The network of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) has long been celebrated for cultivating some of the most brilliant minds in the fields of engineering and technology. These illustrious institutions are not just academic hubs but also launchpads for trailblazing professionals who transcend boundaries. IIT alumni are at the forefront of many of the world’s largest and most innovative companies. They are often lauded for their compelling mix of vision, diligence, and unconventional thinking.
While IIT graduates frequently make headlines with their lucrative job offers, a unique subset among them embarks on entrepreneurial endeavors to forge their legacies. Amongst the sea of esteemed graduates, only an exceptional few succeed in leaving an indelible mark on the sands of time. One former student who has achieved such a feat is Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, an IIT Madras alumna.
This pioneering individual has become the first woman to assume the prestigious role of campus director within the IIT system. Dr. Preeti Aghalayam has been selected to guide the establishment’s newest offshore campus located in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This venture symbolizes IIT Madras’ ambition to strengthen its international presence while simultaneously fostering technical education abroad. At present, the Zanzibar campus is nurturing the academic aspirations of 35 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate students, with Dr. Aghalayam at its helm.
Dr. Aghalayam’s journey to this point has been as impressive as it is inspirational. After obtaining her BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 1991, her quest for knowledge led her overseas to the United States. She pursued and completed her MS in Chemical Engineering at the University of Rochester in New York. Continuing her academic marathon, she enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the University of Massachusetts in 1996, following her MS degree.
In her illustrious career, Dr. Aghalayam has also contributed her expertise as a faculty member at IIT Bombay and held a post as a postdoctoral researcher at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. Her scholarly work encompasses a range of topics within her field. Specifically, Dr. Aghalayam has co-authored numerous articles probing subjects such as the impact of design choices in inlet manifolds on diesel oxidation catalytic converter efficiency and the implications of urea injection disparities on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) performance using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Aside from her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Aghalayam’s multifaceted personality includes being an avid marathon runner and a passionate blogger. Her dynamic presence extends beyond the classroom and the laboratory, reflecting the broad spectrum of interests and activities that modern scientists often engage in.
Dr. Preeti Aghalayam’s recent accolade comes from the Principal Scientific Advisor’s office, which recognized her as one of the 75 Women in STEM, testament to her outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This honor aligns with the broader push to empower women within these fields and showcase their significant achievements.
Dr. Aghalayam’s ascent to the Director-in-charge of IIT’s Zanzibar campus is not merely a personal triumph but a beacon for aspiring women engineers and scientists. It exemplifies the progress of gender representation in leadership roles within top-notch engineering institutions. Her appointment also underscores the expanding globalization of IIT’s educational mission, as they nurture the next generation of innovators and thinkers on international shores.
In the world of STEM, where female role models are crucial for inspiring more young women to pursue careers in these fields, Dr. Preeti Aghalayam stands tall. Her legacy is one that will inspire countless others who look toward a future where expertise, leadership, and vision know no gender-based bounds. As she takes on this new challenge, the educational and scientific community watches with great interest, eager to witness the growth and successes that will inevitably flourish under her guidance.
