Hemalatha Raju

Engineering Instructor

"What’s most important to me is making a positive impact—whether it’s helping learners achieve their goals, contributing to the success of the team, or giving back to the community."

What led you to work for PETA?

I am a dedicated educator and an engineer with over 18 years of academic and industry experience in Electronics and Communication Engineering. My professional journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication. I progressed with a master’s in Applied Electronics and a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering, focusing on optical dense wavelength division multiplexing systems and networks.

During my tenure as an Associate Professor, I refined my skills in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development, delivering courses on various subjects. My transition to the UK allowed me to broaden my expertise by earning an MSc in Data Science, equipping me with analytical tools such as Python, Power BI, and SQL.

What led me to PETA was my passion for teaching that connects theoretical knowledge with practical applications. PETA’s emphasis on education and its hands-on approach to nurturing future engineers resonated with my teaching philosophy. I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to a learning environment where students are empowered to develop both technical competence and professional confidence.

What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do? 

At PETA, as an Instructor in Electronics Engineering, I deliver engaging and comprehensive lectures, practical sessions, and lab experiments tailored to diverse learning styles. My responsibilities include creating and implementing course materials, including lesson plans and assessments, aligning them with both academic standards and industry requirements. I maintain and manage laboratory resources, ensuring safety protocols.

Beyond teaching, I support learner progress through individualized mentoring, fostering their technical skills and professional development. My role allows me to inspire and equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the dynamic field of engineering, aligning with PETA’s mission to deliver exceptional education.

What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?

I draw upon academic and industry experience, as well as my technical expertise, to effectively fulfill my role. My foundation in Electronics and Communication Engineering, with a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering and an MSc in Data Science, provides me with deep theoretical knowledge and practical insights. I utilize my understanding of key subjects like Digital Electronics, Analog Electronics, and Electrical and Electronics Principles to design and deliver courses that bridge academic learning with industry needs.

How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?

On a day-to-day basis, I approach my role with an adaptable mindset. I prioritize planning engaging lectures and practical sessions, ensuring to accommodate different learning styles. I adopt an interactive learning environment to encourage learners to ask questions and engage in discussions. I integrate modern simulation tools into my teaching.
Key skills required include subject knowledge, effective communication, adaptability, and organizational abilities. Interpersonal skills are also important for building rapport with learners.

What is your teaching style?

My teaching style is student-centred and interactive. I strive to simplify complex concepts through analogies, visual aids, and hands-on activities. I encourage active participation and critical thinking. I also integrate real-world examples and practical exercises to reinforce theoretical learning, ensuring students are well-prepared for both academic success and industry challenges.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about lifelong learning and personal growth. Whether it’s exploring advancements in technology, participating in professional development courses, or staying updated on emerging trends in education and engineering, I enjoy expanding my knowledge. I like volunteer work and used to be a volunteer at a COVID-19 vaccination center. Beyond academics and volunteering, I enjoy reading, solving sudoku, sewing, and spending quality time with my family.

What are your personal values, and what is important to you?

My personal values are integrity, respect, and dedication. I believe in an environment of mutual respect and inclusion, where individuals feel valued and empowered to reach their potential. Transparency and honesty are important both professionally and personally.

What’s most important to me is making a positive impact—whether it’s helping learners achieve their goals, contributing to the success of the team, or giving back to the community. These values drive my motivation and shape the decisions I make every day.