Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, HOD - Department of Chemistry: Dr.T.Somanathan Interview

Dr. T Somanathan is a HOD – Department of Chemistry of the Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He completed B.Sc Chemistry at Guru Nanak College, (University of Madras), Chennai, M.Sc Applied Chemistry at Anna University Chennai, and Ph. D Chemistry at Anna University Chennai. During July 2002 - Dec 2003, he worked as Senior Chemists at Carborundum Universal Private Limited, Chennai. His areas of Research are Material Science (Nanotechnology) and Catalysis. He has 11 years of teaching experience at VISTAS. He received Faculty Excellence Award 2021 for Meritorious role in academic, research and administrative activities of the institution for the academic year 2020-2021 Awarded by VISTAS in April 2022. Dr. Somanathan also get Best Scientist Award (Teachers Day Celebration 2020) by The International Association of Lions Clubs, DST Fast Track Young Scientist Award, New Delhi, and Postdoctoral Fellowship in CEA-LITEN/DTNM/LCRE, France. He has a Life Membership in Indian Carbon Society, New Delhi and Member in International Association of Engineers.

What is the latest program that is offered in your Vels University which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

“Formulate a new program in M.Sc Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemistry for pupils”

M.Sc Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemistry is a unique PG Program offered by our University. It ensures 100% placement, and wider research scope making it stand apart from the crowd.

What are the factors that make this program best for the students to opt?

“Update syllabus as per industrial needs in the campus”

The syllabus is framed in collaboration with leading pharma and other chemical industries. We update the syllabus in accordance to meet industrial needs on subjects. 

What will you say are the best practices in the course you’re offering?

“Projects, internships and industrial visits are available to students”

Compulsory summer internships, and Industrial Visit (Field Visit) are mandatory on campus. Pupils need to work on projects to attain best practices.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at Vels University/ Chemistry department?

“Seminars, workshops and skill training are valuable insights of our programs”

Each program is inculcated with soft skill and job-oriented placement training. Students can attend value- added courses from the campus. Our industry experts conduct seminars and workshops in college for pupils. 

How does the program ensure the students are being prepared for the future?

“High placement record on campus is the result of students' future”

The excellent placement record of our department is increasing each year. Through these, they are being prepared for the future.

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How did you train faculty to deliver this program to the students?

“Organize conferences, seminars, Fdps and more for faculties in the college”

Faculties are insisted to attend programs oriented Faculty Development Program (FDP), Conferences (National/International), Workshops, and Seminars. Our faculties here are very knowledgeable and contains a helping mentality. They are aware of the enormous amount of industry and curriculum-oriented knowledge which makes my job easier.

How do you tend to build an industry connected with this program?

“Internships, student projects and other collaborations maintain industry relations on campus”

We tend to build an industry connection with this program by signing MOU’S with reputed industry/institution collaborations. Students must do Internships, Projects, etc. Industry-oriented people, their studies and experience help the students to mold even better with industry Knowledge.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating a program in your curriculum?

“To equip students completely as per the changing social scenarios is a greatest challenge for us”

Streaming the students to equip completely is difficult for us. It is in accordance with the needs of employers and research guides.

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What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

“Problem-solving, synthesis, and research projects are worked on by students nowadays”

Students engage in hands-on activities and experiences help to generate and apply new concepts/skills. Students of all ages can work on in-depth projects over time, and growing excited about their learning while gaining an important understanding of how the things they learn in school are relevant to their lives. Types of Projects dealt by students include Synthesis/Manufacturing, Research and Problem-solving projects. 

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

“Careers in development and research sectors are accessible to students easily”

International-level opportunities to pursue a career in Research and Development are available to students. They can also get Quality Control & Quality Assurance with commensurate packages in reputed companies. This level of benefits are taking students to the next step in their future .