Dr.M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, HOD (Chemical Engineering): Dr N Jaya Chitra Interview

Dr N Jaya Chitra is presently working as HOD (Chemical Engineering) at Dr.M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, Chennai. With over 19 years of work experience, she has given admirable contributions to a number of research articles, publications, symposiums and awareness programs at National and International levels. She received the Best Senior Faculty award and certificate of merit by Novel Research Academy in 2019-20. Also, she has attended many FDPs, Workshops, Seminars and Conferences, and submitted proposals for funded projects. She has filed and published two patents as well out of which one had been granted.

What are your roles and responsibilities, being the HOD?

“Maintaining academic affairs of the department”

I look after day-to-day activities relating to teaching and other workloads of teaching and non-teaching staff, report to the college management regarding all the requirements department such as Faculty Member, supporting staff, equipment, books & journals, maintenance, etc. Also, I take into account matters related to R & D, Consultancy and Research Publications in the department. Moreover, I arrange for Guest Lectures, Extension Lectures, Seminars, Workshops, and Conferences etc. Mobilizing faculty members for different departments as per instruction from officials and introducing innovative programmers including collaboration with other institutions, Universities and different industries are my responsibilities. 

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the fellow faculty?

“Encouraging interactions and understanding”

Equality and integrity remain the strength of the department. Many qualities define a positive relationship and pave ways for how to create powerful peer relationships. I always inculcate good communication practices and a safe learning environment that expands interests and integration within my colleagues. Mutual respect, positive and patient attitude, equality and timely praise are important factors to build stronger relations with one another. 

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How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects?

“Blended and skill-based learning” 

The most important factor for a practical and industry-oriented approach in engineering courses is building a foundation that helps students in after-college life. Embedded teaching and learning subjects are being incorporated into the syllabus to enhance the practical approach. We do offer Skill-based courses for students studying core engineering subjects like B.Voc in Rubber Technology through which students receive dual certification from the Council. Skilling through the collaboration with Industry Institute Planning Cell, more industry-oriented visits and internships are arranged for the students every semester.

How does your department prepare students for Higher education?

“Advance preparation for national qualifications”

By encouraging students to attend the GATE examination and foreign language through Alumni talks and department IQAC meetings we affirm their growth in a positive direction. We arrange a number of webinars offered by reputed organizations and through coordination with the international affairs department. Awareness and outreach programs are also being conducted in the department. 

How do you help your student to cope up with the high competition outside?

“Additional programs and linkages with the industrial world”

By allowing students to participate in e-learning, entrepreneurship programs, industry-academic linkages, benchmarking, lifelong learning, multidisciplinary programs and skill development we enhance their abilities for the professional world. Outcome-based education with flexible open labs and elective courses are being offered for benefiting students to gain interdisciplinary knowledge. Dual Certification courses like Lab Chemist, Senior Rubber Technicians, etc. are offered at the institute. Students are allowed to obtain certification through MOOCs courses for gaining credits in technical skills and they are encouraged to participate in national and international events related to core and interdisciplinary fields to expose them to the outer world. 

What challenges do you face to uplift the quality of education in your department?

“Students admission and research interest”

As the field is interdisciplinary and involves the rigorous application of chemical and mathematics most of the students hesitate to join, not only in this institution, but it has remained a universal problem compared to other engineering fields. Most of the research work can be done in the environmental and industry-oriented fields, and getting research scholars for the same also remains a great problem. 

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How do you prepare your faculty according to the industry standards?

“Exposing to industrial development, research and training”

Our faculties are trained for the TOT program, training of the tutor offered by NSDC. We conduct various FDPs and FEPs as per the industry standards, and staff is allowed to participate in industry-orientated conclaves and research programs to understand the emerging technologies as well. Conferences, guest lectures and technical talks by eminent experts are a regular practice.