1. Name and Academic Designation

Dr. Uma Varadarajan Project Officer, CHAI, IIT Madras Pravartak

2. VIIM Resource Category

• Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Software

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Applied Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Applications

• Research Methodology and Research Mentoring

3. Profile

Dr. Uma Varadarajan is an academician and technology professional with over a decade of experience in engineering education, followed by experience in VLSI design, data analytics, and research project coordination. She holds a Ph.D. in VLSI Design, specialising in formal verification, from Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, along with an M.E. in VLSI Design and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. She served as an Assistant Professor at Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya from 2009 to 2022 and has experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising projects, and organising academic activities. Her technical expertise includes VLSI design and verification, MATLAB, Python, C and C++, image processing, data modelling, Power BI, SQL, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) based large language models, and customised chatbots. Currently, as Project Officer at CHAI, IIT Madras Pravartak, she coordinates research and development projects and supports technical documentation, project execution, and team collaboration.

4. Areas of Contribution to VIIM

• Computational Mathematics: Introducing computational approaches to mathematical problem-solving using Python, MATLAB, and other appropriate tools.

• AI and Large Language Models: Hands-on sessions introducing RAG-based systems, customised chatbots, and the practical capabilities and limitations of AI tools.

• Data Analysis and Visualisation: Workshops on data interpretation, data modelling, dashboards, and visualisation using Power BI and related tools.

• Mathematical and Computational Modelling: Demonstrating how computational tools can help formulate, investigate, and analyse problems arising in engineering and applied sciences.

• Engineering Mathematics Applications: Connecting mathematical concepts with VLSI design, digital systems, signal and image processing, and engineering problems.

• Formal Verification and Logical Reasoning: Introducing the role of logic, systematic verification, and correctness checking in digital system design.

• AI-Assisted Mathematical Learning: Exploring how AI tools can support mathematical inquiry while encouraging independent reasoning, verification, and critical evaluation.

• UG/PG Projects and Internships: Guiding suitable interdisciplinary projects involving computational methods, data analysis, AI applications, or engineering problem-solving.

• Research and Project Development: Sharing practices in technical documentation, project planning, team coordination, and the presentation of research outcomes.