conferences and publications. We organize and participate in hackathons and data science competitions, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world problems and showcase their innovative solutions. We have incubation centres and technology hubs on campus that provide resources and mentorship for student-driven startups and innovative projects. Additionally, we invite industry experts and researchers for guest lectures and workshops to expose students to the latest trends and technologies in the field. Students are paired with mentors who guide them in their academic and innovative pursuits, helping them develop their ideas and projects.

What is your vision as a HOD of CSE Data Science for the coming years at CMR Engineering College?

As the HOD of CSE Data Science, my vision for the coming years at CMR Engineering College is to continue fostering excellence in education, research, and innovation. I envision a department that is at the forefront of data science education, producing graduates who are not only well-versed in the fundamentals but also equipped with the skills to adapt to evolving technologies. I plan to strengthen our industry connections, ensuring that our students have ample opportunities for internships, practical exposure, and employment. Additionally, I aim to expand our research initiatives, driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of the data science field. Furthermore, I envision our department as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering partnerships with other academic institutions and departments to address complex real-world challenges. I want to empower our students to become leaders in the data science domain, making a positive impact on society through their expertise. Overall, my vision is to continue to elevate the CSE Data Science department at CMR Engineering College, making it a center of excellence and a source of pride for the institution and its students.