The First woman to Head an IIT - Dr. Preeti Aghalayam
In a groundbreaking milestone for gender representation and academic leadership, Dr Preeti Aghalayam has made history by becoming the first woman to head an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Her appointment as the Director of IIT Ropar marks a significant step forward in breaking gender barriers and promoting diversity in the traditionally male-dominated engineering education and research field.
Let’s explore the achievements and contributions of Dr Preeti, highlighting her inspiring journey and the impact she is making as an academic leader. Dr Preeti was born and raised in India, where she developed a passion for science and mathematics from an early age. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to excel academically, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Madras University. With a thirst for further knowledge, she pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, where she began to distinguish herself as an exceptional student. Following her Master’s, Dr Preeti pursued a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Her doctoral research focused on developing innovative signal-processing algorithms for wireless communication systems. Her pioneering work and research contributions gained recognition and appreciation from the academic community and industry experts. After completing her PhD, Dr Preeti embarked on an impressive academic and professional journey. She joined the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering. Her passion for teaching and research, coupled with her exceptional leadership skills, helped her establish herself as a respected academician. During her tenure at IIT Bombay, Dr Preeti’s research contributions in signal-processing and wireless communication earned her numerous accolades and prestigious research grants. Her work has significantly impacted the advancement of communication technologies and their applications in diverse industries. In January 2023, Dr Preeti made history by assuming the role of Director at IIT Ropar, becoming the first woman to lead an IIT in India. Her appointment was widely celebrated as a significant milestone in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in top leadership positions within academia.
As the Director of IIT Ropar, Dr Preeti is dedicated to fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and research-driven education. She aims to empower students and faculty to explore new frontiers in engineering and technology, establishing IIT Ropar as a premier institution for higher education and cutting-edge research.
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