Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDA) is observed in May. We are celebrating early due to the semester coming to a close next month.
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Amlan Ganguly, Department Head, Computer Engineering
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Please describe your responsibilities at RIT. |
I am the department head, which means I coordinate all day-to-day activities in the departments such as delivery of our courses, making sure students are getting the education they both want and need. I also am responsible for supporting faculty members so that they can be successful in their teaching and research goals. I initiate new initiatives and upgrades to curriculum and programs in the department. I also make sure that members of staff are able to perform their duties with satisfaction and a sense of belonging and ownership. In addition, I perform all my duties both as a member of the faculty and staff myself.
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What is it about your job that keeps you here? |
Every day is a new challenge in my job. I have to be in constant problem-solving mode. I find that challenge exhilarating. The interaction with students daily keeps me refreshed. I could never work anywhere outside a university. RIT has an intelligent and motivated population of students which makes working here very rewarding.
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Please briefly share some of your professional journey. |
I went to K-12 school in Kolkata, India. I received my Bachelor of Technology (BTech) from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. After my bachelor’s degree I pursued my MS and PhD at Washington State University, USA. Since then, I have been a member of the faculty at RIT.
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What is it about your field of work that first sparked your interest? When did that occur? As a kid? |
My technical area of expertise is in in the field of complex multicore microprocessor or System on Chip (SoC) design. My interest was sparked first during my high school physics classes regarding electromagnetism. Then in my undergraduate degree I loved semiconductor physics and learning how semiconductor devices work. Finally, during my PhD, I loved discovering new design methods for efficient SoCs.
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In addition to your work in the College of Engineering, you also serve as an advisor for the Bangladesh Cultural Society. Why do you give of your time to do this? Why is it important for the students? |
Interestingly, I speak the same language being from India as Bangladeshis. Years ago, when the BCS was formed they approached me to be their advisor as I am a Bengali speaking the same language. Incidentally, my grandparents were refugees who sought asylum in India escaping religious persecution in what is today Bangladesh. I honor that heritage by being connected to modern and current Bangladeshi students in BCS. One of the main annual events that BCS hosts is International Mother Language Day which signifies the struggle of those people for their right to speak and learn their own Mother Language (Bengali/Bangla) defying genocide. I appreciate the sentiments and lessons around this event and offer my support and congratulations to the students and members of BCS!
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We are celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month. (APIDA) In general, why is this important for all-and what role models do you admire? (Could be your own family members.) |
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Celebrating cultural heritage of a population as diverse as we have at RIT is critically important. The young generation is decoupled from their true roots and identity can become victim to various predatory ideologies. So, I believe it is important to stay connected even when students are away from their homes and families and in some cases, their home cultures.
Role Model: Swami Vivekananda – he was effectively an ambassador of India and Hinduism to the USA in the late 19th century. Perhaps the oldest recorded interaction of Indian culture, spirituality and religion between the two regions of the world I call home.
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In your opinion, who are some of the great athletes you admire? |
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When you were a kid, what was your favorite meal and who prepared it? |
A dessert called payesh – it’s a rice porridge in milk. I love it! My mother still makes it for me when she can
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Do you have a favorite spot on the RIT campus or in the Rochester region? |
The open-air lounge in Global Village. I never have enough time – but I always tell myself, I would like to have my meetings there with my students if I could. In the city of Rochester, High Falls area on the Genessee river and in the region, the town of Pultneyville, where I go boating in Lake Ontario.
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Friends are visiting your hometown, Kolkata, for the first time. What should they be sure to check out? |
The desserts – Rosogolla, Chumchum and Rasmalai – by the way these are also available in Indian grocery stores in Rochester.
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You’re in charge of planning a week-long vacation for you and some friends. Money is no object. Where are you heading and what are you doing? |
This is a tough question – the world is full of amazing places. For me, a week is Hawaii might be the best option. It offers both relaxation opportunities by gorgeous beaches but also adventure opportunities to trek active volcanoes and boat tours or swimming at night manta rays!
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Do you have a pet and if so, what makes your pet special?
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I have a little dog named Simba that my wife rescued. Turns out he is half a chihuahua. He has a lot of personality but has an enormous and sensitive heart.
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It’s pizza time. Thin crust or thick and what toppings are you choosing? |
Medium crust with spicy pepperoni.
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What would your friends and colleagues be surprised to learn about you? |
I love sailing, but I cannot swim.
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