Good day, Dr. Anusha Gorantla. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Yes.

Kindly share your professional journey in academia.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

I'm Doctor Anusha, currently working as an associate professor in EC department at Travel Engineering College, Visakhapatnam.

I completed my PhD in Anna University.

Chennai, I have completed my masters, M tech, VLSA design in VIT university Vellore and my BTEC.

ECG, JNU, Hyderabad I have strong I have strong interest in teaching.

I say approximate computing and high performance computing.

And I'm looking to contribute.

Professor, that's wonderful to hear. Let us delve deeper to align your expertise and interests with the expectations of this role. Could you share your perspective on how approximate computing can be effectively applied specifically in error-tolerant image processing applications?

In general, humans have less perceptual abilities to identify the impression during processing of image or video, so the the algorithms and precise models are not efficient to use in these applications. This this this allows inaccurate computation to the existing digital logic circuits and improve the performance. With a tradeoff in accuracy.

Thank you for that explanation, Professor. Given this trade-off in accuracy to improve performance, how would you ensure that the balance between computation efficiency and output accuracy remains optimal in a practical application for image or video processing?

Yeah. For example, if you take any disturbance here I'm applying approx. Approximate computing at logic level. For example, if you take one full adder circuit, here we had to introduce the approximations at output. For example, some and carry so that here the approximation suppose the errors are increasing. We have to introduce the errors in the truth table because we are doing approximate computing at logic.

So that we are introducing the errors in truth table by trial and error we can get a different designs with one error, 2 errors, 3 errors. So randomly we have to check the logic logic functionality of the sum and carry then it will be. For example the sum will be having with logic expression is minimum means that will be the leading to high.

Comments in terms of power delay area during synthesis time.

For example, if you go for a practical applications. For example if you adding some image blending application. Here the adders are required because image blending we are using normally the adders. So in place of normal adders you can replace with approximate adders you can improve the performance with the minimum accuracy. For example we have so many number of.

Adders with different number of accuracy.

Requirement. For example, if you want to need high performance, we can take high performance adder for a.

Depend on the.

Inaccuracy point of view miss. We can take accuracy adder.

Got it, Professor. You’ve detailed how approximate computing at the logic level can contribute to balancing power, delay, and area while catering to practical applications like image blending. It’s clear you’ve thought deeply about these trade-offs. Let me build on this. How do you ensure that these approximate designs remain robust and reliable when scaled to larger systems or when processing real-time data?

Yeah.

Nowadays, if you go for any GPU center here, the accelerators not processes. Everything now will be in terms of accelerators. So in that accelerators the computations are more.

It is a very complex task in the in in that point of time. Here we can use these computing technologies like approximate computing will play a major role.

Understood, Professor. You’ve highlighted an essential point regarding the complexity of computations in GPU accelerators and how approximate computing can be pivotal in such scenarios. It showcases a forward-thinking approach for scaling these technologies. Let us shift gears a bit. Could you explain how you incorporate such advanced technological concepts when guiding student projects and research? How do you ensure students grasp both the theoretical and practical aspects effectively?

Once again you can repeat. I'm not able to understand.

Of course, Professor. Let me rephrase. When you're guiding students in their projects and research, especially on advanced topics like approximate computing, how do you ensure they understand both the theoretical concepts and their practical applications?

I can take a application based mini project that will be linked with real time real time examples so real time problems so they can easily understand and they can get a research interest on that domain.

Yeah, for undergraduate students.

That's an excellent approach, Professor—connecting theory to real-world applications can indeed ignite students' interest and understanding. Could you share an example of a real-time problem you've used in the past to guide undergraduate students in such projects?

Real time exam. For example if you take.

If you take any approximate one simple approximate circuit in in IEEE transaction paper, that is nothing but a research paper. In that research paper normally they have done approximate computing at logic level with minimum number of circuits they can further optimization also will be possible. So my undergraduate students they can take they have taken that is a.

Project and they have they have done up to synthesis and they have they have seen comparison results from existing and they have proposed designs. So if it will go to a real time image processing application on FPGA it will give a better results.

That is impressive, Professor. Guiding students to build upon existing research, carry out synthesis, and evaluate the results is a commendable method to cultivate both learning and innovation. Transitioning such a project toward FPGA-based real-time applications adds further depth and relevance. Now, let me ask—how do you typically evaluate and ensure that students are not only completing such projects but truly understanding the underlying principles and their broader implications?

Yeah. First for undergraduate students, if you want to they do any research first they should understand about the concept in ECA background. For example, if you want to, if you want to design any digital circuit, they should know about the programming Verilogue HDL programming. So if you want to write, if you want to understand the Verilogue HDL programming, again they go to basics of digital electronics.

So my focus is to to ensure that students have strong knowledge on fundamentals like this Electronics, Verilogue, HDL, VLSI design, signals and Systems communication.

Understood, Professor. Emphasizing fundamental knowledge as a foundation for advanced research is absolutely vital to ensure students succeed both academically and professionally. It’s clear your structured approach builds a strong base for students while guiding them toward innovative research. Let us move to another critical aspect. How do you approach teaching both theory and laboratory courses to ensure that students excel in not just understanding but also applying the material effectively?

Yeah, my teaching philosophy is a student-centric and concept driven. So here I'm I'm take, I'm teaching a fast, I'm teaching a fundamentals using with diagrams, simple analogies and practical examples. And I'm also asked questions.

And learning.

And and also focus on. They have to understand very clearly compared to.

Memorize it.

A student-centric, concept-driven approach backed by diagrams, analogies, and practical examples is indeed an excellent teaching philosophy, Professor. Encouraging understanding over memorization truly equips students for deeper learning and application. How do you measure whether your teaching approach is effective, particularly in laboratory courses, where hands-on application is key?

Yeah, I can. I can use the modern usage.

Techniques that are AI. I can integrate AI into ECE, both teaching and applications. For example, in teaching, I use Aaa-based simulations, Adaptability learning, adaptability learning tools and also what you are loves to improve the understanding.

And also I can apply AI to signal processing, VLSI optimization and communication systems.

This will give a strong connection.

Fundamentals with current.

And also current research.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Professor. Your approach of integrating AI both in teaching and applications, as well as connecting fundamentals to cutting-edge research, speaks to your commitment to innovation and student growth. Let’s delve into another core area—your research contributions. Could you share more about your experience in publishing research, especially in reputed journals? What strategies have you employed to maintain the rigor and relevance of your work?

Yeah, when I when I when I'm during, during my PhD, I have I have seen what are the standard, what are the reputated journals and what will be the current research trend For example, in that in that during the 2014 approximating is emerging tech emerging one of the computing technology. So a few research papers only published.

In that.

I have I have proudly said that my my one of the my research paper is second research paper in that approximate compresses domain so that I can effectively.

Done my PhD in that approximating domain. Now I have I have written some funded projects and I have gone through it at interview stage. So this gives me.

A very confident on that my research innovation. Now I'm extending my approximate computing to another incorporated with in-memory computing, because in-memory computing it is now one of the emerging computing technology in research in recent trends.

Thank you, Professor. It’s remarkable that your work in approximate computing was among the pioneering contributions in the field. Your extension into in-memory computing demonstrates a forward-looking approach to staying at the forefront of research innovation. Could you elaborate on how your experience with funded projects and extending research into emerging technologies has influenced your approach to mentoring junior researchers or leading collaborative research initiatives?

Yeah, previously I have a experience on that writing funded projects and I have the methodology and the and the applications are most important when you are writing a funded project, so.

This gives a major impact on your funded research so that I have very focus on that emerging, emerging technology.

And also I'm it's related application now. Now I'm looking into approximate computing into in memory computing. For example, I'm I'm I'm I'm developer. I'm developing some approximate computing circuits that are used in in-memory computing. It will give a.

Extensive higher performance.

In terms of power, delay and area.

That’s commendable, Professor. Your focus on aligning research methodologies with emerging technologies and impactful applications reflects a strategic and insightful approach to advancing your field. It’s clear you are deeply engaged in leading-edge innovation. Let us now explore another dimension of academic contributions. How do you balance your research ambitions with fulfilling departmental responsibilities like curriculum development or accreditation processes?

Yeah, once again repeat. I'm not able to understand.

No problem, Professor. Let me rephrase. How do you manage your time and effort between pursuing your research goals and handling departmental duties, like creating curriculum or contributing to accreditation processes?

Yeah, I'm aware that faculty, faculty is faculty involves not only teaching, it is a continuous assessment, evaluation and funded research and attending various Fdps and also current research activities. So I'm.

So that I'm willing to take academic responsibility when it is required.

And also I plan actively to involve a research funded projects and also mentor the students for project and research.

Thank you, Professor. It's clear that you recognize the multifaceted nature of an academic role and are committed to balancing your responsibilities effectively while maintaining a strong focus on research and mentoring. One final topic for clarification: how do you ensure that your teaching methods or research guidance foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of capability?

Yeah.

I know that VIP has a strong economic environment and clear focus on research and inter industry oriented education. So.

Understood,

Vit is the right.

V80 is the right platform to improve my my teaching and my teaching and there's a research responsibilities with.

With, uh, mentoring students for project and research effectively. So, so that here, uh, for example, my, my one of the, my key strength is I have strong easy, uh, fundamentals on ECE subjects. So it will be easy to understand the concepts very clear and, and make them easy for student to understand so that. In this way.

I can do a structured teaching continuous assessment.

Thank you, Professor. It's evident that you are deeply committed to leveraging your strong ECE foundation, structured teaching, and student-centric approach to contribute meaningfully to both teaching and research. Your vision aligns well with fostering a rigorous yet supportive academic environment. We’ve covered significant aspects of your expertise and experiences. At this point, do you have any additional points you'd like to share or questions for me?

No.

Professor, to begin, could you share which specific undergraduate course you find most rewarding to teach and why?

Yeah, tell me once again.

Of course, Professor. Could you share which specific undergraduate course you find most rewarding to teach and why?

Sorry to interrupt, we're down to the last 5 minutes.

Yeah, I can, uh, I can teach a fundamental subjects like digital electronics, signals and systems Verilog, HDL. These are the core ECE subjects I'm very interested to teach for undergraduate students.

Professor Gorantla, let us delve into your research and its implications for teaching. Your Ph.D. focused on "Design and Implementation of Approximate Computing Circuits for Error-Tolerant Image Processing Applications." Can you briefly summarize the key objectives and findings of this research?

The the objective Sir, we had to get a low power and high performer, high performance circuits, high performance it will be in terms of either it is low power or high speed and less area so.

If you want to develop any approximate circuit again we had to go for logic level. So the logic level will be again it will be leads to basics of digital electronics. So when you have a strong foundation in fundamentals on ECG subjects, then you can easily you can grasp easily, you can grasp the knowledge and apply into research.

Thank you, Professor. From your perspective, how do you integrate these foundational aspects of digital electronics and approximate computing into classroom instruction to ensure students grasp both the theoretical and practical dimensions effectively?

Yeah, using using some, uh, simulation tools. For example, HDL simulation tools are used to write the Verilogue program and they can simulate and they can verify the functionality.

Some practical approach.

I see. Beyond simulation tools like HDL or Verilog, how do you ensure that students are able to connect these technical skills to broader applications in fields like image processing or other error-tolerant systems?

If you want to go for image processing, they must require basics on signals and system subject. So again it will be leads to a fundamentals of core ECE subjects. So the core ECE subjects are mainly applications of different research domains. So the students must ensure that they should have a strong fundamentals or core ECE subjects. But it will when it will be leads to.

Any related applications with current research industry?

Thank you, Professor. That perspective on cultivating a strong foundation in core subjects is noted. Let's conclude this section here.

Professor, could you describe your three-year research roadmap and how it aligns with both institutional goals and broader academic or societal needs?

My academic goals are it should be a student centric and concept driven and you should use a modern integrate into the ECE core subjects are integrated into.

AI AI tools modern uses AI tools, so I'm.

I, I'm, I'm a committed faculty member. I'm very interested to learn. I'm very interested to learn continuously and adaptability. So I'm very, I'm very interested to learn new technologies and new techniques at the same time, some research.

Publications and also some FDPS and industry related programs.

These are the my teaching and research object objectives.

Thank you, Professor. Now, considering the scalability of your research and lab, how do you plan to mentor junior students to ensure a steady pipeline of high-quality publications and sustained research productivity?

The high quality teachings are nothing, but we had to, uh, we had to go the effectiveness of teaching in terms of.

Applying some practical examples and simple analogies with diagrams so they can easy to understand the concept rather than the memorizing. So this leads to the effectiveness of teaching at the same time if you want to publish.

A reputed research papers with high impact factors they should do with.

Deeply understanding the basic concepts.

Understood, Professor. Building on this, how do you plan to leverage international collaborations to enhance your research impact, specifically in terms of boosting citation metrics and bringing global recognition to your work?

Yeah, that impact factor of a journal where your reset work work will be published into the journal, that journal that for example if you have SCA journal, if that high impact factor will be leads to a recognition.

Thank you, Professor. I appreciate your responses. Let's move forward.

Professor, could you walk me through a detailed implementation of an active learning strategy, such as a flipped classroom, for a large-enrollment course, and explain how you would manage this effectively without relying on slides?

Yeah, once again you can repeat.

Certainly, Professor. Could you explain in detail how you would implement an active learning strategy, like a flipped classroom, in a large-enrollment course while managing it effectively, and specifically without using slides?

Yeah, the active learning. Active learning includes the.

Explain the topics in terms of diagrams, simple analysis and it will be connecting with a complex. For example, if you have a complex topic that will be explained with a real time real life, real life example, it will be connected with real life examples. So in between I can to make the students encouragement, I can frequently ask questions and. Explain the.

Concept very clearly if repeatedly until they have to understand rather than memorization.

I see, Professor. You're emphasizing real-life examples, diagrams, simple analysis, and interactive questioning to break down complex topics into more understandable components, ensuring clarity over memorization. Let’s explore this further. How would you specifically connect a subject—say, in engineering—with real-life examples to engage students effectively? Could you provide a concrete example from your experience?

For example if you take in VLSI subject here we have to explain the MOSFET operation for undergraduate students. So some of the students are not able to understand the topic. So that what is the MOSFET operation. The MOSFET is a voltage control device here the gate control the gate voltage will be controlled the current flow between drain and source. Then the mosfet here and comparing with water tap suppose if.

Water tab we have to control then the flow of water will be controlling where it will be open. The flow of current will be the flow of water will be it will be open. So like this example will give the a deep understanding the concept.

Understood, Professor. Using the water tap analogy for explaining how the gate voltage controls the current flow in a MOSFET is an excellent way to make a complex topic more relatable and understandable for undergraduate students. Let me further refine this approach. What kind of assessment tools would you design to evaluate how well students grasp the concept of MOSFETs beyond simply recalling definitions? How would you measure their competency in applying this understanding in practical scenarios?

Yeah, I can.