Dr. Amita Dev - Distinguished Educator and Researcher Transforming Education through AI and Speech Technology

 

Dr. Amita Dev, Former Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women

 

Could you introduce yourself to our audience?

My name is Dr. Amita Dev, and I had the privilege of serving as the Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW). My professional journey is a blend of rigorous academic pursuits and extensive administrative experience, underpinned by a deep commitment to advancing technical education and research.

My career has been defined by a passion for Fostering Innovation and Excellence, both in the classroom and in the broader academic community. As an Educator, Mentor, and Leader, I have dedicated my life to empowering Students and Faculty Members to reach their full potential, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence, Speech Recognition, and Machine Translation Systems. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, I have worked tirelessly to create an Inclusive and Dynamic Learning Environment that prepares students to meet the challenges of the 21st century. My journey is characterized by a relentless pursuit of Knowledge, a commitment to Research Excellence, and a vision for a brighter future driven by Technological Innovation.

 

Could you tell us about your educational and professional journey?

My educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, laying a solid foundation in the principles of Technology and Innovation. This was followed by advanced studies in specialized areas for Masters & Ph.D., where I delved into Artificial Intelligence and Speech Technology focused on the intersection of Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing, areas that continue to drive my professional interests even today.

Professionally, I have held several pivotal roles across esteemed institutions, contributing significantly to both Academic and Administrative domains. My early career saw me taking on the role of a Researcher and Educator, where I had the privilege of mentoring students and guiding their Research Endeavours. This was a period of intense Learning and Growth, during which I published numerous papers and articles in leading International and National Journals. My contributions were soon recognized, and I was invited to serve on editorial boards and review committees, further broadening my impact on the academic community. In my administrative capacities, I have served as a Mentor for GIZ Germany, where I provided strategic guidance and support to various aspiring Women Entrepreneurs. My journey has also included significant roles in curriculum development, faculty training, and institutional accreditation, ensuring that the educational programs I oversee meet the highest standards of excellence. My role as Vice Chancellor at IGDTUW represents the culmination of my Educational and Professional journey, where I continue to champion the cause of Technical Education and Research, Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Excellence within the University.

 

Could you elaborate on your specific areas of expertise?

My specific areas of expertise encompass Artificial Intelligence, Speech Recognition, and Machine Translation Systems. These fields represent the cutting edge of Technological Innovation and have vast implications for how we interact with and utilize Technology in our daily lives.

In the realm of Artificial Intelligence, my work focuses on developing Intelligent Systems that can learn from Data, make informed Decisions, and Adapt to changing Environments. This involves a deep understanding of Machine Learning Algorithms, Neural Networks, and Data Analytics, as well as the ability to apply these concepts to real-world problems.

Speech Recognition is another area where I have made significant contributions. My research in this field aims to improve the Accuracy and Efficiency of systems that convert Spoken Language into Text. This has applications in various domains, including Voice-activated Assistants, Transcription Services, and Accessibility Tools for Individuals with Disabilities. Machine Translation Systems, on the other hand, involve the development of algorithms that can automatically translate text from one language to another.

Over the years, I have authored and edited several Books on these subjects, contributed to numerous Journals, and participated in various National and International Conferences. My research is characterized by a commitment to advancing the state of the art in these fields, with a focus on practical applications that can benefit Society.

 

What motivated you to pursue research in NLP, Speech Recognition, and Machine Translation Systems?

My motivation to pursue research in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Speech Recognition, and Machine Translation Systems stems from a lifelong fascination with language and communication. From a young age, I was intrigued by the idea of how Machines could be taught to understand and process Human Language. This curiosity led me to explore the field of NLP, where I discovered the immense potential of using Technology to bridge Communication Gaps and make information more accessible to everyone. Speech Recognition, in particular, captivated my interest because of its Transformative Potential in making Technology more inclusive. The ability for machines to accurately understand and respond to spoken language can significantly enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities and create more intuitive human-machine interactions. This field not only presents fascinating technical challenges but also holds the promise of making a real difference in people's lives. Machine Translation Systems offer another compelling avenue for research. The challenge of developing algorithms that can accurately translate text between different languages involves not just linguistic knowledge but also a deep understanding of cultural nuances and context.

This research has the power to break down language barriers, fostering greater understanding and collaboration in an increasingly globalized world. My journey into these research areas was driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve in terms of understanding and processing human language. The interdisciplinary nature of this research, combining elements of linguistics, computer science, and cognitive psychology, makes it an endlessly fascinating and rewarding field to work in. My work is motivated by the belief that advances in these areas can lead to more intuitive and accessible technology, ultimately making the world a more connected and inclusive place.

 

What sparked your interest in NLP, and what drives your passion for advancing the field?

My journey as a researcher in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Neural Networks has been marked by several key milestones that have shaped my career and contributed to the advancement of these fields. One of the early milestones was the completion of my Ph.D., where my research focused on developing novel algorithms for Machine Learning and Neural Networks. This work laid the foundation for my subsequent research and provided me with the tools and knowledge to tackle more complex problems in AI.

Throughout my career, I have published over 140+ scholarly articles in leading International and National Journals/ Conferences, sharing my research findings with the broader Academic Community. These publications have covered a wide range of topics, from the theoretical underpinnings of Neural Networks to practical applications in Speech Recognition and Machine Translation.

Another significant milestone was publishing 51 patents, 17 of which have been granted. These patents represent practical Innovations that have the potential to impact various Industries, from Healthcare to Education to Technology. The process of securing patents not only validates the Novelty and Utility of my research but also ensures that these Innovations can be protected and potentially commercialized.

My role as a Peer Reviewer and Member of various International Advisory Boards has also been a significant milestone. These positions allow me to contribute to the global discourse on AI and its applications, providing insights and feedback to fellow researchers and ensuring that high standards are maintained in the publication and review process.

These milestones reflect my commitment to advancing the field of AI and deep neural networks, with a focus on both theoretical research and practical applications. My journey has been characterized by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation, driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions to the field and society as a whole.

 

Could you share your primary duties as the Vice Chancellor at IGDTUW?

• Overall Administration
• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing the university's long-term strategic plan.
• Policy Formulation: Creating and enforcing policies that govern the university's operations.
• Resource Management: Overseeing the allocation and utilization of resources, including financial, human, and infrastructural resources.
• Governance: Ensuring the university adheres to statutory regulations and maintains high standards of governance.

• Academic Leadership
• Curriculum Development: Leading efforts in curriculum innovation and updates to align with current educational trends and industry needs.
• Quality Assurance: Maintaining and enhancing the quality of academic programs through regular assessments and accreditations.
• Faculty Development: Encouraging and facilitating the professional development of faculty members through workshops, seminars, and research opportunities.

• Research and Development
• Research Initiatives: Promoting and supporting cutting-edge research in various fields, particularly in STEM.
• Funding Acquisition: Securing funding for research projects from governmental and non-governmental sources.
• Publications and Patents: Encouraging faculty and students to publish their research in reputable journals and secure patents for their innovations.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Incubation Programs: Overseeing the IGDTUW Anveshan Foundation to nurture entrepreneurship among students and faculty.
• Start-up Support: Providing resources and mentorship to start-ups incubated at the university.
• Industry Collaboration: Building partnerships with industry to foster innovation and practical applications of research.

• Student Development
• Academic Support: Ensuring that students have access to the resources they need for academic success.
• Extracurricular Activities: Promoting a range of extracurricular activities to foster holistic development.
• Career Services: Enhancing employability through career counseling, internships, and placement services.

• Community and Social Responsibility
• Outreach Programs: Initiating and supporting programs that benefit the local community and society at large.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing sustainable practices within the university and promoting environmental awareness.

• International Relations
• Global Partnerships: Establishing and maintaining partnerships with international universities and organizations.
• Student Exchange Programs: Facilitating exchange programs that allow students to gain global exposure.
• Collaborative Research: Encouraging collaborative research projects with international institutions.

• Infrastructure Development
• Campus Expansion: Planning and overseeing the expansion and modernization of university infrastructure.
• Technology Integration: Ensuring the integration of advanced technology in academic and administrative processes.
• Safety and Security: Maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

• Accreditation and Recognition
• National and International Accreditation: Leading efforts to achieve and maintain accreditations from national and international bodies.
• Awards and Honors: Striving for recognition and awards that enhance the university's reputation.

• Alumni Relations
• Engagement Programs: Developing programs to keep alumni engaged with the university.
• Alumni Contributions: Encouraging alumni to contribute to the university's growth through donations and mentorship.

My multifaceted role as the former Vice Chancellor of IGDTUW involved a blend of Strategic Vision, Academic Excellence, Research Innovation, and Community Engagement, ensuring the University remains a leader in Technical Education and Women Empowerment.

Could you tell us about any distinguished awards or honours you have been recognized for within your career?

I have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honours throughout my illustrious career. These accolades highlight the exceptional contributions to education, research, and the empowerment of women in STEM fields. Below is a detailed account of my (and University’s) distinguished awards and honours:

• National Level AICTE Young Teacher Career Award: For pursuing advanced research in "Hindi Speech Recognition Using Connectionist Model."
• Prof. Rais Ahmed Memorial Lecture Award (2023): Conferred by the Acoustical Society of India (ASI).
• Lifetime Achievement Award: For exceptional contributions to promoting entrepreneurship, especially among women, awarded by the Delhi Management Association.
• Ambassador for Peace University: Conferred by the Universal Peace Federation.
• State Level Best Teacher Award: Awarded by the Government of Delhi.
• National Level Best Engineering Teacher Award: Conferred by ISTE for significant contributions in research and technology.
• International ECONS Education Excellence Award: For academic excellence.
• Vittiya Saksharta Abhiyan Award: Presented by the Hon’ble Minister for HRD, Government of India, for spreading digital literacy.
• New Code of Education 2022 Award: Presented by Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson, AICTE.
• Institution of Happiness (IOH) Award: Presented by Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.
• Shrimati Sushma Swaraj STREE SHAKTI SAMMAN: Conferred by ReThink India.