Divya Bansal

I have been deeply committed to academic and research pursuits, which have been the foundation of my journey. I am pleased to share my experiences spanning over two decades in academia and research. I hold a PhD degree in Computer Science from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, India. I am currently serving as a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering and leading the prestigious Cyber Security Research Centre (CSRC) at PEC. This essay will outline my educational and professional achievements, highlighting my contributions to research, teaching, and leadership in the field of Computer Science.

Advancing Cybersecurity and Translational Research in Computer Science: Dr. Divya Bansa

Academic Background and Contributions:

PEC, with a rich history of 100 years, has been a significant contributor to India's technological advancement. It currently has more than 3000 enrolled students (across its UG, PG and PhD programs) and has produced illustrious alumni, including renowned figures such as Dr. Satish Dhawan, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, and Dinesh Khanna, among others. My doctoral journey at PEC culminated in a PhD in Computer Science, where I worked on developing a security framework for wireless mesh networks. My research aimed to provide a comprehensive security solution against known attacks, making contributing to the field of cybersecurity.

Throughout my tenure at PEC, I have worked with talented individuals and mentored students, fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence. As the co-founder and Head of the Cyber Security Research Centre (CSRC) since 2015, my leadership has been instrumental in driving academic and research initiatives at the intersection of social sciences, mathematics, and computing. Under my guidance, the CSRC undertook ground-breaking projects, including the development of a Framework for Generating Actionable Intelligence from Cyber Social Space. This innovative initiative has far-reaching implications for national security, as it serves as the first central repository database in the Cyber Physical Social Space domain, capable of predicting potential threats to the nation.

Leadership in Higher Education and Community Engagement:

In my distinguished career spanning 23 years, I have played diverse roles, including university administration, hiring, teaching, research, curriculum design, grant writing and project execution. 

As Dean of Alumni, Corporate & International Relations (2020 to 2023), I successfully fostered strong external relations with corporates, alumni, and international partners. Through proactive fundraising efforts and cooperative engagements, alumni contributions to the institute experienced a remarkable increase, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I navigated the challenges faced by academic institutions worldwide by seamlessly transitioning to online teaching. My innovative measures and student-centric policies ensured high-quality learning and engagement, providing students with the support they needed during trying times.

During my tenure as the Head of the Career Development & Guidance Centre (2017 to 2019), I implemented strategic initiatives to expand career opportunities for students, resulting in a remarkable 66% increase in companies visiting the campus and a 30% rise in job offers for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. To enhance the efficiency of the campus placement process, I spearheaded the automation of the entire placement cycle, creating a comprehensive repository of recruiting industries and organizations. This holistic approach not only elevated the student interviewing experience but also fostered stronger relationships between the institute and leading enterprises. Engaging with corporate partners, I orchestrated various strategic activities, including invited guest lectures, panel discussions, academic-industry conclaves, competitive hackathons, and workshops on cutting-edge topics. Moreover, I streamlined student career services, ensuring effective assistance in career counselling, personality development, and interview preparation, further equipping students for professional success.

During my tenure as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (2013 to 2016), I oversaw the Student Activity Centre, ensuring smooth year-round sports, cultural, and technical activities. I managed sports facilities, auditoriums, and vital student resources. Organizing student functions and inter-institutional events, including orientations, cultural, technical events, festivals, and convocations, were part of my responsibilities. As Associate Dean, I streamlined operations with student-centric policies and procedures. Managing grievances and day-to-day issues, I updated conduct policies and implemented effective mechanisms for swift resolutions. I established a system of delegated responsibilities, promoting fairness and transparency with students. Throughout my tenure, I prioritized a supportive atmosphere for all students, addressing their challenges promptly. My commitment to fostering positive relationships and timely responses has been crucial to my success as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Research Contributions and Impact:

My research interests lie at the intersection of Cybersecurity, Cognitive Warfare, Computational Social Science, IoT, Pervasive Sensing, and Online Privacy. These areas encompass various aspects of technological advancements, human behaviour analysis, and information security, aiming to address critical challenges in the digital era. Over the years, I have demonstrated a strong track record of research funding mobilization, exceeding $2 million, with a focus on academic and translational research. As the National Coordinator of the Cyber Security Research Cluster under the National Mission - Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (ICPS) of DST, GoI, I have collaborated with 19 Indian Institutions of National Importance, securing a grant of INR 9.25 crores. These sponsored research grants have resulted in the development of IoT and analytics-driven applications in domains such as transportation, environment, and lifestyle & wellness, impacting society positively.

To summarize, my research journey in Computer Science has been marked by innovation, leadership, and dedication to addressing pressing challenges in cybersecurity, human behaviour analysis, and information security. Through generating actionable intelligence, exploring mobile & wearable-based sensing, and developing IoT and analytics-driven applications, I am committed to contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technological progress in the field. As I continue this path, I look forward to collaborating with esteemed institutions and government agencies, driving positive societal impact and reinforcing academic excellence in research.

Furthermore, my collaboration with National Security Agencies and State Police has enabled me to contribute to critical research projects and training activities. Notably, my technical expertise in projects like GPRS/CDMA-based PCR van tracking system, e-Surveillance systems, and Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber-attacks have received endorsements and recognition for their significance.

My academic endeavours have been recognized through awards and accolades, recipient of Best Faculty Award (2018 – 2019) in the category of (Research Fund Mobilization) by PEC and Best Faculty Award (2021 – 2022) for maintaining high standards in Research by PEC. I have also been the recipient of IBM shared University Research award in recognition of my research contributions in Information security. Further, I have been conferred upon the Young Faculty Research Award from Media Lab Asia, DeitY, Government of India. In terms of my publication records, I have over 70 publications in reputed journals and conferences which has garnered widespread attention and coverage, further solidifying my standing in the academic community.

In conclusion, my academic journey in Computer Science has been marked by an unwavering commitment to research, teaching, and leadership. As a Full Professor and Head of the Cyber Security Research Centre at PEC, I have worked tirelessly to advance the frontiers of cybersecurity, computational social science, and IoT applications. My academic pursuits have been enriched by collaborations with national agencies and institutions, contributing to solutions for real-world challenges. As I look forward to the future, I am eager to continue my contributions to research, education, and community engagement, furthering the mission of academic excellence and technological progress in Computer Science.

Introduction:

I have been deeply committed to academic and research pursuits, which have been the foundation of my journey. I am pleased to share my experiences spanning over two decades in academia and research. I hold a PhD degree in Computer Science from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, India. I am currently serving as a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering and leading the prestigious Cyber Security Research Centre (CSRC) at PEC.