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Fear of the Unknown is the greatest fear of all, they say. It’s that fear that we have almost universally dealt within this year of uncertainty. The word “new normal” has been coined and is talked about by experts in great detail. But what does it truly entail? How do professionals of today and tomorrow navigate their way through the new normal on their way to success? It’s time to upskill, but what are the skills that will be in demand in the post-Covid world?

The new world might be mired in uncertainty, but one thing is certain – that workspaces will see a transformation in times to come. If you want to make your mark in the changing professional scenario then here are skills you should possess:

• Adaptable professionals for the flexible work environment: Work from home has already become a norm for companies big and small. Workspaces will keep evolving rapidly in times to come. As a professional, you need to keep pace with the changes or be left behind.

• Get what it “techs”: Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Robotics, IoT had already made their presence felt before the pandemic. They will make businesses more resilient in the post-CoVid world. Being equipped with skills in the latest technologies is the surest way to futureproof your careers.

• Data with destiny: Data has become the most valuable asset for organizations. But as Bernard Merr writes in Forbes, “Data is useless to a company unless there is data literacy – people equipped with skills to understand the data and make better decisions because of it.” Data literacy skills will score high on companies’ priority list.

• Innovators have a way in: In spite of the difficulties this year, some businesses have thrived. It’s largely because of the creativity they have shown in catering to their audience through innovative strategies. In the future too, organizations will be focused on professionals who can think and function creatively.

• Critical thinking will be critical: With great amounts of data, comes great responsibility to analyze it discerningly. The rise of fake news, misinformation has been a menace in the recent past. The industry will be looking for critical thinking professionals, who can scrutinize information for objective decision making.

• Leaders are forever: Technological disruptions with the changing nature of the workplace have meant that teams and teamwork have become more fluid. It will take strong and capable leaders with high EQ to bring out the best in their teams. Leaders who can encourage and enable seamless collaborations will be highly sought after.

Research and innovation-driven Universities like SRM University – AP, Andhra Pradesh have already incorporated platforms and initiatives in their curriculum to equip students with these skills. “We, at SRMAP, believe that the Universities and educational institutions need to trigger the thought process and inquisitiveness to go beyond the classrooms and textbooks,” says Prof. D. Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University. And it’s this inquisitiveness and thinking out of the box that will make all the difference in the post-CoVid world.

“Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think,” said Albert Einstein. In recent years, there has been a sea-change in the understanding of what we need from professionals of tomorrow. We need thinkers and thought-leaders that can shape the future. Interestingly it has coincided with new-age digital disruptions that have made information easily accessible to Gen Z. Knowledge acquisition for them, is not limited to classroom learning. The new Internet age has practically made traditional modules of learning redundant.

Traditional learning worked on “one size fits all” model with the unreasonable expectation that all students have similar capabilities. If learning institutions and educators have to keep up with the evolving demands of the industry and Gen Z learners, they have to embrace new-age advancements. These pedagogies and technologies encourage students to be inquisitive, to explore and innovate. New age universities like SRM – AP, Andhra Pradesh have already incorporated these advancements in their learning experiences for students.

Multi-stream learning

“Interdisciplinary communication is where truly great ideas emerge,” said Carl Seger. As work environments get more collaborative across functions, it’s vital for future professionals to have insights into streams that are beyond their domain. Moreover, experts also assert that multidisciplinary learning encourages lateral thinking, which is a sought after trait in tomorrow’s professionals and leaders.

Active Learning

Active Learning places greater responsibility for learning on students as they are actively involved through case studies, role plays etc. It does not diminish the role of the instructor but simply puts more onus on learners, which develops problem-solving skills amongst them. Application cards, minute papers, visual modeling are some of the advances in strategies that are being adopted by leading learning institutions today.

Artificial Intelligence

AI become the buzzword and is certainly here to stay. It has revolutionized the way curriculums are delivered across schools and Universities. AI has the capability to arm educators with insights to understand students’ performance, their strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used by educators to offer more personalized guidance to suit their specific needs. AI tools overall generate a more dynamic learning experience for students.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality has taken the education sector by storm due to the truly immersive experience it creates for learners. It makes it easier for students to process and absorb the information they are getting. Augmented Reality through the mediums of video clips, images, animations etc. create a real-time experience while keeping students engaged. Experts believe it can enhance creativity, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills amongst students.

Remote to Hybrid learning

Remote learning was already gaining prominence before it was necessitated by the pandemic this year. The potential of virtual classrooms is limitless as high-quality learning is made available to students across the planet. Modern technologies like Zoom, social media, video-conferencing are being leveraged to deliver highly productive sessions for educators and students alike. These learning experiences complement offline learning into a powerful Hybrid learning module.

Education sector as we knew it has gone through a reboot. It’s up to learning institutions and academics to keep pace and put their best step forward. Some of the pioneers of new-age education in India like SRMAP are already leading the way.

Since its inception in 2017, SRM University, AP has raced towards its vision of becoming a world-class university that is globally connected, nationally relevant and regionally transformative. The ambitious plan for the multi-stream research university was built on its state of the art infrastructure, new age curriculum, and a strong faculty team. At the heart of it all has been the sprawling, green campus designed by American architects, Perkins + Will.

But the campus of any learning institution is only its foundation. It needs to be harnessed and complemented by a holistic, dynamic learning experience that can give students the edge in their respective careers. Undoubtedly, it is hard for freshers walking onto the nascent campus to envision it for their future. “Not knowing what my journey was going to be like was the most challenging part for me,” confesses Alluri Harika, CSE, student of the first batch.

In three years’ time, she not only graduated with a specialization in Cyber Security but also got placed with Optum Global for a plum package of Rs. 11.59 LPA. “I wanted to experience diversity. I went through many stages of knowing about the faculty, university culture, curriculum, campus diversity. It showed their willingness to provide an efficient and global standard of teaching. I would say we grew together a lot in three years,” she adds.

Campus diversity of SRM University, AP is much talked about because it in itself is an enriching experience for students. Sri Harsha TR, who also specialized in Cyber Security vouches for the impact it had on his transformation as he says, “I had some amazing discussions and interactions with students from different streams on campus, in research labs. I also learned a lot while I was organizing festivals. It’s the diversity that I miss the most today.”

Today, he is realizing his professional dreams after converting his internship into placement with AbInBev for a handsome package of Rs. 12+ LPA. Students of the first batch of SRM University, AP unanimously agree that their initial scepticism faded quickly as the curriculum went from strength to strength. They also got the opportunities to explore a wide range of platforms to grow and showcase their talents.

Nilofer Sultana Mohammad, who specialized in Data Science and bagged a placement with Barclays Global Service Center reveals how campus activities groomed her personality and instilled a sense of independence in her. “Always being a part of organizing committees made me a multitasker, who could manage time efficiently. I also overcame my fear of public speaking and became more persistent,” she says brimming with confidence.

Her defining moment came when she attended a semester at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Nilofer admits that it changed her perspective about the world and her own life, and made her an independent woman. That seems to be the story for all students, who have been part of the young SRMAP campus. They have broadened their horizons, gained new perspectives, built a strong professional foundation, and transformed with their university.

Dr Nimai Mishra, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, along with his research group comprising of students pursuing PhD under him, Mr Syed Akhil and Ms V G Vasavi Dutt have published a research article titled “Surface Modification for Improving Photoredox Activity of CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals” in the Journal “Nanoscale Advances” (The Royal Society of Chemistry).

Inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are used in photocatalytic reactions in the modern era. The surface chemistry of the PNCs can play an important role in the excited state interactions and efficient charge transfer with redox molecules. In this work, Dr Mishra’s research group explored the impact of CsPbBr3 nanocrystal surface modification on the excited state interactions with the electron acceptor benzoquinone (BQ) for three different ligand environments: as oleic acid/oleylamine (OA/OAm), oleic acid (OA)/ trioctylphosphine (TOP), and oleic acid (OA)/ oleylamine (OAm)/ trioctylphosphine (TOP) ligands.

The research infers that amine-free PNCs (OA/TOP capped) exhibit the best-excited state interactions with benzoquinone as compared to the conventional oleylamine ligand environment. The photoinduced electron transfer (PET) rate constants were measured from PL-lifetime decay measurement. The amine-free PNCs show the highest PET which is 9 times higher than conventional ligands capped PNCs. These results highlight the impact of surface chemistry on excited-state interactions of CsPbBr3 NCs and in photocatalytic applications.

More importantly, this work concludes that amine-free PNCs maintain a redox-active surface with a high photoinduced electron transfer rate which makes them an ideal candidate for photocatalytic applications.

To read the full paper: Please Click Here

SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, invites Prof M Lakshmi Kantam in the ninth edition of the University Distinguished Lecture Series to deliver the keynote address on “Design and Development of Homogeneous/Heterogeneous Catalysts for Sustainable Chemical Industry” on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 03.30 PM. Our guest of the evening, Prof M Lakshmi Kantam, FNA, FTWAS, FNASc, FRSC, is a renowned name in the field of Chemical Sciences and Engineering. She is presently the Dr B P Godrej Distinguished Professor of Green Chemistry and Sustainability Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.
Her areas of expertise are Catalysis, Materials & Process Chemistry.

Prof Lakshmi Kantam is one of India’s leading researchers in the domain of Chemical Engineering and is bestowed with numerous awards and recognition for her commendable contributions to the scientific fraternity. The admirable scientist has published 347 research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals with citations of 16018. she has further authored and edited five books. The brilliant scientific mind has been granted 52 patents for her innovations. Her present Industry Collaborations include companies such as GBL, VOL, Hikal Ltd, Indo Amines Ltd, Jubilant, Rallies, Kesar Petroproducts Ltd, GACL, Marvel Drugs, Prasol, Mangalam Organics etc.

She is associated with various Government Organisations, including the Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Science and Technology, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory-Pune (DRDO), IIT-Hyderabad, GAIL, etc., to name a few.

Prof Kantam’s contributions are recognised with numerous honours and awards. She has been awarded ICC -D.M.Trivedi Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Devang Mehta – National Education Award (Women in Education Award) in 2017, Asian Paints Padma Vibhushan Dr R A Mashelkar Medal and Chemcon Distinguished Speaker Award (For leadership in Science, Technology and Education)-CHEMCON in 2016, J.C.Bose Fellowship (SERB-DST) in 2015, Lifetime Achievement Award by Indian Chemical Society in 2011.

She is further honoured as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Indian National Science Academy, The Royal Society of Chemistry- UK, National Academy of Sciences, India.

The spirited woman also performs her scholarly duties as the Editorial Board Member at Chemical Record (TCR), Wiley-VCH and Journal of Chemical Sciences, Springer Publishers and the Associate Editor, Catalysis in Green Chemistry and Engineering, Begell house.

Join the webinar on April 17 at 3.30 PM to listen to the captivating speech of the leading scientist in Chemical Engineering and avail this opportunity to broaden your perspectives.

Register: https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_49e3PfuOTg6-q8tBZZ72yQ     (Registration Closed)

On the auspicious occasion of World Health Day, the Department of Student Affairs organises a very special session for the students of SRM University-AP. As Ralph Waldo Emerson rightly said, “The first wealth is health,” we often forget that. Especially in the thrill of the invigorating youth, students tend to neglect their health and suffer later. Needless to say that we all should remember that health is the most important thing in everyone’s life. A few good practices can keep the diseases away and make your life worthwhile. “Health in Our Hands”, presented by Dr Srimadhuri, will enlighten the students on some substantial problems that the youth of this generation face. She will also share the present scenario regarding COVID-19 and the ideal stand to keep oneself safe from the disease. The session will not be limited to problems related to the students. The faculty and staff will also be benefitted by listening to Dr Srimadhuri’s advice.

Dr Srimadhuri has completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, under the affiliation of Dr NTR University of Health Sciences. Dr Srimadhuri is a young and brilliant doctor who is currently associated with the Ramesh Hospitals, Guntur, as a Medical officer at the Department of Cardiology and Paediatrics.

Enthusiasts are requested to join the webinar on April 07, 2021, at 4 pm to know more from Dr Srimadhuri herself.

The Hindu
The Hawk – Apr 5
Trinity Mirror – Apr 1
Hans India
Deccan Chronicle
Daily Pioneer – Apr 3
Andhra Prabha
Sakshi
Vartha Daily
Rajadhani Varthalu
PrajaSakthi
Globalgreenews

Department of Mathematics is back with another exciting version of the Departmental Seminars Series. This week, the Department of Mathematics invites the in-house mathematician Dr Vijayakrishna Rowthu to deliver a talk on “PDEs and Digital Images.” He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics. The seminar has been scheduled for April 07, 2021, at 3 pm.

Digital images are discrete versions of 2D functions defined over a rectangular bounded domain. In the language of Partial Differential Equations(PDE), a digital Image Processing Method(IPM) appears as an Initial Value Problem (IVP) where the initial value is an image, and the PDE mimics the processing part of the method. Unlike the traditional IPMs, the final outcome is not subjective but majorly depends on the convergence of the evolving solution over the time axis.

In this talk, various PDE models will be illustrated to showcase the benefits and to infuse enough mathematical rigour into the field of image processing itself. Mathematics enthusiasts are requested to avail this opportunity to listen to our distinguished speaker on April 07, at 3 pm.

Eenadu – March 28

Andhra Jyothi – March 27

Vaartha – March 28

Andhra Prabha – Mar 28

Prajasakthi – Mar 28

Sakshi – Mar 28

Vartha Prapancham – Mar 28