Sangam University, Bhilwara, Assistant Professor in the Computer Science & Engineering department: Dr. Awanit Kumar interview

Dr Awanit Kumar is an assistant professor in the Computer Science & Engineering department at Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan. He has 5 years of academic experience and 2 years of industry experience. His interests are data mining, data science, AI, and machine learning. He has 3 patents, more than 12 research papers and 1 book. He has supervised 3 M.Tech scholars and 2 PhD scholars.

Being a faculty of the Engineering Department, what are your roles and responsibilities toward the students?

“Conduct technical activities, innovative programmes, matters related to R & D, consultancy and research publications”

Being a faculty of the Computer Science & Engineering department, my responsibilities include look after day-to-day activities related to teaching and other workloads of students. I need to report in front of HOD regarding all the requirements of students such as lab equipment, books & journals, maintenance etc. We represent students for upcoming tasks, assignments, and conduct technical activities related to their course. Look after the matters related to R & D, consultancy and research publications are other duties followed by me. Arrangement of guest lectures/extension lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences are my responsibilities. We are responsible for mobilizing different research grants, innovative programmes including collaboration with other institutions, universities and different industries.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty in Sangam University?

“Talk to students, know about them, and maintain effective communication”

To establish healthy relations with students and fellow faculty members, it is necessary to know about students and talk to students in and outside of class. Talking and listening is the best way to maintain good relations. We must set pupils up for success by creating activities or lessons that let every child shine. Always create opportunities throughout the year and some students love to draw while others are social butterflies. Some love to speak publicly while others thrive working behind the scenes on critical projects. Students don’t always have to be in these preferred ‘sweet spots,’ but they should have ongoing opportunities to show their talents and genius. Assume the best in every student will change the way you perceive certain behaviors, the quality of work in certain assignments, questions, etc. Sometimes you’ll be ‘wrong’ by assuming the best in what a student meant or hoped to do. Give students a chance to ‘fail forward’ and learn through their mistakes and self-manage. Another method to establish healthy relations with faculties is effective communication. I generally talk to other colleagues related to academic and non-academic topics such as their hobbies, family background, interests, etc. Also, maintain an active engagement and always support the work assigned to them. Constructive feedback helps each other grow and improve our skills. 

What is your philosophy of leadership and describe leadership style?

“Value my coworkers and respect every one through my leadership style”

A leadership role comes with great responsibility. It is important for your juniors and peers to be able to respect the decisions you make as a leader. A strong and good leader never works alone. He/She always works with the support of the team. I am a team player and highly value all my co-workers. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

“Collect materials, identify resources, develop plans and methods”

I will focus on building a curriculum that is beneficial to students by describing my vision, focus, objectives, and needs. Identity resources and develop experiences that meet my objectives on campus. We collect and devise materials. I try to develop plans, methods, processes and create great experiences for my students'. 

Check Sangam University Courses & Fees

How do you build a positive school culture or climate in Sangam University?

“Enhance self-esteem, cater individual needs, foster respect and language assist to build positive relations”

A positive school climate is one where individuals feel valued, cared and respected. Such an atmosphere contributes to effective teaching, learning and genuine communication both within and outside the school. We build effective communication within the school and cater for individual needs. Our campus develops a health-promoting physical environment and develops democratic processes. We enhance self-esteem and foster respect for diversity. Our campus fosters inclusive and respectful language among all members. 

How do you prepare your student to cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

“Provide sports, campus placements and other opportunities to pupils”

We can see tough competition amongst students now a days. Be it either in education, sports or in campus placements. I like to believe that every child is unique and talented in some way or the other. I encourage them to try different things until they discover what they are passionate about and excel in that. One can cope with pressure by not letting it get to you. If you truly love and enjoy what you do, you’ll achieve success no matter the pressures you face. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

“Arts, athletics, clubs, employment, personal commitments, sports, and technical events are available to pupils”

We plan and conduct various programs for students. Some of the common extracurricular activities available to students include arts, athletics, clubs, employment, personal commitments, sports, technical events and other pursuits. All these enrich their skills for the outside world. 

Click Sangam University Placements

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

“Adjust methods, address an observed weakness and needs of students”

One of the challenge is Proactive that deal with areas of need before they become a larger obstacle to education. Another one specifically addresses an observed weakness. Other difficulties are Formal use of targeted methods for addressing specific needs and track progress. Also, adjusting methods based on the needs of the student is tough one too. 

What valuable advice would you give to students to have a prosperous career ahead?

“Grow your skills, Stay focused, and Seek internship opportunities”

It is important to consider suggestions that can help a student to grow personally and professionally. Seek internship opportunities, and consider taking part in a work-study program. Grow your skills, knowledge and keep your skills up-to-date. Always Stay focused and find a balance with your personal life. Pursue your passion, strive for excellence and stay motivated. Use your school's career services, build your network and actively seek opportunities.