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Employee Spotlight: Anjana Parua, Automated Systems & Robotics Instructor

Where did you grow up?

I grew up mostly in western parts of India in a state called Gujarat. My father had a transferable job; therefore, we lived in different states in India such as New Delhi, Rajasthan.

Where did you attend college? What is your degree in?

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Gujarat University, India. I have a Master’s in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (Electrical Sciences).

How long have you been working in Dunwoody?

It’s been exactly 6 months, and I am already feeling at home.

Why did you decide to work in Dunwoody?

I always wanted to work at a prestigious institute with strong values and in an environment that promotes diversity. Dunwoody was on the top of my list when I moved to Minnesota and was looking for a job in the academic field. I instantly could connect myself with the courses offered in the Automated Systems & Robotics program. I am very excited to be part of this institution.

What is your favorite part about working at Dunwoody?

The warm and caring nature of people here in Dunwoody.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

One of the reasons I wanted to be a part of the teaching field is to keep exploring new ideas and innovative ways to solve existing problems as well as to see how students grow their skills bit by bit in every lecture they take.

I enjoy the inquisitive nature of students, which provokes them to develop new ideas and solutions to life’s problems. It gives me immense satisfaction when I can help students to nurture their ideas.

What did you do prior to teaching at Dunwoody? Why did you choose the career path you did?

Prior to Dunwoody, I was teaching in India at the BMS College of Engineering in Karnataka, India. Let’s say I was born to be a teacher/educator! Teaching gives me inner peace. When I teach I am the happiest person alive!

What do you enjoy about the Automated System & Robotics industry?

I enjoy programming and instrumentation, which can automate any system to make life simpler.

What are few of your hobbies?

I love to travel a lot and explore different cultures—food and cuisines especially. Dancing and painting relaxes me a lot too. Learning new languages is also one of my newfound hobbies!

What are you most excited for in 2018?

I will be teaching a course in Industrial Robotics (FANUC) during spring semester 2018, and I’m really excited about it.

What is the most beautiful spot you have ever travelled to?

The most beautiful place I have been is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is one of the union territories in India. I enjoyed snorkeling in turquoise water and the silence all around me.

Please provide 2-3 fun facts about yourself
  1. I am multi lingual. I know 5 different Indian languages (English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Kannada!).
  2. I am big fan of the TV series ‘The Office (US)’ and ‘Firefly’.
  3. I am a big Tomb Raider video game fan.