Interview with the Dean of the University School of Engineering & Technology (USET)
1. As the Dean of the University School of Engineering & Technology, what is your vision for the institution?
“My vision is to establish USET as a center of excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation. I aim to enhance industry collaborations, integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, and foster a culture of interdisciplinary research that addresses global challenges.”
2. What steps are you taking to improve the quality of education and research at USET?
“We are continuously upgrading our curriculum to align with industry needs, investing in state-of-the-art laboratories, and encouraging faculty to engage in cutting-edge research. Additionally, we are strengthening partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and internship opportunities.”
3. How does USET ensure its students remain competitive in the global job market?
“We focus on a holistic learning approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Our students are encouraged to participate in internships, research projects, hackathons, and industry-sponsored initiatives. Furthermore, we emphasize soft skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership development to prepare them for global challenges.”
4. What key research areas is USET currently focusing on?
“We are actively engaged in research across multiple domains, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and sustainable technology. Our faculty and students collaborate on projects that address real-world problems, such as climate change mitigation, healthcare innovations, and automation in manufacturing.”
5. How is USET fostering industry-academia collaborations?
“We have established strong partnerships with leading technology companies, government agencies, and research organizations. These collaborations provide students with exposure to real-world challenges through joint research projects, internships, and guest lectures by industry experts. Additionally, we regularly organize industry-focused seminars and workshops.”
6. What role does entrepreneurship play in USET’s curriculum?
“We strongly encourage entrepreneurial thinking by incorporating startup incubation programs, funding opportunities, and mentorship for students interested in launching their own ventures. Our engineering programs include courses on business strategy, innovation management, and intellectual property rights to help students turn their ideas into successful enterprises.”
7. What challenges do you see in engineering education today, and how is USET addressing them?
“One of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology. To address this, we regularly update our curriculum, integrate emerging fields like data science and robotics, and provide lifelong learning opportunities for students and professionals. Another challenge is bridging the gap between academia and industry, which we tackle through strong partnerships and experiential learning.”
8. What are your plans for USET’s expansion and development?
“We plan to establish new research centers focusing on AI, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. We are also working on expanding global collaborations with top universities to facilitate student and faculty exchange programs. Furthermore, we aim to introduce more interdisciplinary courses that prepare students for the evolving demands of the tech industry.”
9. What inspired you to take on the role of Dean at USET?
“My passion for education, research, and innovation drove me to take on this role. I believe that engineering has the power to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and leading an institution like USET allows me to shape the next generation of engineers and innovators.”
10. How do you define success in your role as Dean?
“Success, for me, is seeing our students and faculty excel—whether it’s through groundbreaking research, impactful industry contributions, or successful entrepreneurial ventures. I also measure success by the strength of our industry collaborations, the global recognition of our academic programs, and the positive societal impact of our technological advancements.”
