Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on "Envisioning Excellence: Advanced Research and Development in Academia

The Department of Data Science at Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus conducted a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on the topic of "Envisioning Excellence: Advanced Research and Development in Academia" from July 3rd to July 7th, 2023. The primary objective of this FDP was to mentor supervisors in research project guidance to ensure the publication of quality research work meeting industry standards. The FDP included sessions delivered by both internal and external experts.

Day 1: July 3rd, 2023

The program commenced at 8:30 AM in the smart room with a warm welcome address by Dr. Lija Jacob, the Head of the Department. The room buzzed with anticipation as participants settled into their seats, eager to delve into a day of learning and growth. Dr. Lija Jacob set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of the program and the opportunities it presented for personal and professional development.

Following the welcome address, the stage was taken by the esteemed Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, the Director and Dean of Lavasa Campus, Pune, who delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas spoke passionately about the role of leadership in education and its significance in shaping the future. Drawing from his vast experience, he highlighted the qualities that make a teacher a leader and stressed the importance of striving for excellence in the field of education.

The first session of the day centered around the topic "How to be a Teacher Leader?" and was facilitated by Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas himself. With eloquence and wisdom, he delved into the ideology behind excellence and shared valuable insights on the leadership qualities necessary for faculty members. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own roles as educators and explore ways in which they could become effective leaders within their respective institutions.

Continuing with the program, the next session focused on the theme of "Mathematical Foundation for Data Science," conducted by Mr. Amod Ankulkar from the Data Science Lab. Mr. Ankulkar, a seasoned expert in the field, shed light on the fundamental role of mathematics and statistics in the realm of data science. Through engaging discussions and illustrative examples, he showcased the practical applications of these mathematical foundations in algorithms and data analysis.

Participants were captivated as they gained insights into the mathematical underpinnings that drive data science innovation. Mr. Ankulkar's session provided a deeper understanding of how mathematical principles form the backbone of advanced data science techniques. Armed with this knowledge, participants were equipped with the necessary tools to effectively comprehend and leverage these techniques in their research and teaching activities.

The session served as a stepping stone for educators venturing into the dynamic and evolving field of data science. It empowered them to incorporate mathematical principles into their teaching methodologies, thereby fostering a holistic and comprehensive learning experience for their students. By embracing the intersection of mathematics and data science, participants were poised to make significant contributions to their respective fields.

As the day unfolded, the participants expressed their gratitude for the well-structured program that offered them a rich blend of leadership insights and mathematical foundations for data science. The program not only broadened their knowledge but also inspired them to become catalysts for change within the education landscape.

With a renewed sense of purpose and armed with newfound knowledge, the participants left the program with a deepened understanding of their roles as teacher leaders and a solid foundation in the mathematical principles underpinning data science. The impact of the program would undoubtedly ripple through their classrooms, institutions, and the education community at large, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation.

Day 2: July 4th, 2023

On the second day of the Faculty Development Programme, participants were treated to two parallel enlightening sessions that expanded their knowledge and skills in the realm of data science.

The first session of the day, titled "Exploring Data with Visualization (PowerBI)," was conducted by Mr. Javed Imandar, a renowned expert in the field. The session aimed to empower participants with the tools and techniques to interact with data, clean and visualize datasets effectively. Mr. Imandar emphasized the importance of storytelling through data, encouraging faculty members to derive meaningful insights and present compelling narratives using their datasets.

During the session, participants were introduced to PowerBI, a powerful data visualization tool. They learned how to navigate the software, manipulate data, and create 

visually appealing and informative charts, graphs, and dashboards. Mr. Imandar provided hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises, allowing participants to apply their newfound skills and experiment with different visualization techniques. By the end of the session, participants had acquired a solid foundation in data visualization and were equipped to communicate data-driven insights effectively.

In another session of the day, Dr. Vijayalakshmi S and Mr. Alwin Joseph led a session on the fascinating topic of IoT (Internet of Things). This session explored the applications and possibilities of IoT in the field of data science. Participants delved into the world of interconnected devices and learned how IoT technologies can be integrated to enhance data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi S and Mr. Alwin Joseph showcased various real-world examples where IoT devices were employed to gather data from different sources, such as sensors, wearables, and smart devices. They discussed how this vast amount of data can be harnessed and processed to extract valuable insights and drive data science initiatives. Participants gained an understanding of the potential of IoT in creating smart environments, optimizing processes, and making data-driven decisions in various domains.

Throughout the session, participants actively engaged in discussions, asking questions and sharing their perspectives on the integration of IoT in data science applications. The session sparked creativity and innovation, inspiring participants to envision new possibilities and explore ways to leverage IoT technologies within their teaching and research endeavors.

Both sessions proved to be highly informative and practical, offering valuable insights and equipping participants with essential skills in data visualization and IoT applications in data science. The newfound knowledge and expertise would undoubtedly enhance their ability to explore and analyze data effectively, communicate insights visually, and leverage the potential of IoT to drive data-driven decision-making.

Day 3: July 5th, 2023

On the third day of the Faculty Development Programme, participants embarked on an exciting visit to the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). This visit was a pivotal opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the world of advanced research and development activities within the field of data science.

As the participants arrived at CDAC, they were greeted by a buzzing atmosphere filled with innovation and technological advancements. The visit commenced with an introduction to CDAC's state-of-the-art infrastructure, where participants witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge tools and technologies employed in data science research and application.

Throughout the visit, participants had the privilege to engage in insightful discussions and interactions with industry professionals at CDAC. These experts shared their experiences, knowledge, and expertise, providing participants with valuable insights into the practical implementation of data science methodologies in an industrial setting.

The visit showcased a wide array of projects and initiatives undertaken by CDAC, each demonstrating the immense potential and impact of data science in various domains. Participants had the opportunity to explore projects in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and more. They witnessed how data science techniques were leveraged to tackle complex industrial challenges, improve processes, and drive innovation. The exposure to real-world applications of data science left a lasting impression on the participants. By observing and understanding the projects firsthand, they gained a deeper appreciation for the practical implications of data science in solving complex problems and making informed decisions.

The industrial visit to CDAC served as a perfect complement to the theoretical sessions conducted during the Faculty Development Programme. It bridged the gap between theory and practice, allowing participants to connect the concepts they had learned with their practical applications in an industrial environment. This exposure to industry best practices and advanced research initiatives inspired participants to think critically and creatively about the potential of data science in their own academic and professional pursuits. The visit also facilitated networking opportunities, enabling participants to build connections with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. These connections could potentially lead to future collaborations and partnerships, fostering a sense of community and exchange of ideas.

Overall, the industrial visit to CDAC provided participants with an invaluable experience. It broadened their horizons, expanded their knowledge, and deepened their understanding of how data science principles are translated into real-world scenarios. Armed with this practical knowledge, participants were further empowered to execute projects and initiatives in data science with confidence and innovation.

Day 4: July 6th, 2023

On the fourth day of the Faculty Development Programme, participants engaged in two enriching sessions led by esteemed experts in the field.

The morning session, conducted by Dr. Vijayalakshmi S and Dr. Mudaser Ahad Bhat, focused on the crucial topic of "Managing Research Projects." The session aimed to provide effective guidance to faculty members in their role as mentors to students involved in research endeavors. Dr. Vijayalakshmi S and Dr. Mudaser Ahad Bhat shared valuable insights on the key points to remember while guiding students, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and its impact on the research outcomes.

The experts explored different areas for exploration and discussed the scope of research in various domains, allowing participants to gain a broader understanding of the research landscape. They delved into essential components of the research process, such as conducting a comprehensive literature review, formulating clear research objectives, and identifying research gaps. Participants were equipped with practical strategies and techniques to guide their students effectively and ensure successful project outcomes.

The afternoon session, facilitated by Dr. Jibrael Jos, centered on "Design Thinking & Project Execution." This session took a hands-on and interactive approach, immersing participants in the principles and application of design thinking in project execution. Dr. Jibrael Jos introduced the concept of design thinking as a problem-solving methodology that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iteration.

Through a series of engaging exercises and interactive activities, participants were encouraged to think innovatively and apply design thinking principles to their project execution strategies. They explored various stages of the design thinking process, such as problem identification, ideation, prototyping, and testing. The session fostered a collaborative environment, allowing participants to exchange ideas and gain insights from one another's perspectives.

By actively participating in the design thinking activities, participants developed a deeper understanding of how this approach can enhance project outcomes, foster creativity, and address complex challenges. They acquired practical tools and techniques to integrate design thinking principles into their research and project execution processes, ensuring a human-centered and innovative approach.

Both sessions on the fourth day of the Faculty Development Programme provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills. The morning session on "Managing Research Projects" equipped them with effective strategies to guide students and promote successful research outcomes. The afternoon session on "Design Thinking & Project Execution" empowered participants with a creative problem-solving approach to enhance their project execution and drive innovation.

The combination of theoretical insights and hands-on activities enriched the learning experience, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a practical context. These sessions further strengthened participants' capabilities as educators and researchers, enabling them to effectively guide students and execute projects with a holistic and innovative approach.

Day 5: July 7th, 2023

On the final day of the Faculty Development Programme (FDP), participants engaged in two informative sessions, followed by a valedictory function to mark the conclusion of the program.

The first session, titled "Documentation and Deployment: LaTeX Hands-on," was conducted by Dr. Libin Chacko Samuel. This session emphasized the importance of documentation in research and provided participants with practical exercises to enhance their LaTeX skills. LaTeX is a widely used typesetting system that enables researchers to create professional and well-structured documents.

During the session, Dr. Libin Chacko Samuel guided participants through various aspects of LaTeX, including document formatting, mathematical equations, tables, figures, and bibliographic references. Through hands-on exercises, participants had the opportunity to practice creating research documents using LaTeX. The session equipped them with the necessary skills to produce high-quality and visually appealing research papers, reports, and theses.

The final session of the FDP focused on "Github" and was conducted by Prof. Alwin Joseph. Github is a popular web-based platform that facilitates version control and collaboration in software development projects. In this session, participants learned about the fundamentals of version control, the Git workflow, and how to utilize Github for collaborative projects.

Prof. Alwin Joseph provided insights on creating repositories, branching and merging, tracking changes, and resolving conflicts using Github. Participants gained hands-on experience through practical exercises, allowing them to grasp the concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. The session highlighted the importance of effective collaboration and version control in research and project management, empowering participants to leverage Github as a valuable tool in their future endeavors.

After the informative sessions, the FDP concluded at 4:00 PM with a valedictory function. Dr. Vandana Bhagat, a respected member of the organizing committee, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the program. The valedictory function provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of the participants throughout the FDP.

The valedictory function also served as a platform for participants to share their experiences, insights, and reflections on the program. It was a moment of celebration, as participants expressed their appreciation for the valuable knowledge gained, networking opportunities, and the overall impact of the FDP on their professional growth.

The conclusion of the FDP marked the end of an enriching and transformative journey for the participants. The program had provided them with a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills, equipping them to excel in their roles as educators and researchers. With new perspectives, enhanced expertise, and a network of connections, the participants were ready to embrace future challenges and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields.

The five-day Faculty Development Programme conducted by the Department of Data Science at Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus provided valuable insights and training to faculty members. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including leadership, mathematics for data science, data visualization, IoT, research project management, documentation, and Github. The FDP aimed to enhance the expertise and mentoring abilities of supervisors, ensuring the production of high-quality research aligned with industry standards.