Empowering Students Through Multidisciplinary Approaches

Started in 1998 as Dr MGR Engineering College and Thai Moogambigai Dental College in the year 1991, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute was established in 2003, with both the above colleges getting deemed university status that year. The institute aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today's globalised world, beyond just academics. Vice Chancellor Dr S Geethalakshmi, describes the implementation of innovative approaches and promotion of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr S Geethalakshmi was earlier the vice chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University. Among her other stints were Director of Medical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu; Dean, Stanley Medical College and Hospital; Dean, Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital and Dean, Madras Medical College. Excerpts:
 

You have steered several higher education institutes and have a stellar academic career spanning decades. What have been some significant transformations that have happened in higher education in the state?

Since its inception, the university has everything under one roof- engineering, management, medical, health sciences, architecture – ie except agriculture and veterinary science. The number of students is increasing day by day, especially in health sciences and engineering. In engineering, there is great demand for AI, ML. In civil and mechanical, the number has dwindled. This could be because students are seeking future-ready careers or want to become entrepreneurs.

This trend suggests the need to revitalise these fields by aligning with job aspirations and entrepreneurship.

The number of students has increased over the years, leading to a shift towards hybrid education mode so that more students can be accommodated. Digital transformation is giving them the opportunity to learn at home with the help of pre-recorded lectures.

Hybrid education has expanded teaching methods, extending classes into the evening, using digital tools for personalised assessments and platforms like Moodle for effective teaching strategies. The focus has shifted towards skill-based learning, granting credits for fieldwork and projects aligning with industry demands, encouraging students to become researchers or innovators.

It will also impact how well a teacher can teach. If he or she is not an effective teacher, the number of students on the online platform will decrease. Moodle will track students as well as faculty.

With all the disciplines you have mentioned, there would be a lot of multidisciplinary work happening. Can you elaborate on the multidisciplinary work?

Academia should go deeper into multidisciplinary possibilities between computer science, medicine, AI and ML, which are still underexplored. Integrating these fields can improve patient care. Treatment can be better monitored with AI. There is also a lot of scope for mechanical combined with medical sciences. But faculty are stuck in their own silos.

Universities should establish multidisciplinary research units to foster cross-departmental collaboration and innovation, leading to groundbreaking research that leverages various fields' strengths to address complex challenges.

Securing research funding from apex bodies remains a significant challenge, with a lack of direct connections between funding agencies and universities. Often, intermediaries complicate the process, making it difficult for researchers to access financial support.

To address this, the Government of India should establish a direct line of communication with university leaders, such as vice chancellors and innovators, through regular meetings to discuss potential multidisciplinary projects. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and streamlining the funding process, universities can improve research outcomes and contribute more effectively to advancements in various fields.

What are the typical aspirations of students these days? Are they primarily interested in employment or entrepreneurship?

Many students today are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship and building their own business. For instance, a student transitioned from working for someone else to becoming an event manager. However, while entrepreneurship is appealing, many students still seek job opportunities that emphasise skill development over theoretical knowledge. Employers now prioritise hiring candidates with specialised skills and practical expertise rather than just academic qualifications. Whether in engineering, MBA or any other field, being skilled and trained in a specific area is crucial for employment and this shift highlights the growing importance of practical skills and hands-on experience in today's job market.

Typically, what kind of industry exposure are students getting to gain a proper understanding of what their future careers will be like?

There is a noticeable trend where students are increasingly gravitating towards fields like AI, electronics and allied health sciences.

Many students are pursuing electronics and communication, AI in computer science, law and management studies. The popularity of allied health science courses, such as BSc Dialysis, BSc Perfusion Technologies and Physician Assistant, is increasing, attracting thousands of students. These courses are appealing because they offer lucrative career opportunities worldwide, allowing graduates to assist doctors in healthcare settings. The high demand for technical roles in healthcare ensures that students not only gain valuable skills but also secure employment and a degree in these specialised fields.
 

-    With inputs from Barkha Rawat

Meha Mathur

BW Reporters The author works as Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld