Students,instructors,andotherparticipantsinthelearning processallbenefitfromthedigitalchangeoccurringinthe educationsector.Theseadjustmentscenteronenhancing accessibilityandengagementthroughengagingandflexible learning.Onlineeducationbecomesmoreaffordable, thorough,andinclusiveasaconsequence.
Microlessons,interactivefilmsorquizzes,gamesorAIbasedlearningtechniquesarejustafewoftheoptionsthat highereducation'sdigitaltransformationhasmadepossible. Eachofthesealternativesenablesastudenttoparticipate moreactivelyandengagewiththecorrespondingaspectsor assignments.Text-to-speechorcolorblind-friendly visualization,forinstance,allowpeoplewithimpairments toreceiveaneducationwithoutanyobstaclesorchallenges.
Theuseofdigitaltransformationineducationalinstitutions isasignificantsteptowardimprovingtheeducational processandautomatingawiderangeoftasks,fromprinting endlessessaysandcourseworktoscoringexamsand determiningGPA.
Theuseofdigitaladvancesineducationisexpandingand changing.Manyeducationalinstitutionsfollowadefinite patternwhenitcomestoputtingspecificsystemsintoplace. Let'shavealookatthetopinstitutionsandbusinessesthat arealteringtheeducationindustrywiththeirsuperior productsandmethods.
Inthisspecialissue,“World'sBestUniversitiesfor Education-2022”World'sLeadershighlightsthetalesofa fewsignificantbusinessesandinstitutionswhichare transformingeducationsector
ThecoverfeaturesCapitolTechnologyUniversitywhich developscurriculabasedonthecurrentSTEMcareer
industry,andeachsubjectareaisdesignedtomeetthe specificneedsoftheworld'sjobmarket.
NavyveteranEugeneH.RietzkeestablishedCapitol TechnologyUniversityinWashington,D.C.,astheCapitol RadioEngineeringInstitute(CREI)in1927.Capitolwas foundedwiththepurposeoftrainingradioandelectronics workers,butasitgainedprominence,itgrewtooffer additionalfieldsofstudyinengineeringandtechnology.
BeforerelocatingtoitscurrentcampusinLaurel,Maryland in1980,andchangingitsnametoCapitolTechnology Universityin2014,theschoolwentthroughnumerous othernameandlocationchangesasitgrewanddeveloped. Becauseofitsoutstandingleadership,CapitolTechhas developedintoavibrant,MiddleStatesCommissionon HigherEducation-Accreditedacademiccommunitythat grantsdegreesattheundergraduateandgraduatelevels. Theuniversityprovidescoursesinin-demandsubjects includingengineering,computerscience,astronautical sciences,cybersecurity,andmanymore.
Whilewecometotheend,pleasedonotforgettoreadthe CXOstandpointswrittenbyindustryexpertsandthe informativearticlespenneddownbyourin-houseeditorial team.
Have a lovely read!
Lead by example and be willing to jump in and do anyone's job or support them if they are overloaded so that both the organization is successful and those that you are leading are willing to do what is necessary and can appreciate your level of dedication and support as a leader.
Over6%ofalljobsintheUnited Statesareinthefieldsofscience, technology,engineering,and mathematics(STEM),accordingtothe BureauofLaborStatistics(BLS).Itis arapidlygrowingandwell-paying fieldthatoffersawiderangeof professionalpathways,from cybersecurity,dataanalytics,computer science,andengineering,to constructionmanagementandaviation. Thisindustryisanexcellentchoicefor newgraduatesasitishighlylucrative andprovidesgreatjobsecurity The marketisswampedwithSTEMjob openingsandnotenoughprofessionals tofillthem,whichcreatesagreat opportunityforthoselookingtoenter thefield.CapitolTechnology Universitydevelopscurriculabasedon thecurrentSTEMcareerindustry,and eachsubjectareaisdesignedtomeet thespecificneedsoftheworld'sjob market.
CapitolTechnologyUniversity
NavyveteranEugeneH.Rietzke establishedCapitolTechnology UniversityinWashington,D.C.,asthe CapitolRadioEngineeringInstitute (CREI)in1927.Capitolwasfounded withthepurposeoftrainingradioand electronicsworkers,butasitgained prominence,itgrewtoofferadditional fieldsofstudyinengineeringand technology.Beforerelocatingtoits currentcampusinLaurel,Marylandin 1980,andchangingitsnametoCapitol TechnologyUniversityin2014,the schoolwentthroughnumerousother
nameandlocationchangesasitgrew anddeveloped.Becauseofits outstandingleadership,CapitolTech hasdevelopedintoavibrant,Middle StatesCommissiononHigher Education-Accreditedacademic communitythatgrantsdegreesatthe undergraduateandgraduatelevels.The universityprovidescoursesinindemandsubjectsincluding engineering,computerscience, astronauticalsciences,cybersecurity, andmanymore.
BradfordSims,PresidentofCapitol TechnologyUniversity
Technology-obsessedBradfordSims wasintroducedtotheworldof computerprogrammingatayoungage whenhereceivedtheCommodore64 asabirthdaygift.Aftergoingonto studyandreceiveabachelor'sdegree inBuildingConstructionManagement fromPurdueUniversity,Dr.Simsspent aperiodoftimeworkinginproject managementforindustrialconstruction companies.Histechnological knowledgeaffordedhimthe opportunitytonotonlyoversee projects,buttoprovideinformation technologysupportateachcompany heworkedfor.Lateron,Dr.Sims returnedtoschooltoobtainaMasterof ScienceinBuildingConstructionfrom theUniversityofFlorida,followedby aPh.D.inCurriculumandInstruction fromPurdue.Thesestudiesledtohis firstjobinhighereducationasan assistantprofessorattheUniversityof Florida.Dr.Simsheldanumberof otherpositionsinhighereducation beforecomingtoCapitoltobecome theinstitution'seighthpresidentin 2017. Sincebecomingpresident,Dr. Simshasworkedtoblendhisexpertise intheareasofbothconstructionand technologybylaunchingCapitol's prestigiousCriticalInfrastructure programofstudy.
CapitolTechnologyUniversity provides28bachelor's,21master's,
and35doctoraldegreeprogramsina varietyofSTEM-focusedsubject areas.Theschool'smostpopular programofstudyistheacclaimed Cyber&InformationSecuritymajor, whichhasreceivednumeroushonors includingthe2020SCMediaAward forBestCybersecurityHigher EducationProgram.Additionally, Capitoloffersprofessionallycrafted programsinConstructionManagement andCriticalInfrastructurethatwill equipstudentsforprofitablecareer opportunitiesinthesector The universitymakestwospecial commitmentstoeligiblestudents:the CapitolCommitment,whichoffersto payforupto36additionalacademic creditsforstudentswhodonotsecure employmentwithin90daysof graduation,andtheChargers AssistanceProgram(CAP),which guaranteestohelpstudentswithloan repaymentiftheirpost-graduation incomeisunder$50,000.
OneofthewaysCapitoldistinguishes itselffromothercollegesisthroughits dedicationtohelpinggraduatesfind excellentjobsintheindustriesoftheir choice.Eachideataughtinthe curriculahasreal-worldapplicationsso thatstudentswillbereadyforthe demandsoftheworkplace.Capitol's instructorsareallsubjectmatter expertsandbasetheirlessonson informationobtaineddirectlyfromthe workforce.Inordertoenablestudents tolearnfromanylocation,the universityalsoprovidesanextensive selectionofonlinecourses.For workingindividualstomoreeasily integratetheirprofessionswiththeir education,allgraduate-levelcourses areofferedentirelyonline.
AtCapitol,technologyisatthecoreof everything.Theinstitutionhasalways beenattheforefrontofthemost cutting-edgetechnological developments,andtheprogramsare
alwaysevolvingtoincorporatethe mostcurrent,industry-standard knowledgeintothecurriculum. Capitol'sprofessorsarenotonly outstandingmindswhoarepassionate aboutteaching,butseasonedindustry expertswhocandemonstrateto studentspreciselywhatpotential employersarelookingfor
Modern,state-of-the-artequipmentis usedinthelaboratoriesandclassrooms togivestudentsthegreatesthands-on andpracticalexperiencewiththe technologytheywillusethroughout theircareers.
Manycollegesandinstitutionsfoundit challengingtoconductbusinessinpersonasaresultofCOVID-19,which hasresultedinadropinenrollment andfinancialdifficulties.However,due toCapitol'sestablishedonlinelearning infrastructure,theuniversitywaswell preparedtohandleasituationlikethe pandemic.Whileitmissedthevibrant undergraduatestudentpresenceon campusin2020,itwasnevertheless abletosuccessfullyoperatevirtually andupholdthestandardsofqualityand excellencesetbythecommunity. Capitolhasbeenabletoavoid problemssothatitcancontinueto offerahigh-qualityeducationat reasonablepricing,withsuperbfaculty, smallclasssizes,andwell-rounded STEM-basedcurriculums.
Dr.Simshasaccomplishedalotby navigatingthepandemicwithlittle impactonenrollment,staffing,and generalinstitutionaloperations.Atthe startofCOVID,Capitolwasableto makeapivotandgotoentirelyonline instruction,andthecommunity beautifullyadaptedtothisnew approachtolearningduetoits familiarity.EventhoughCapitolisa smalluniversity,itwasabletosurvive Covidwithouthavingtoraisetuition, eliminateprograms,orletgoofvalued
facultymembers.CapitolTechhas madeanumberofnotable accomplishmentsthathavecontributed toitssuccess,suchasthehonorsand distinctionsithasreceived,which include:2018MoxieAwardFinalist, SCMediaAward2020forBest CybersecurityHigherEducation Program,Named"BestMaster's Program"in2020byIntelligent.com, CybersecurityProfessor Dr.William ButlerreceivedtheSCMediaAward 2021forOutstandingCyberEducator, SCMedia2021ExcellenceBest ProgramAwardFinalist,2021 EducatorAllyoftheYearby Inteligenca,namedmilitaryfriendly schoolbyVictoryMediaandreceived theGoldawardfor2022-2023.
PresidentSimsstates,"One of the things I'm proudest of is the employability of our students. Not only is their employability high, but the starting salaries are high as well. That reflects the fact that our programs are responsive to industry needs.”
In2025,inaccordancewiththe MissionStatement,Capitol TechnologyUniversitywillbeseenby itsconstituentsandbythepublicas:
Ÿ ASTEM-focusedinstitutionof highereducation,providing undergraduateandgraduatedegrees inengineering,information sciences,andtechnology leadership,thathasflexibilityand opportunitiestogrow,andthat adaptsofferingstoemerging workforceneeds.
Ÿ
Aproviderofhands-on,careerrelevantlearningthatisconducted inaninterdisciplinaryand interactiveenvironmentwhere facultyandstaffsupportstudent achievementandsuccess.
Ÿ Auniversitythatdeliversprograms ofsimilarlyoutstandingquality throughface-to-faceandvirtual classrooms,andotherformsand mixturesofteachingmethodsthat alignwiththelearningneedsofour students.
Ÿ
Anorganizationwithfacultyand leadershipwhostimulateand implementnewcurricula,research andentrepreneurialactivitiesfor theprofessionsweserve,andthat benefitadiversecommunityof learners
Ÿ Anorganizationthatisclosely linkedtoitsconstituencyoflocal, regionalandnationalpartnersin business,government,non-profits, andprofessionsthatprovide influenceforfuturetechnology developmentandpolicies.
Ÿ
Anorganizationthatengagesthe globalcommunity,through educatinginternationalstudents, coordinatingwitheducators,and supportingmultinational professionalassociations.
Ÿ
Auniversitythatdevelops graduateswithcommunications, analysisandcriticalthinkingskills thatallowthemtobesuccessfulin aglobalenvironmentandpursue lifelonglearningastechnical professionals,leadersand innovators.
Ÿ
Auniversitythatpreparesgraduates forjobsandcareers,andthatserves thebroaderpurposeofeducationto addressnationalneeds-based policiesthroughscientific consideration.
Ÿ
Anorganizationappropriatelysized forqualityeducationandfinancial viability,withsustainableassetsfor facultyandstafftoprovideabestvalueSTEMeducation.
Tounderstandhowtheteam'sactions contributetothesuccessofthe business,BradfordL.Simsadvises takingthetimetolearnwhateach memberoftheteamaccomplishesin theirroleandthebroaderscopeof organizationaloperations.
The University of Texas at Dallas
Aroundtheworld,menpredominate inthetechnologysector Thelackof rolemodelsandmentorsisthemost importanthurdleforfemaleleaders. Womenhavesofewpositionsof authority.Asaresult,womenwho arejuststartingoutintheirjobshave norolemodelstolookupto.Dr. BhavaniThuraisingham,Executive DirectorofTheUniversityofTexas atDallas'CyberSecurityResearch andEducationInstitute,hasworked diligentlyforover20yearstomentor femalestudentsandcolleaguesso thattheymaybecomeleadersin technology.Shehasrecentlybegun workingwithhighschoolpupils.She says, "Women should also be encouraged to get into management positions."
Shebelieves, "We need more women at all levels in tech and for that we have to start educating the girls at a very early age. Women at senior levels have so much to do."
Belowarethehighlightsofthe interviewconductedbetweenthe World'sLeadersandBhavani Thuraisingham.
Howdoesyourbackgroundand experiencealignwiththeroleat TheUniversityofTexasatDallas?
WhenIjoinedtheUniversityof TexasatDallas(UTDallas),Ihad24 years'experienceinthecommercial industry(HoneywellinMinneapolis),
FederalResearchLab(theMITRE CorporationinBoston)andthe FederalGovernment(theNational ScienceFoundationNSFin Washington).Myworkhasfocused ontheintegrationofcybersecurity anddatasciencesince1985.AfterI finishedmythreeyearassignmentat NSF,UTDallasrecruitedmeto establishandheadtheCyberSecurity ResearchandEducationInstitute (CSI)assecuringcyberspacewas oneofthestrategicareasforthem. Ourinterestsalignedverywell.Also, beinginacademiawouldallowmeto workwithstudents,thefederal government,thecommercial industry,andfederalresearchlabs. It'sthebestofallworlds.
Howwouldyoudescribeyour managementstyleandphilosophy?
Icomewithextensiveleadershipand managementexperience.WhenIwas atMITRE,Iwasheadofa department,andIgrewthe departmentfrom8to28staff,and thismeantfindingworkforthestaff whosespecialtiesincludedmainly datascienceandcybersecurity. Therefore,Ihadtheskillstobuilda verysuccessfulCyberSecurity Institute.Tosucceedinmanagement, firstandforemost,youhavetoget thebesttalent.
Ibelieveinmotivatingthefaculty andstudentsandencouragingthem sothattheyexcelintheirwork.I stressthatinnovationisthekeyto oursuccess.
WhatareTheUniversityofTexas atDallas'cybersecuritysolutions forhardwareandsoftware?How efficientisyourorganisationfrom anoperationalstandpoint?
Therearetwodifferenttypesof answerstoyourquestion.Oneisthe research,developmentand
technologytransfereffortsthatwe carryoutasprofessorstogetherwith ourstudents.Theotherisourwork withtheOfficeofInformation Technology(OIT)attheuniversity, wherewegiveinputonthesecurity strategies.
Wedevelopsolutionsbothin hardwareandsoftwaresecurity What isuniqueaboutCSIisthatwehave excellenttalentinbothhardwareand softwaresecurity.Withrespectto hardware,ourcolleaguesin ComputerEngineeringfocuson providingsolutionstohardware Trojansaswellassecurityatthechip level.Withrespecttosoftware,we focusonseveralaspectsincluding malwareanalysisanddataprivacy
WithrespecttoourOIT,wehavean excellentorganisationprovidingus withstateoftheartsolutionstothe cybersecurityproblemsthatoccurin mostorganisationsandprovidingup todatetrainingmaterialsfor employeesandstudents.
Whatprocessesdoyouuseto monitorthesecuritythreatson yourclient'snetwork?
Ourclientsareourstudentsandthe sponsorswhofundourresearchand educationactivities.Wedonot providesecurityservicestoour clients.Weeducateourstudents aboutthestate-of-the-artsecurity solutionsandtools,andconduct researchwiththestudentstosolve challengingproblemswearefaced withtoday,suchassecuringthe InternetofThings,includingthe InternetofTransportationSystems andthePowerGrids.Ourresearchis transferredtooursponsorsto developcommercialproductsaswell asoperationalsystems.Wealso createstart-upcompaniesto commercialisethetechnologieswe develop.
Whatarethethreethingsyou wouldliketoimproveinthe organisation?
Here,IspeakastheFounding ExecutiveDirectorofCSI.Oneof themajorchallengesIhavefacedis competingfortalentwithotherareas astheresourcesarenotunlimited.
MembersofCSIarepartofvarious departmentsandeachmembertries hisorherbesttorecruittalentin variousaspectsofcybersecurity AnotherareaIwouldliketoimprove istohaveclosertiestotheDFW industry
Therearethousandsoftechnology companiesinDFWandwedohave strongconnectionswithquiteafew ofthem.Thethirdaspectishiring moreUScitizenstudentsintoour programs.
What'sthegreatestriskyou've takenasaprofessional?
IamaTamilfromSri-Lankaand completedmyundergraduatedegree inMathandPhysicsatage20back in1975.Becausemyfatherhad passedawayfouryearsprior,my maternalunclewantedmetoget marriedrightawayandarrangedmy marriagetomyhusband,whowas eightyearsolderatthetime.That wasarisk,asmygraduateeducation andcareeressentiallydependedon myhusband.
Iwasveryfortunateasmyhusband, whowasfinishinghisPhDatthe UniversityofCambridgeinEngland atthattime,wasverysupportiveof myeducationandcareer.Ireceived mygraduateeducationinEngland overfiveyearswhilemyhusband heldresearchpositions,andthenwe movedtotheUSin1980soonafterI finishedmyPhDandthat'swhenI startedmycareerintech.
Thesecondriskwastomovefrom industrytoacademia.Therefore, mid-careerIswitchedtoacademiaas atenuredprofessorandstartedthe CSI.
Mymaingoalnowistomotivateand mentorwomenandunderrepresented minoritygroupstopursuecareersin tech.
Doesyourorganisation'scorporate responsibilitystrategymatchthe availabilityofyourcurrent resources?
IhaveworkedatUTDallasfor17 yearsandhavebeenverypleased withoursenioradministration.More importantly,ourProvostandDeanof Engineeringarebothwomen.Iam seeingmoreandmorewomenin leadershippositions.Whileour administrationisfiscally conservative,theyprioritise resourcesandfundimportant initiatives.Iamalsoseeingmore peoplefromtheunderrepresented minoritycommunitiestake leadershiproles.Fairnessisstressed atalllevels.WhenIfirstmovedto DallasfromBostonafterathreeyear stintinWashington,Ithought,What amIdoinghere?Overtheyears,I havegrowntoreallylikeTexas,and thatismainlybecauseofthe environmentprovidedbyUTDallas.
Wheredoyouseeyourcompanyin thenextfiveyears?
Wehavemadetremendousprogress incybersecurity,including integratingcybersecurityanddata science.Therearethreeareasweare focusingonforthenextphaseasI transitionCSItomyjunior colleagues.First,tomotivatethe professorstoobtainmorepatentsand beinvolvedinmorestart-upsto commercialisethetechnologiesthey develop.Second,tofocuson
interdisciplinaryresearchand education.
Lastbutnotleast,ensurethata significantproportionofourstudents arefemaleorfromunderrepresented minoritygroups.
Whatissomeoftheadviceyou sharewithyoungwomenentering amale-dominatedtechfieldorany profession?
Myadvicetoyoungwomenisto developtechnicalexcellence.Thisis amust.Next,findmentorswhowill motivateandencourageyou.The mentorcouldbeaseniormanora womanwhowillalsoeducateyouon thecorporateculture.More importantly,nevergiveup.Don'tlet anyoneundermineyou,whichis sometimeseasiersaidthandone. Initially,itwasnoteasyforme.ButI madeeveryattempttoworkhard, findamentor,andtrymybestto ignorenegativecomments.Over time,Iwasabletothrivebothin industryandacademia.Lastbutnot least,duringeverytalkIgiveto women'sgroupsinComputer Science(e.g.,cybersecurity,data science),Imakeitapointtostate thatComputerScienceisalucrative fieldandFinancialIndependenceisa MUSTforeverywoman.
Dr.LaToniaCollinsSmith, whowilltakeoveras presidentofHarris-Stowe StateUniversityafterservingas temporarypresident.Dr.LaTonia CollinsSmithhasbeennamedthe 21stpresidentofHarris-StoweState University(HSSU).
CollinsSmithwillbetheinstitution's firstBlackfemalepresident.
OnMarch1,2022,CollinsSmith, whohasbeenactingasthepresident oftheHistoricallyBlackCollegeand University(HBCU)sinceJune2021, willofficiallytakeover.Shehas morethan20yearsofexperiencein thefieldofleadership,andduringher tenureasinterimpresident,she assistedHSSUinobtainingmore than$3.5millioningiftsand scholarships.
“Dr. Collins Smith exemplifies Harris-Stowe's core values of personal growth, respect, innovation, diversity and excellence,” said MichaelMcMillan,chairofthe university'sboardofregents. “She has demonstrated her extraordinary ability to connect with all our stakeholders and to catapult HarrisStowe forward in these critical times.”
LaToniaCollinsSmith,EdD,'14, experiencedsomedifficultywriting theessaywhensheoriginallystarted herapplicationtoMaryville's doctoralprogramineducation.
Shethenranacrossacoworkerat Harris-StoweStateUniversitywho wasthesecondpersontoinformher thataMaryvilledegreewouldbea hugehelpforherdevelopmentin higherschool,soshemadethe decisiontoresumeworkingonher essay.
Ithappenedin2011.Her perseverancepaidoff,asshereceived aPhDinhighereducationleadership andprogressivelymovedupthe Harris-Stowecorporateladder, eventuallybecomingthefirstfemale AfricanAmericanpresidentofthe organization.Sheclaimedthatthe Maryvilleprogram"wasallthey representedittobe."Itwaspertinent. Itwasdemandingandcontemplative. Itgavemethechancetothinkback onmypriorjobasasocialworker andpublichealthprofessionalsoI couldmakeuseofthetalentsI alreadyhavetopursueacareerin highereducation.
Afterholdingpositionsrangingfrom projectcoordinatorintheofficeof counselingservicestoprovostand vicepresidentforacademicaffairs, CollinsSmith,anativeofSt.Louis andagraduateofSt.LouisPublic Schools,hasbeenactingas temporarypresidentatHarris-Stowe sincelastJune.Sheisalsoacoprincipalinvestigatorona$5million NationalScienceFoundationaward forMissouri'sSTEMeducation. Shehasmadeteachingthesubjecta toppriority,especiallyforpupilsof color.Shewantstomakesurethat kidswhomightnothavethefinancial meanstoattendalargeruniversity canstilladvancetheirknowledgeof science,technology,engineering,and math.
Sheexplained,"GovernorParson signedameasureinAugust establishingHarris-statewideStowe's STEMgoal.Thatisinlinewithour overarchinggoalofgivingthe underprivilegedaccesstoa diversified,high-qualityeducation.
AccordingtoCollinsSmith, completingthatobjectivewillenable theinstitutiontoreachitsfull potential.
As the first female African American president of Harris-Stowe University, she said, "Our university is a gem in the crown of St. Louis, and I want to be a living example for Black and brown girls, letting them know that their aspirations are feasible. They may take a minute to think back on my path and how I rose through the ranks to reach where I am now when things are difficult to remind themselves that they can succeed too.
CollinsSmithclaimedthather tenureatMaryvilleundoubtedly aidedinheradvancementtothe positionofpresident.
Sheremarked, "I loved my time in the Maryville doctorate program so much that I probably personally recruited someone into every cohort following mine." EvenamongmyK–12colleagues, IhavepromotedtheMaryvilledoctorate program,assistingthemindetermining whetherthehighereducationpathwayisright forthem.
Increasedenrolment,afew buildingprojects,new collaborationsand contacts,anestablished foundation, fundraising,and improvedalumni engagementareall onCollinsSmith's ambitiousagenda forhertimeas Harris-president. Stowe'sIt'sa longlist,but manageable, she remarked.
Led the Charge in Developing a Personalized, Engaging, and Stress-FreeCurriculum for Children of All Ages
Director - School of Education Adamas University India
Former Founder Principal Adamas World School STEM World School
Withapurposefulcareerinthe educationspacespanningmorethan20 years,Dr.ShauliMukherjeehas dedicatedherlifetothepromotionof child-centricandactivity-oriented education.Dr.Mukherjeewasthe founderprincipalofAdamasWorld SchoolandSTEMWorldSchool,West Bengal'sfirstSTEMschool.Heisa dedicatededucatorandthoughtleader withexperiencefoundingandrunning newgenerationK-12schools.STEMis flourishingunderherinspired leadership.WorldSchoolwasranked andawardedasthe2ndbest internationaldayschoolinWest BengalbyEducationWorld.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andDrShauliMukherjee:
Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace.
Iamapersonwhothrivesonintrinsic motivationtotouch,impact,inspire andcreateavisibleandtangible differenceinpeople’slivesthroughthe transformativeandlife-changing powerofeducation.Iwoulddefine myselfasanextremelypassionateand purpose-drivenacademicwhohasbeen relentlesslyworkingintheeducation sectorformorethantwodecadesto honeandnurturethecreativeand
innovativegeniusandtheunique talentsandcapabilitiesofyoung learners.Ibelievethatmyprimary responsibilityasaneducationistis tohelpenableyounglearnersto evolveintomoreconfident, competent,dynamic,andauthentic versionsofthemselveswhoare holisticallyequippedtoaddressthe constantlyemergingglobal complexitiesofthe21stcentury VUCAworld.
Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou joinedthepresentorganization?
Withapurposefulcareerinthe educationspacespanningmore than20years,Ihavededicatedmy lifetothepromotionofchildcentricandactivity-oriented education.IhavebeentheFounder PrincipalofAdamasWorldSchool andSTEMWorldSchool,thefirst STEMschoolinWestBengal. Undermyleadership,STEMWorld Schoolhasbeenrankedand awardedasthe2ndbest internationaldayschoolinWest BengalbyEducationWorld.Ialso heldsenioracademicand administrativepositionsinsomeof thereputedcollegesinWest Bengal.
Throughoutmycareerineducation, Ihavebeenactivelycontributingto andspearheadingtheprocessof creatingapersonalized,engaging, andstress-freecurriculumfor learnersofallagegroups.Ihave beentherecipientofnumerous awardsandaccolades,includingthe NationalQualityExcellenceAward, theGEMofIndiaAward,the SarvepaliRadhakrishnanAward, theNationalEducationLeadership
Awardinthecategoryof commitmenttoexcellencein education,(tonameafew),andthe WorldPeaceAward.TheAcademic CouncilofULektzalsorecognized measoneofINDIA'STOP50 WOMENLEADERSINTHE EDUCATIONINDUSTRYand TOP20REVOLUTIONARY EDUCATIONLEADERS.
Additionally,Iamassociatedwith premiereeducationalorganizations acrossIndiaaswellasgloballyina senioradvisorycapacity.Ihave alsobeenrecognizedamongthe99 WOMENACHIEVERSOFINDIA FORTHEYEAR2021.
Asaninternationallyacclaimed inspirationalspeaker,Iam regularlyinvitedtonumerous nationalandinternational conferences,universities,summits, conclaves,andeventstosharemy insightsonthefuturisticand transformativeroleofeducation.I amcurrentlyworkingasthe DirectoroftheSchoolofEducation atAdamasUniversity,India.
Tellusabouttheinceptionof yourorganization.Howdiditall start?
AdamasUniversityisratedtheBest PrivateUniversityinEasternIndia andwasestablishedwiththe intentionofprovidingasolutionto alleducationalneedsunderone roof.Itaimstocreatean environmentforstudentsthatwill notjustarmthemwiththeright kindofknowledge,butalso developthemaswell-rounded membersofsociety.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?
Iamaconsciousandardent believerintheconceptofIKIGAI–thereasonforbeing.Intermsofmy professionalcareerasanacademic, therehasbeenaconsciousand fortunateintersectionbetweenwhat IwasgoodatandwhatIloved doing.Iamapersonwhohas actuallyturnedherpassionintoher professionand,throughher profession,hasactuallyfoundher IKIGAI–thesolereasonforbeing. Whenthere'saculminationof passionandpurpose,onetendsto workwithanelevatedsenseof convictionandcommitment,and there'sabsolutelynoneedforany externalstimulustokeephim/her motivatedorinspired,sinceboth inspirationandmotivationare intrinsicforapersonwhois purposedriven.Allthroughmy career,Ihavestronglyvalued passion,purpose,andintegrity
Whatobstaclesdidyouovercome togettowhereyouaretoday?
Ibelievethatalmostallpotential andgreatopportunitiesinlifeoften comedisguisedaschallengesand obstacles.Thoughtherehavebeen numerouschallengesinmy professionaljourney,especially sinceIhavebeencommittedto bringingaboutavisibleand tangibledifferenceinpeople's mindsconcerningtherealessence ofeducation,whichwasdefinitely notaneasytask,Ihavenever viewedthoseobstaclesas stumblingblocksinmylife,ratherI haveconsideredthemasessential steppingstoneswhichhadhelped
enablemetoevolveintoabetter, stronger,andmoreconfident versionofmyself.
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theDirectoroftheUniversity? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?
Ifirmlyupholdthebeliefthatthe purposeofmeaningfuleducationis todeveloplifelonglearners, creativethinkers,andresponsible globalcitizenswhoareconfidently equippedtofacethechallengesof anuncertainandconstantly unfoldingfuture.Inmycurrentrole astheDirectoroftheSchoolof Educationatoneofthepremiere universitiesinIndia,Iam committedtodevelopingand nurturingthefuturegenerationof teachersandresearcherswhowill beendowedwiththeabilityto inspireandimpactthelivesof manypeoplearoundthemthrough theennoblingpowerofeducation.
Thehappiestpartofmydaily routineisbeingwithmy students—insideoroutsidethe classroom—beingabletointeract withthemandconnectwiththemat adeeperlevel.
Whatareyourcurrentstruggles andyourfuturegoals?
Thereisanurgentandpressing needtoreimagineandredefine educationtomeettheneedsand demandsofavolatile,uncertain, complex,andambiguousworldthat isconstantlychangingand unfolding.Acompletemind-set shiftisrequiredtore-imagine educationandlearningthatwill
essentiallysuitthelearningneeds anddemandsofourcurrent generationofyouth.Ourcurrent educationsystemstillcontinuesto promoteaone-size-fits-all educationalstructure,whichneeds acompletetransformation.Asa futuristicandprogressiveeducator, Iamcommittedtopositively contributingtofacilitatinga paradigmshiftfromanovertly structuredandrigidframeworkof educationtoamorepersonalized, stress-free,fulfilling,happy,and productiveeducationalecosystem.
Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?
Istronglybelievethatatrueleader isonewhoknowstheway,shows thewayandmostimportantly,goes theway Aleadertakespeople wheretheywanttogobutagreat leadertakespeoplewherethey don’twanttogobutoughttobe going.Therealroleofleadership, especiallyinthesphereof Educationshouldneverbeoneof commandandcontrol;ratherit shouldbeoneofclimatecontrol–thatis,creatingasuitableclimate ofinfinitepossibilitiesand immensepotentialitieswherethe peoplewouldcontinuetoevolve intothehighest,truestandthevery bestversionsofthem.
Thehistoryofwomeninthe workforceisoneoftriumphandgrit. Womenhaveplayedasignificantrole inhelpingtoadvancediversityin manysectorsofindustry,butnotall. Whiletherehavebeengainsinsome industrysectors,thetechnology sectorstillstruggleswithdiversityin theworkforceacrosstheUnited States.
AccordingtoPewResearch,women stillremainunderrepresentedin engineering(15%)andcomputer (25%)occupations.Inspiteofthese inequities,womenhaveremained dedicatedtoovercomingtraditional boundsandmakingtheworkforce betterforfuturegenerations.
JessEvans'journeythroughher careerisonesuchinspiringstory,as sheembodiesthesechangestomodel andsupportwomenininformation technology(IT).Today,Evansserves atArizonaStateUniversity(ASU)as theITChiefOperatingOfficerand DeputyChiefInformationOfficerfor theUniversityTechnologyOffice (UTO).Withatrackrecordof workingwithbusinessleadersto deliverdigitaltransformation,scaled technologysolutionsandIT operationalexcellencethatreduces costsandimprovesservicedelivery, Evans'impactandinnovationreaches acrosstheentireuniversity.
Evansstartedherjourneywitha bachelor'sdegreeincomputer
TinformationsystemsfromKentState University.Shealsolatergainedher doctorateinmanagementfromCase WesternReserveUniversity,where shestudieddesigningsustainable systems.
BeforejoiningASU,Evanshadbuilt acareerasaskilledseniorIT executiveinvariousindustriesata globalandregionallevel,including finance,insurance,consulting, educationandhealthcare.Shebegan withsoftwareprogramimprovement inherearliestdaysintechnology, wrotecodeasaconsultant,and quicklytransitionedfromconsulting tomanufacturingatIBM.There,she hadanopportunitytoworkin enterprise-leveltransformation.
Evanshasdevelopedpassionsand leadershipcenteredon transformationalchange,agile methods,designimplementationand executionthroughouthercareer.She nowachievesoperationalsuccesses throughkeyenablerswithin technologyadoption,design innovation,designmodelinganddata scienceexperience,whichshapeand guidetheimplementationofstrategic initiatives.Withexperienceinboth thefor-profitandnon-profitsectors, Evanshasauniqueperspectiveon innovationandchange.
MuchofASU'ssuccessisattributed byEvanstoawell-definedand steadfastcommitmenttoitsCharter, whichstatesthattheuniversityis measurednotbywhomitexcludes butbywhomitincludesandhow theysucceed.ASUprovidesaccessto educationtopeopleofallagesand fromallwalksoflife."Thereareno restrictionsonwhocanbecomean ASUmember,aseekerofeducation orascholar,"Evanssays.
Forthoseimmersedon-campusor online,theuniversityisbroad,open andwelcoming.Thisiscrucialsince
itdistinguishesASUfromthe traditionaleducationalmethod, whichisexclusiveandfocusedsolely onacademiccharacteristicsformerit.
ASUembracesallstudentsand strivestoprovidemoreequitable accesstoeducation.That accessibilityissupportedbymany divisions,includingUTO,where Evansandherteamensure operationalexcellenceforthe university
Fortheseventhyearinarow,ASU hasbeennamedthemostinnovative schoolinthenationbytheU.S. NewsandWorldReport.It'san exceptionalhonorthatdifferentiates theuniversityasaneducationaland innovativeleadercommittedto providingeducationtoanyonewho seekstolearn.Thisrequiresasolid dedicationtocreativethinking,not justintechnologybutalsoin programofferings."Wesupport individualswhomaynothavebeen abletotraveldownthosenontraditionalavenues,"Evansnotesasa criticaldifferentiatorforASU.
Withover150,000degree-seeking students,ASUhasauniqueoffering ofblendedlearningcalledASUSync, wherestudentsmayexperience synchronousteachingin-personand onlinesimultaneously,inadditionto manyasynchronousprograms throughASUOnline "Whenyou aggregateallofourdegree-seeking students,weareoneofthenation's largestuniversity,"Evanssays.
Sheadds,"Whenyoulookatother institutions,theyhavelarge-scale numbers.Theydonotcompare becauseASUisasingleinstitution. Wearenotaneducationalsystem spreadoutacrossanentirestate.We areoneuniversityaspiringtoprovide accesstoanyonewhoseekstolearn." Evanssaysthatsheconsidersherself privilegedtobepartofASU leadership.
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. is the 11th president of Alabama A&M University (pronounce it hugh-guinea). He graduated from South Carolina State University with a bachelor's and master's degree in mathematics and from Michigan State University with a doctorate in Higher Education/Institutional Research. He is the author of three mathematics textbooks and has presented at several professional conferences on methods for boosting the proportion of minorities in STEM fields.
HeheldthepositionofpresidentofSouth CarolinaStateUniversitybeforebeing hiredbyAlabamaA&MUniversity.
OtherrolesheldincludeAssistantVice PresidentforAcademicAffairs,Director ofSpecialServicesProgram,Directorof UniversityYearforActionProgram, ResearchFellow,AssistantandDirector ofInstitutionalSelf-Study,Professorof Mathematics,andHighSchoolMath Teacher.Huginehasreceivedrecognition onbothanationalandinternationallevel forhisadministrativeprowessand leadershipinthefieldofeducation.
ThepresidentofAlabamaA&M University,Dr AndrewHugine,claims thathehasalwaysdesiredacareerin teaching.Hestudiedinmatheducation whileanundergraduateatSouthCarolina StateUniversity;hismotherwasa teacher Aftergraduating,hespentayear teachinghighschoolmathinBeaufort, SouthCarolina,beforehisalma institutioncontactedhim.
Huginerecallsthatwhenastudent supportjobbecameavailable,Dr OscarButler,whohadservedas SCSU'sSGAadviserwhileHugine wasSGApresident,"wenttobat"for Huginebecauseshehad"essentially no(professional)background whatsoever.”
Hugineclaimsthathisentire leadershipphilosophiesarefocused onpassingitforwardoverfiftyyears later
“Thathasalwaysimpresseduponme theneedtogiveothersthe opportunity,becausesomeonetooka chanceonme,”hesays.“Theycould verywellhavelookedatthe experienceandmyeducational background,buttheywerelooking andseeingsomethinginapersonthat doesn'talwaysshowuponpaper Throughoutmycareer,Ihavetriedto dothesame.”
Notonlydoyou“givepeoplea chance,”hesays,“butinaleadership position—yes,youleadfromthe head,butsometimes,youleadfrom thegut.”
Hugineworkedasacollegemath professor,assistantvicepresidentfor academicaffairs,executivevice president,chiefoperatingofficer,and
finallypresidentofhisalmamater beforetakingthehelmatAlabama A&Min2009.Huginebeganhis careerasastudentsupportdirectorat SouthCarolinaStateUniversity
Huginesaysheisproudofallthe workthestaffhasdoneoverthepast 12years,includingtheadditionof12 newacademicprograms,new construction,fullaccreditationbythe SouthernAssociationofCollegesand Schools,over$54millioninvestedin deferredmaintenance,anda$27.3 millioncapitalcampaign.However, theinfluencehethinksstudents, professors,andstaffwillexperience intheyearstocomeiswhatmakes himmostproud.
Huginehasmadeinvestmentsin humancapitalovertheyears,from professionaldevelopmentandsalary increasesforstafftoculturaland socialprogramsforstudentsaswell asasignificantboosttothe institution'stechinfrastructurethat helpedtheuniversityinstallsmart classroomsanduserobotics.Hugine hasalsomadeinvestmentsinthe institution'stechinfrastructure. Hequicklyclarifies,though,thata president'sabilitytodealwithothers determineshoweffectivetheyare.
Abbiegail,thewifeofDr.Andrew Hugine,isoneofthemostcrucial
membersofhisteam.Hugine considershiswife,Abbiegail,tobe themostcrucialpartofhisteam sinceshehasundertakenvarious effortstonotonlysupportstudent achievementandrecruitingbutalso toadvancetheuniversity'sreputation withoutsidestakeholders.
Huginesayshisretirementattheend oftheyearwillallowhimtospend moretimetravelingwithhiswifeand theirgrandkids,andthatDecember 31willunquestionablybehisfinal dayworkinginhighereducation.
Foraguywhohasdedicatedsomuch ofhimselftohighereducation,itis notanunreasonablerequest. However,Hugineshoulddepartas soonaspossible.Hecitesanumber ofreasonswhyheisconfidentinthe AlabamaA&MBoardofTrustees andcabinettoappointacapable successorandcontinuethejobthey allbegantogether.
Engineeringisaninterestingarea withmanydifferentoptions,andit hasaninfluenceoneverythinginour dailyliveswithunlimitedpotential andchallenges.Itiscontinuallyin needoffreshinnovativemindsto tacklebothpresentandforthcoming issuesinthecontemporaryworld.
Theneedfordeveloping technologies,aswellasthetechnical improvementsbeingmadeonadaily basis,makesengineeringaviableand ever-changingprofessionaloption. Technologicaladvancementswill necessitatemoreinthefuture, implyingagrowthinthedemandfor varioussortsofengineers.Significant advancesareonthehorizonina varietyofareas,includingenergy, medical,andtransportation,and engineeringwillplayacriticalrolein reinventingtheseindustries.
Realizingthatcriticalchallengesof increasingcomplexitymustbe addressedinthefieldof microengineeringandthatsystems thatcanself-assemble,self-regulate, andself-structurewillhaveamajor impactonfuturetechnologies,Pola GoldbergOppenheimerhas pioneeredahighlysuccessful approachtounconventional nanostructuringandopenednovel meanstobuild-upappliedmaterials. PolaGoldbergOppenheimerisa ProfessorofMicro-Engineeringand Bio-NanotechnologyintheSchoolof
ChemicalEngineeringandthe HealthcareTechnologiesInstitute,as wellasaRoyalAcademyof EngineeringResearchFellow
Shehasalargeinternational collaborativenetworkand partnershipswithindustry,suchas BAE-Systems,P&G,andDstl, whileleadinghighlyinterdisciplinary researchwithuniquediscoveriesthat haveintroducedinnovativeconcepts inlithographicallybuilding-up appliedchemicalsystemsthathave influencedtheworkofmanyresearch groupsworldwide.
ProfessorOppenheimeristhe directorofaninterdisciplinary researchgroupattheUniversityof Birmingham,whereshecollaborates closelywithclinicalteamsatthe QueenElizabethHospitaland BirminghamEnterprise,the University'stechnologytransfer specialists.Hergroup'sresearchaims topushtheboundariesofmicroto nanomaterialsengineeringby bridgingthegapbetweennano-tomacroscopic-levelunderstandingand implementationsofnovelhybridand nanocompositematerialsand submicronstructuresforminiaturised functionaldevicesforadvanced healthcareapplications.Professor Oppenheimerisworkingoncuttingedgeengineeringsolutionstocritical medicalissues.
ProfessorOppenheimer'sresearch interestsincludetheformationof nanoandsubmicronstructuresat surfacesandinthinfilms(pleasesee theANMSAgroupwebsite: AdvancedNano-Materials, Structures,andApplications),aswell asthepotentialuseofhierarchical electrohydrodynamicallygenerated functionalstructurestodevelopnovel polymer-basednano-detection devices.Shebringsextensive experienceincreatingandaligninga widerangeofnanostructuresin
polymers,carbonnanotube-based nanocomposites,crystalline materials,andasharedinterestin biometrics,includingtheuseof polymerswith10nmmorphologies astemplatestocreateinorganic functionaldevices.
ProfessorOppenheimerreceivedher PhDinPhysicsfromtheUniversity ofCambridgein2012,alongwith scientifichonours.In2013,shewas chosenasahighlycompetitive BirminghamFellowattheUniversity ofBirmingham.Numeroushonours, esteemmarks,elevationtoProfessor inMicroengineeringandBionanotechnology,andthevery distinguishedRoyalAcademyof Engineering(RAEng)Fellowship haverecognisedthesignificanceof herrevolutionaryscientific achievementsandinternational stature.
Herresearchisrecognisedasworldleading,asevidencedbyher publications,whichhaveallbeen publishedinhigh-quality,prestigious journals(e.g.,AdvancedMaterials, NatureBiomedicalEngineering),and herhighdemandtolectureatthe world'smostprestigiousconferences (48+keynote/invitedaddresses).She hasmorethan75independent publicationsandroutinelyproduces scientificallyrigorousworkinpeerreviewedjournals.Sheauthoreda book,tenbookchapters,andfiled fourpatents.Theimportanceofher excitingscientificdiscoveriesandthe transformativenatureofherresearch havebeenrecognisedwithover £18Minfundingportfolioandthe highlyprestigiousRAEng Fellowship,aswellasbeingfeatured inmanypress-releases,BBCnews, andradiointerviewsandselectedfor CaseStudies,commissionedbythe EPSRCandtheRAEng.
Shehasbeentherecipientofseveral prestigiousawardsandmarkersof esteematnationalandinternational level,includingthe,RAEngPrize, WomenTech100,andCarl-Zeiss Awards.Shewasanenvoyinthe HouseofCommonsScience& TechnologyCommitteeatthe'Voice oftheFuture'withgovernment MinistersofStateforScience, Research,andInnovation,featuredin the'BirminghamHeroesin HealthcareTechnologies'Campaign, andselectedforthe'Parliamentary EngineeringGroup'attheHouseof Lords.
RevolutionizingtheFieldof IntelligentNanostructuring
ProfessorOppenheimerpioneered ElectrohydrodynamicLithography, whichopenedupanewavenueof
researchinintelligentnanostructuring ofmaterialsforpracticaldevicesin ChemicalEngineering.She discoveredthatcreatinginterfacial instabilitiesinhomogeneousnanofilmswithanelectricfieldprovides tuneablenanostructuresattheatomic level.Whileinstabilitiesare undesirableinnature,shehasshown inanunusualwaythattheycanbe harnessedtoformmorphologiesby carefullymanipulatingthenanocapacitiveinterface,alteringthe characteristicsofnumerous applicablematerials.Shehassince achievedsimultaneouspatterningof multilayermaterialsystems,resulting inhierarchicalnanoarchitectureswith uniquefunctions,andshehas producednewcomposite nanostructuredmaterialswith outstandingsyntheticadherenceto roughsurfacesand
superhydrophobicity.Herrecent inventionofasmartnanoplasmonicoptofluidicgadgetpreparedthepath fortacklingthemostpressingissues relatedtothetimelyidentificationof traumaticbraindamage(TBI).TBI,a primarycauseofmorbidityand mortalityacrosstheworld,is notoriouslydifficulttodetectatthe pointoftreatment,resultinginapoor prognosis,reducedbrainfunction, anddeath.Herinnovativeresearch programme,whichisbasedon fundamentalchemicalprinciplesfor controllingelectrostaticnano-forces, hashadasignificantsocioeconomic impactbydevelopingoptofluidic nanoengineeredgold-architectured substratesforsensitive,label-free spectroscopicdetectionoftrace-level concentrationsofTBI-biomarkersin blood,enablingrapiddiagnosticsat thepoint-of-careleadingtothe
possibilityofsavingmanylives.
DirectorofEngineering&Physical SciencesCollegeGraduateSchool
ProfessorOppenheimer,asthe DirectoroftheCollegeGraduate School,isresponsibleforleadingand managingallmattersrelatingtothe postgraduateresearchstudent experienceintheCollegeof EngineeringandPhysicalSciencesat theUniversityofBirmingham,with exposureatthecollegeand Universitylevelsinakeyareaofthe College'sbusiness.Her responsibilitiesincludeactingasa conduitforPGRmatters/data betweentheUniversityGraduate SchoolManagementBoardandthe EPSSchools,coordinatingcollege responsestoconsultationsand requestsforinformation,proposing changestotrainingneedsanalysis, reportingonthebusinessofthe CollegeGraduateSchoolCommittee totheCollegeResearchand KnowledgeTransferCommittee,the CollegeEducationCommittee,and theCollegeEquality,Diversity,and InclusionCommittee,asappropriate, Leadingthesubmissionofthe DoctoralTrainingAccountannual reporttoresearchcouncils,aswellas othersimilarreportstootherexternal fundersofPGRs,coordinatingPGR recruitmentandmonitoringand reportingPGRadmissionstothe college,Liaisingwithschoolsandthe relevantuniversityunitsonPGR induction,training,monitoring, mentoringandsupervision,liaising withtheCollegeDirectorof Educationonrelevantissues,suchas PGRtraining,DTC/EngD applicationsforprogrammeapproval, etc.
Throughthepostgraduatestudents, ProfessorOppenheimeraimstobring afreshperspectiveandhelpthe universitygrowthroughthetalent developmentoftheprofessors.Sheis
passionateaboutthepostgraduate researchstudentexperienceand aspirestomakeapositive contributionbyengaging collaborativelywithcolleaguesand relevantuniversityprocessesto continuouslyimprovethis experience.
SharingThoughtsonWomen's Empowerment
Accordingtoresearch,organisations withmorewomeninleadershiproles aremorelucrative,socially responsible,anddeliversafer,higherqualityexperiences,amongother advantages.Womenexecutivesdo wellinleadershiprolesbecause"they challengemore,havemore discussionanddebate,andthatleads tobetterdecision-making."When womenbecomeleaders,theybring withthemauniquemixofabilities, creativeviews,and,mostcrucially, structuralandculturaldistinctions thatdriveeffectivesolutions.Anew levelofawarenesswillemergeasa resultofbringingacreative perspectivetoexplorethetiny aspectsthatmaygounnoticedbythe nakedeye.ProfessorOppenheimer feelsthatwomenmaycontributea freshviewpointtothefieldof engineering.Shesays, "If you are enthusiastic about it, go for it. It will be challenging, exciting, and very rewarding.”
ProfessorOppenheimerhasalways thoughtthatifsheworkshardandis enthusiasticandpassionateabouther work,shewouldadvanceinher careerregardlessofgender disparities,andthishasshowntobe true.Asafemaleleader,sheis encouragingandsupervisesmore femalePhDstudentsand postgraduateresearcherspursuing demandingbutrewardingacademic careersinthebroadsubjectof engineering,inspiringthenext generationofleaders.
Asaleader,ProfessorOppenheimer isconstantlyhoningherproblemsolvingabilities,improvingher communicationskills,herabilityto workwithanddelegatetosuccessful teams,gainingglobalknowledge,a solidunderstandingoftheimpactof sustainabilityoninnovation,and technicalexpertisetocreatefutureproofproductsandservices. Furthermore,shefeelsthathaving thecapacitytoovercomeobstacles andremainresilientinanyscenario, aswellastakingthetimetoimprove heremotionalintelligenceisthekey tobeingastrongerleaderand colleague.
ProfessorOppenheimerbelievesthat learninghowtoofferandreceive appropriatefeedbackisessentialfor growingasamanagerandeducator. Herfacilitationoftwo-wayfeedback amongherteammembersisanother criticalaspectinherdevelopmentas asuccessfulandprofessionalleader. Sheasserts, "I encourage feedback, positive traits, and opportunities for improvement via an open dialogue and establishing trust.”
According to Professor Oppenheimer, a leader's role is to push forward, and strong leaders should always be thinking about how to make tomorrow more efficient and productive than today, as exemplified by Elon Musk's vision of the future. She says, "If a leader is not focused on the future and demonstrating a clear plan for how to continuously improve, progress is unlikely to happen. The best leaders take accountability when things go wrong and give credit to others when things go right. This motivates a workforce to succeed.”
Futurecitiesandconurbationsneed tobesustainable,adaptive, inclusiveandresilientcities.The complexityofthatchallengecalls forinnovativenewcityplanning methods,toolsandapproaches.A newurbanscienceapproachin urbanplanningandurbandesignis amust,onethatcansimulateand visualisevariousscenariostofind thebestsolutionsforasustainable andliveablecity.MeetDrTigran Haas,whoisanAssociate ProfessorandDirectorofCentre fortheFutureofPlacesCFPat KTHRoyalInstituteof Technology.
DrTigranisarenownededucator ofUrbanDesignandPlanningand hasbeeninvolvedinteachingin morethan35coursesand developingInternational educationalprogramssuchasReal EstateManagement,Environmental EngineeringandSustainable Infrastructure,ProjectandStrategic Management,SpatialPlanning, UrbanPlanningandDesign, SustainableUrbanPlanning& DesignandUrbanismStudies.
FDrTigranstatesthatleadershipis definitelyacomplexjourneyof self-transformation,ajourney travelledbyanindividualwhohas beenhandedovertheresponsibility ofguidingpeopletowards achievingacertainbusiness objective.Heasserts, “Teaching Project and Strategic Management and Project Leadership for over 8 years have to help me understand some of these things much better and the period of 5 years running a research Lab plus being director of three educational programs has also helped immensely.” Hefurther addsthatgettingthingsdonefrom theteamisjustonepartofthejob ofaleaderandtheteamhastobe assembledinthebestpossibleway wheretheissuesofcompetence, equalityandprofessionalismare crucialbutalsothefinessetoknow whereeachpersoncancontribute
themost.Heseesattheoutsetof hisleadershiprole,hestartedto expandandbuildnewnetworks.
DrTigranfindsthatconnectionon allphysicalandvirtualplatforms wasamustandcontinuestogrow; wheretheinnergreatrelationship withtheteamandemployeesis crucialandisthesinequanonfor thesustainablelongevityofthe enterprise.Also,winningtheir trust,gaininghonestfeedback, achievingfriendshipsand developingmutualrespectis crucial.
CombiningCityDevelopment withAdvanceTechnology
Inordertocreatenewintelligence (smart,data-drivenhi-techspaces offloes)inthecities,modern architectureeducationneedsto combinesoftwareanddigital telecommunicationsnetworksatits disposal,ubiquitouslyembedded intelligence,andsensorsand identifiers.Allofthishasandwill penetrateurbanismofthefuture andthecitiesthatwillhavetobe hi-techresilienttoclimatechange andresponsivetotheneedsof differentstrataofsocietyaswellas preparedtoanticipatethepossible transformationsandnegative changes(liketheCOVID-19 pandemic)incitieswithprescient foresighturbanism.
