• Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (1991)
• Master of Engineering (M.E.) from Indian Institute of Science (1985)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electrical Engineering from University of Mysore (1982)

• DOB: 14-09-1959
• Hobbies: Sports, Wild Life, Culture & Heritage, Reading Books
• Languages: English, Kannada, and Hindi

With over 35 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Rao has served at premier institutions:

• 6 years at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay 
• 7 years at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
• 4 years at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal (as part of Network Project) 
• 6 years as Visiting/Guest Professor at: 
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore 
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore 
• 12–14 years across multiple universities and institutions including: 
  • SJCE, Mysuru 
  • VVCE, Mysuru 
  • Mangalore University (Computer Science)

• Guided two Ph.Ds. scholars in Electronics, and Computer Science.
• Authored approximately 100 research publications.
• Active researcher in AI-ML for over a decade.
• Very active in STEM version of IKS.

• Introduced Linear Algebra into undergraduate Engineering curricula across Karnataka and institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay and National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal.
• Designed and reformed curricula (since 2000) for institutions such as: 
  • NITK Surathkal 
  • PSG Tech, Coimbatore 
  • TCE, Madurai 
• Contributed significantly to academic reforms, interdisciplinary education, and outcome-based learning.

• Gold Medalist from IISc, Bangalore during 1983-85.
• Recipient of the Texas Instruments (TI) International DSP Design & Education Award for promoting Excellence in Undergraduate DSP education during 1996-98.
• Honored with a Citation from Philips Company for regularly crafting excellent UG students in E & C, in the area of Signal processing & Digital Communication during 96-98. 
• Invited as a distinguished presenter at the PAN-IIT Global Meet, being among the select few worldwide to receive this recognition.

Served as Senior Research Advisor to the Government of Kerala, Department of Technical Education (2013–16). Led research initiatives at Government Engineering College, Wayanad:

• Taught and conducted research across IITs, IISc, NITs, and IIMs 
• Worked extensively in multidisciplinary domains 
• Contributed to both technical depth and academic policy reforms

• Academic Reforms and Curriculum Design 
• AI-ML and real-world applications 
• STEM-oriented Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) 
• Skill development initiatives in engineering education 
• Designing curricula for core competencies, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on outcomes 
• Building human talent and driving impactful education

Department of CSE,
GSSS Institute of Engineering & Technology for Women
Email id: dr.ashokrao@gsss.edu.in
Phone: 0821 – 4257304, 2581304, 2977306 /Extn- 1202

My vision is gross national happiness. Happiness in teaching, learning & impractice. Sharing and growing together, both professionally and as humans. We need to make the world a better place for people and other forms of life.