Dr.
Abhilasha P. S., Professor & Civil Engineering Department Head, Vidya
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Dr. Abhilasha P. S.,
born on May 11, 1979, is a prominent figure in the field of civil engineering.
She is currently the Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at
Vidya Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) in Thrissur, Kerala. She has
been an integral part of VAST since October 2006, bringing her expertise and
passion for civil engineering to the forefront of education and research. With
a career spanning two decades, Dr. Abhilasha has dedicated her life to
advancing civil engineering education and research. She resides in
Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, with her family.
Educational
and Professional Journey
Dr. Abhilasha P. S.
has had a remarkable educational and professional journey. She completed her
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the School of Civil Engineering at Karunya
Institute of Technology and Sciences in 2020. Her advanced studies began with
an M.Tech. in Computer Aided Structural Analysis and Design from Cochin
University of Science and Technology, which she obtained in 2004. Prior to
that, she earned her B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from Government Engineering
College, Thrissur, under the University of Calicut in 2000.
Dr. Abhilasha's
career started at the Centre of Science & Technology for Rural Development
in Thrissur, where she gained valuable experience in applying engineering
solutions to rural development challenges. She then served as a Guest Lecturer
at the Cochin University of Science and Technology and as a Lecturer at Royal
Engineering College, Akkikavu, before joining VAST.
Throughout her
career, Dr. Abhilasha has actively participated in numerous conferences and
workshops, presenting papers and contributing to the advancement of civil
engineering knowledge. She has a substantial number of publications in esteemed
journals, showcasing her research contributions to the field. Her dedication to
teaching, research, and professional service has made her a respected figure in
the civil engineering community.
Areas of Expertise
Her core areas of
expertise include Geosynthetics, Geotechnical Engineering, Dam Safety,
Structural Engineering, Indian Knowledge System, and ISO 9001:2015 quality
management system. Over time, her expertise has evolved to encompass
significant roles such as a reviewer for international conferences, an advisory
board member for national conferences, and consultancy work related to slope
protection and other civil engineering areas. Additionally, she has served as a
lead auditor for quality management systems, certified by Bureau Veritas
Chennai, and as the principal investigator for KTU CERD funded research project
on the application of geotextiles as filters in embankment dams. She has also
received the Rashtrapati Guide Award and has numerous publications in both
international and national journals and conferences.
Roles and
Responsibilities
As the Professor
& Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Vidya Academy of Science
and Technology, her responsibilities also align with several key strategic
performance indicators, focusing on both academic and industry-related aspects.
She oversees the academic grading of students, ensuring that the students'
rating accurately reflects their academic achievements and progress. She
continually refines instructional methods and pedagogical initiatives to
improve teaching quality while also analyzing student academic performance and
graduation rates to identify areas for improvement. Her efforts are focused on
improving the rate of undergraduate (UG) students to postgraduate (PG) programs
through mentorship and encouragement for higher studies.
She aims to increase
the number of students securing university ranks or a CGPA of 9+ through
tailored academic support and motivating students to excel. She works to ensure
that students participate in internships and projects and gain hands-on
experience through industrial/site visits, contributing to their practical
knowledge. She also focus on strengthening MoUs and industry affiliations,
creating a platform for engagement with industry experts and renowned
academicians.
She encourages
faculty to lead seminars, conferences, and workshops, alongside faculty
development programs (FDPs), which contribute to both staff skill upgrades and
knowledge sharing. She actively encourages the submission of conference papers
and journal articles by both students and faculty. Also, she oversees the
creation of a newsletter/technical magazine to document and disseminate the
department's achievements, ensuring that the department remains a hub of
innovation and excellence in civil engineering.
Her role also
involves fostering a research-oriented environment by encouraging faculty and
students to engage in cutting-edge research while leading key initiatives such
as funded research projects and consultancy services.
Career Inspiration
Her motivation to
pursue a career in education and mentorship stems from a deep passion for both
learning and helping others realize their potential. Throughout her academic
journey, she was fortunate to have mentors who not only guided her through
complex concepts but also inspired her to think critically and innovate. This
experience instilled in her the belief that education is a powerful tool for
change and growth. As a faculty member, she found immense satisfaction in
witnessing students transform into confident professionals who can contribute
meaningfully to society. The ability to nurture curiosity, encourage
exploration, and shape future engineers is what continuously drives her to give
her best in education and mentorship. Additionally, her own experience as a
lifelong learner fuels her commitment to fostering an environment where both
students and faculty can thrive academically and professionally.
Innovations
For the future of
civil engineering education, several innovations are essential to ensure the
field remains dynamic, relevant, and capable of addressing emerging challenges.
One key innovation is the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Building Information Modelling
(BIM) into the curriculum. These tools will allow students to develop skills in
smart infrastructure, sustainable design, and data-driven decision-making.
Another critical innovation is the increased use of experiential learning,
including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which can simulate
complex engineering scenarios and offer hands-on experiences without the need
for physical prototypes or expensive lab setups.
Additionally, the
growing focus on sustainability and climate-resilient infrastructure requires
civil engineering education to evolve, incorporating subjects related to green
building technologies, sustainable materials, and environmental impact assessments.
Interdisciplinary learning is also vital, fostering collaboration between civil
engineering students and those from fields like environmental science,
architecture, and urban planning to address challenges holistically.
Lastly,
industry-academia partnerships will be crucial for ensuring that students are
exposed to real-world problems and solutions, helping bridge the gap between
theoretical knowledge and practical application. These innovations will prepare
civil engineering students to lead in an increasingly complex, interconnected
world.
Academic
Advice
As students prepare
for their careers, she would advise them to focus on building a strong
foundation in both technical knowledge and essential soft skills. While it's
important to excel in the academic aspects of their field, it's equally vital
to develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, as these are
highly valued in any profession. Dr. Abhilasha encourages students to seek
internships, participate in real-world projects, and engage with industry
experts to gain hands-on experience. Stay updated on emerging trends and
technologies in their field, and don't be afraid to explore interdisciplinary learning.
Most importantly, approach their career with passion, persistence, and a
mindset of continuous learning, as these qualities will help them adapt and
thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
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