IEEE Team: How did your journey at UVCE begin?
Dr P Deepa Shenoy: My incredible journey at UVCE began in 1978. I chose to pursue BE in Electrical Engineering in 1983, even though I initially received a seat at BMSCE. With exceptional merit, UVCE became my destination and this decision shaped the next 45 years of my life. In 1986, I graduated with a ME in Power Systems and secured a temporary position in the EEE department, later becoming permanent in 1988. My thirst for knowledge continued, leading me to pursue and complete MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science Engineering.
Throughout my career at UVCE, I held progressively important roles across the EEE and CSE departments having over 37 years of teaching experience. I had the privilege of guiding 18 research scholars to their well-deserved PhDs. My academic journey culminated in a fulfilling retirement on May 31st, 2023. UVCE wasn’t just an educational institution: it was my second home. It provided me with the foundation to build a successful career, a sense of purpose and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate.
IEEE Team: What were the positions held at UVCE?
PDS: Beyond academics, I embraced various responsibilities during my tenure, including serving as Chief Warden of the Ladies Hostel (1997-2000), Placement Officer (2008-13), Chairperson of the CSE department (2014-16), Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (2019-21), & holding positions within the Academic Council & Syndicate Member of Bangalore University.
IEEE Team: Your achievements in the field of research?
PDS: My passion for research resulted in the publication of over 200 papers in international conferences and journals. With an H-index of 25, an I10-index of 70, and over 2600 citations, my research focused on applying cutting-edge technologies like deep learning, large language models and quantum computing to address real-world issues like healthcare, traffic management, fake news detection, agricultural data analysis and sentiment analysis. Even after retirement, I still stay involved with UVCE. I visit the college regularly to mentor the 6 PhD students under my guidance & connect and interact with the IEEE UVCE Community.
IEEE Team: Your contribution to IEEE Community?
PDS: My dedication extended beyond UVCE as I actively contributed to the IEEE UVCE community. I served as a Branch Mentor, Branch Counsellor, and currently hold the position of Branch Advisor for IEEE UVCE. Additionally, I held the role of Chairperson for the IEEE Bangalore Section in 2022, being the first woman to do so in its 45-year history. During my tenure, I initiated several impactful programs, including a student scholarship program, adopting a government school, and establishing the ongoing IISc student program.
IEEE Team: Who is your inspiration and what are your other interests?
PDS: My mom is a huge inspiration to me. Even at the age of 85, she is full of life. Her continuous pursuit of learning, her commitment to health and her enthusiasm for current affairs, including cricket, serve as a constant source of strength to me. I’ve always loved travelling and seeing new places. It’s like a thirst for adventure, and it keeps me wanting to learn more about the world. I’ve been to many different countries, and each trip has been a chance to experience different cultures and ways of life. It’s like learning something new every time I travel, and it makes me feel wiser and more open-minded.
IEEE Team: A message you would want to convey to the younger generation of women?
PDS: My message to young girls is simple: get an education, chase your dreams and don’t be afraid to be different. Be bold and pursue your passions. Break free from stereotypes, yet navigate societal norms with grace. Aim for independence and strive for meaningful careers and not just a job.
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