Preeti Aghalayam Wiki: Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, a distinguished alumna of IIT Madras, has made history as the first woman director of any IIT. She has been appointed as the Director-in-Charge of IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first offshore campus of the Indian Institute of Technology. The Zanzibar campus marks a milestone in India’s higher education system, with its first academic session commencing in October.
Her appointment is a significant moment not only for IITs but also for women in STEM, as she breaks barriers in a space traditionally dominated by men. With her rich academic background, leadership skills, and research excellence, Dr. Aghalayam is set to play a pivotal role in shaping IIT’s global expansion.
Preeti Aghalayam Wiki / Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Preeti Aghalayam |
| Nickname | Not Known |
| Category | Wiki / Biography |
| Profession | Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras |
| Date of Birth | 1976 (Exact Date Not Disclosed) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 49 Years |
| Hometown | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Current Position | Director-in-Charge, IIT Madras Zanzibar |
| Famous For | Becoming the first woman IIT Director |
| @preetiaghalayam |
Preeti Aghalayam Biography
Dr. Preeti Aghalayam has carved a remarkable career path in academia and research. At 49, she is recognized as an inspiring role model for women in engineering and STEM. Known for her cheerful personality and passion for sports such as marathon running and basketball, she balances professional achievements with personal pursuits.
Her journey from an IIT Madras student to its faculty, and now as the director of the historic IIT Zanzibar campus, reflects her determination, resilience, and visionary leadership.
Early Life & Family Background
- Born into an academically inclined family, Preeti Aghalayam grew up in an environment that valued education and hard work.
- Her grandfather was a founding member of a school, her father served as a Chemistry professor, and her mother pursued a PhD while raising the family.
- This legacy of education deeply influenced her career path.
- Preeti Aghalayam is married and has a 16-year-old daughter. She has often credited her husband’s unwavering support for her success.
Preeti Aghalayam Education
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering – IIT Madras, 1995
- PhD in Chemical Engineering – University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2000
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA
Her academic excellence laid the foundation for a career that spans teaching, research, and institutional leadership.
Preeti Aghalayam Career Journey
- 2000–2005: Postdoctoral Researcher at MIT Cambridge.
- 2005–2010: Faculty Member at IIT Bombay.
- 2010–Present: Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at IIT Madras.
- 2023: Appointed Director-in-Charge, IIT Madras Zanzibar – making her the first-ever woman director of any IIT.
Research Areas
Her primary expertise lies in Chemical Reaction Engineering, with focus on:
- Underground Coal Gasification
- Automotive Aftertreatment & NOx emission reduction
- Industrial CO₂ utilization
- Reactor modeling & complex reaction mechanisms
She has published numerous papers, collaborated with top researchers, and contributed significantly to addressing environmental and engineering challenges.
Achievements & Recognition
- First Woman IIT Director in history.
- Trailblazer for women in STEM and higher education.
- Marathon runner, blogger, and advocate of holistic growth.
- Inspirational figure for young women aspiring to join IITs and engineering fields.
Net Worth & Salary
- Salary (2025): Not Disclosed (as per IIT norms, Directors receive a fixed pay scale along with allowances).
- Net Worth: Not Known (Expected to be modest, largely from academic and research contributions).
Preeti Aghalayam Social Media Accounts
- Facebook: Click Here
- Instagram: Click Here
- Twitter (X): Click Here
- YouTube: Click Here
Conclusion
Dr. Preeti Aghalayam’s appointment as IIT Madras Zanzibar Director is a landmark moment in Indian education. From her early academic brilliance to becoming a global leader in higher education, she continues to inspire women and students across India. Her vision of increasing women’s participation in IITs and her pioneering role as the first female IIT Director will leave a lasting impact on academia.
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