Interview Times 
FEATURE: Prof. Geetika Mudali, an esteemed academician, visionary leader, and one of the founding members of the National Institute of Science & Technology (NIST), Berhampur, Odisha, is a beacon of excellence in education and a pioneering force in the realm of technology. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NIST, Prof. Mudali has dedicated over two decades to advancing the fields of computer science, student development, and institutional growth. A trailblazer in fostering industry-academia collaboration, she has played a pivotal role in transforming NIST into a hub of academic brilliance and a launchpad for thousands of students’ careers. Her unwavering dedication to research, placements, and holistic education underscores her legacy as a changemaker in the academic world.
Established in 1996 by a group of visionary technocrats, NIST Berhampur is a leading private engineering institution in Odisha, known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering innovation. The institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines and is recognized for its strong industry connections, cutting-edge research, and focus on holistic development. Under the leadership of Prof. Mudali and her colleagues, NIST has grown into a premier institution that combines academic rigor with practical exposure, preparing students to excel in the global job market.
Prof. Mudali’s academic journey is a testament to her passion for technology and education. She holds an M.S. in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the prestigious New Jersey Institute of Science & Technology (NJIT), USA, and a B.E. in Electronics & Telecommunications from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. Her academic achievements, including a CGPA of 3.65/4.0 during her master’s, have laid a strong foundation for her career in both teaching and research.
Since joining NIST in 1996 as an Assistant Professor and later ascending to the role of Associate Professor, Prof. Mudali has been instrumental in shaping the academic landscape. She teaches a wide array of courses including Advanced Database Systems, E-commerce, Principles of Operating Systems, and Data Mining, among others. Her expertise in areas such as Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, and Data Mining has made her a sought-after academician, and she has guided numerous research projects, helping students achieve their potential.
Prof. Mudali’s research work has gained national and international attention, with several published papers in esteemed journals and conferences. Her work on virtual machine placement in cloud data centers, hypertension prediction using cloud computing, and energy-efficient resource provisioning for cloud markets is highly regarded in the academic community. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation has made her a thought leader in her field.
One of Prof. Mudali’s most significant contributions to NIST has been her exceptional role as the Placement Director. Under her guidance, NIST achieved remarkable milestones in campus placements, especially in the IT sector. Prof. Mudali’s relentless efforts resulted in the recruitment of top IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, and IBM Global Services to NIST for the first time ever in Odisha. Each year, more than 400 students found placement in prestigious companies both in India and abroad, a feat that truly underscores her dedication to student success.
Her role in fostering industry partnerships has been crucial in enhancing NIST’s reputation. Prof. Mudali’s vision and leadership in this regard have been instrumental in establishing strong ties with leading companies, ensuring that students are not just academically equipped, but also industry-ready. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Infosys Technologies for her extraordinary contribution to placement initiatives.
The Covid-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but Prof. Mudali’s resilience and proactive approach ensured that NIST’s placement efforts continued uninterrupted. Despite the lockdowns, NIST managed to bring in over 50 companies and secured more than 350 job offers through virtual placements. This remarkable achievement was a testament to Prof. Mudali’s leadership and commitment to the students’ futures, even in the most challenging of times.
Beyond academics and placements, Prof. Mudali is deeply invested in the holistic development of students. She has always emphasized the importance of personality development, soft skills, and rigorous training programs to prepare students for the corporate world. Her approach has been to nurture not just academic excellence, but also leadership qualities, confidence, and the ability to adapt to the dynamic demands of the industry.
Prof. Mudali’s work is not just confined to NIST. She has been an active participant in various workshops, panel discussions, and conferences, furthering the cause of education and technology. Her ability to balance research, teaching, and administrative duties with such grace and efficiency is an inspiration to her colleagues and students alike.
Prof. Mudali’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Jyoti Award for her extraordinary efforts in the field of education. She has also been recognized by various professional organizations and has received accolades for her relentless drive in advancing the educational landscape.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Prof. Mudali is a dedicated family person. She is married with two children and believes in the importance of balancing work with personal life. Her journey, from a young student in Hyderabad to an academic leader, reflects her dedication, perseverance, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Prof. Geetika Mudali continues to be a changemaker, not only in the field of education but also in the technological advancement of India. Through her work, she has created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of students and educators alike.
