Dr. N. Hema
Academic Portfolio

Dr. N. Hema

Professor & Principal, Cambridge Professional Development Centre
Directorate of Learning & Development, SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Ph.D. ELT Cambridge Certified Scopus Author 26+ Years Experience Chennai, India
26+
Years Teaching
50+
Publications
₹50L+
Funded Projects
12
Intl. Collaborations
100+
Cambridge Distinctions
About

"Visionary academic leader committed to maintaining academic excellence, fostering inclusiveness, and encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration — creating vibrant environments that foster academic, professional, and personal growth for both faculty and students."

Full Name
N. Hema, Ph.D.
Current Role
Professor & Principal, Cambridge PDQ Centre, SRM IST
Specialisation
Curriculum Design, Teaching & Learning, Professional Development
ORCID
0000-0003-3536-8676
Scopus ID
57704397400
Vidwan ID
306837
Google Scholar
nCpVfoYAAAAJ
LinkedIn
hema-natarajan-74368439

Highlights

Creative Writing
Curriculum Development & Instructional Design
English Language Teaching (ELT & ESP)
Bilingual Education
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Peace Education & Life Skills
NEP-2020 & Assessment
Business Communication
Service Learning & ESD
Professional Memberships
IEEE – Professional Communication
Membership ID: 94445890
Life Member
ELTAI - English Language Teachers' Association of India
Membership ID: A230260167
Life Member
ISTE - Indian Society for Technical Education
Membership ID: LM39621
Life Member
IATEFL - International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
Membership ID: 31673
Life Member
American Library of Congress - Washington D.C., USA
Life Member
The English Association, UK
Membership ID: 1110583
Standard Member
Curriculum Vitae

Academic Background

Education, Teaching Experience & Institutional Roles

Education
DegreeSpecialisationInstitutionYear
Post Doctoral ResearchCreative Writing Pedagogy
Nanyang Technological University(Pursuing)
MBAHuman Resource Management SRM Institute of Science & Technology(Pursuing)
M.Sc.Yoga for Human ExcellenceSRM IST, Kattankulathur2022
Ph.D.English Language Teaching & Curriculum Development
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore2016
M.Phil.American LiteratureBharathiar University, Coimbatore2005
M.A.English LiteratureMadurai Kamaraj University1998
B.A.English LiteratureBharathiar University, Coimbatore1996
Teaching Experience (26+ Years)
Professor & Principal — Cambridge Professional Development Centre
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai
2020 – Present
  • Provide visionary academic leadership for the Cambridge PD Centre — strategy, curriculum, and operations.
  • Design and implement bilingual instructional modules; develop rubrics for skill development programmes.
  • Conduct master training workshops on Jeevan Kaushal and Human Values & Professional Ethics (Mulya Pravah).
  • Facilitate faculty development programmes integrating Indian Knowledge Systems.
  • Led need analysis for LinguaSkills, Cambridge Advanced English, and IELTS training for faculty and students.
  • Cambridge record: 105 submitted · 100 completed · 95% distinction.
  • Represented Cambridge pedagogy at 50+ national and international conferences.
Professor & Head — Language Learning & Linguistic Research Centre (ELTeL)
Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai
2016 – 2020
  • Headed a specialised ELT research and training centre for school and tertiary educators.
  • Authored four concept notes on curriculum innovation and ESD submitted to the Directorate of School Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
  • Spearheaded KRIYA Entrepreneurship Cell — incubated 5 student start-ups; organised 2 National Entrepreneurship Conclaves (2015, 2016).
  • Secured and managed ₹22L AICTE grant for Skill & Personality Development Programme.
  • Developed LOTUS Model integrating UNESCO ESD goals into English language classrooms.
Associate Professor / Assistant Professor
Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai
2011 - 2016
  • Taught Technical English, English for Engineers, Communication Skills, and Personality Development.
  • Developed longitudinal assessment practices for Communication Skills and Personality Development labs.
  • Evaluated highly by students for improving learner autonomy using thesis-based practices.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology, Pollachi
2009 – 2011
  • Taught Technical English, Constitution of India, and Communication Skills lab.
  • Developed and delivered training modules on Communicative English for TVS Motors interns.
  • Established Civil Services Study Circle; secured ₹3L grant from management.
Lecturer (Selection Grade)
SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore
2006 – 2009
  • Taught Technical English and Communication Skills lab; developed spoken & communicative English training modules.
Lecturer
St. Peters University, Chennai & Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering, Pollachi
2000 – 2006
  • Taught Technical English and Communicative English; developed training manuals and lab materials for Communication Skills labs.
Institutional Roles & Recognition
RoleOrganisation
Chairperson, Board of Studies — Humanities & SciencesAnna University
Core Member, Curriculum Drafting CommitteeSCERT Tamil Nadu
Expert Review Committee — English School DictionarySCERT Tamil Nadu
Content Curator (NEP-aligned)TN Govt. App — Manarkeni (மணற்கேணி)
Nominated Member, Board of Studies (by Vice-Chancellor)Anna University
UGC Research Proposal EvaluatorUniversity Grants Commission
University Representative — Examination BoardAnna University
NPTEL Mentor — Technical English for EngineersIIT National Programme (NPTEL)
Mentor — Business IncubationNational Entrepreneurship Network (NEN)
Asia-Pacific Network for Moral EducationAPNME — Member
Research

Research & Collaborations

International projects, scholar supervision and research interests

Research Scholar Details
8
Registered Scholars
1
Completed
International Research Collaborations
Comparative Multilingual Pedagogy in Higher Education: Building a South Asia Taiwan Research Network for Inclusive STEM Learning
SRMIST | Nanyang Technological University | Universiti Malaya  ·  2026-present
Academic Collaboration
Nanyang Technological University  ·  2026-present
Service Learning Across Nations for Capacity Development
University of Malaya, Malaysia  ·  2021–2024
One Stop Boutique
University of Malaya, Malaysia  ·  2021–2024
A Molecular Tandem Cell for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
University of Malaya, Malaysia  ·  2022–2025
Teachers' Familiarity with Proactive Classroom Management Strategies in ASEAN Countries
Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia  ·  2022–2025
Identity Integration for Communication Competence and Well-being: Moderating Role of Gender
Multimedia University, Malaysia  ·  2022–2025
Recovering Lost Learning in Higher Education Due to COVID-19: A Southeast Asian Perspective
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia  ·  2022–2025
Perceptions and Attitudes of Minority Group Learners Towards Language Learning (Post-pandemic)
University of Malaya, Malaysia  ·  2022–2025
Challenges in Designing and Developing Micro-Credentials in Higher Education
University of Malaya, Malaysia  ·  2022–2025
Women in Higher Education Leadership
SRM Institute of Science and Technology  ·  2022–2025
Designing Micro Module-learning Credentials in Online Degree Programmes
SRM IST / University of Malaya  ·  2022–2025
Research Interests
Creative Writing Pedagogy
Curriculum Design
Instructional Development
English Language Teaching
English for Specific Purposes
Bilingual Education
Technology-Enhanced Language Learning
Metaverse & EdTech
Peace Education
Life Skills
NEP-2020
Assessment & Evaluation
Andragogy
Stratified Learning
Business Communication
Academic Writing
Service Learning
Inclusive Education
Sustainable Development (ESD)
Social Psychology
Educational Psychology
Books Authored
The Nativity
TBH Publications, 2009
ISBN: 978-81-8016-102-5
Negligence
TBH Publications, 2009
ISBN: 978-81-8016-100-4
In Search of Life
TBH Publications, 2009
ISBN: 978-81-8016-104-1
Centres Established
Civil Services Study Circle
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology, Pollachi
Coaching for UPSC, IES, IFoS & State Services. Institutional grant: ₹3L.
KRIYA — Entrepreneurship Development Cell
Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai
Incubated 5 start-ups; 2 National Conclaves; AICTE grant: ₹8L.
ELTeL — English Language Teaching & Learning
Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai
Specialised research & training setup for English skills; govt. collaborations.
Scholarly Output

Publications

Journals, Conferences & Book Chapters

25+
Journal Papers
35+
Conference Papers
3
Books
Scopus+WoS
Indexed Publications
Journal Articles
A Sensory-Responsive Instructional Model: A Curriculum for Dyslexic Learners in English Language Classrooms
Scopus The International Journal of Learner Diversity and Identities — 2026
The Ecology of Memory: Linking Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Trauma and Climate Vulnerability in Yvonne Vera's The Stone Virgins
Scopus International Journal of Literary Humanities — 2026
Navigating Language Education: Embracing the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in Higher Education Language Programs
Scopus World Journal of English Language, 16(3), 428–444 — 2026
An Exploratory Case Study of an Iterative Writing Approach for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities
Scopus The International Journal of Humanities Education — 2026
Unlocking Language Learning: Leveraging Digital Escape Rooms for Vocabulary Acquisition in Rural ESP Contexts
Scopus International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum — 2026
Gamification in Microlearning for Indian ESL Undergraduate Learners: A Survey-Based Study
Scopus The International Journal of Technologies in Learning — 2026
Learners' Perceptions and Challenges of Microlearning in Indian ESL Tertiary Education
Scopus Discover Education — 2026
Improving Listening Skills among Second Language Learners: Leveraging Audio Lingua for Enhanced Proficiency
Scopus Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 16(91) — 2025
Integrating Digital Tools in English Language Assessments: Insights from Tertiary Education
Scopus Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 15(10), 3307–3318 — 2025
Using Cutting-Edge Natural Language Processing Techniques to Enhance Essay Grading Algorithms
IEEE IEEE Xplore — 2025
Unveiling the Synergy: Industry-Driven Integration and Edutech Solutions for Enhancing English Language Proficiency in Contemporary Education
Scopus Book Chapter Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol. 1206 — 2025
Revolutionizing Learning: Exploring Innovative Applications and Technologies to Empower Children with Dyslexia & Dysgraphia – A Review
Scopus Book Chapter Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol. 1206 — 2025
Corpus Perspective in Academic Writing Among Tertiary Indian ESL Learners: A Corpus-Informed Approach
Scopus Book Chapter Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol. 1206 — 2025
Unlocking Potential: The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Dysgraphia and the Detrimental Effects of Late Identification – A Case Study
Scopus Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 15(85) — 2024
Revamping Learning Environment with ICT Tools in Higher Education
Book Chapter Perspective and Strategies on New-age Education and Creative Learning — 2024
The Need for a Bilingual Mode of Instructional Design for Higher Education
Scopus ECS Transactions, 107(1) — 2022
Enhancement of Learning Outcomes Through Blogging
Scopus ECS Transactions, 107(1) — 2022
Enhancing Learning Technology: By Incorporating Social Media Platforms in Language Teaching Classrooms
ABDC Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 22(13), 19–28 — 2022
Understanding the Efficiency of Deep Learning in Language Learning Using Personalized Language Learning Apps
UGC CARE Literary Voice — 2021
The Need For Bilingual Mode of Instructional Design for Higher Education: Instructional Strategies
Peer Reviewed SGS-Engineering & Sciences, 1(01) — 2021
Enhancement of Learning Outcomes Through Blogging: Blog Writing
Peer Reviewed SGS-Engineering & Sciences, 1(01) — 2021
Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) of Lead Characters from the Tales of Harry Potter: An Analysis Through the Theories of Albert Bandura
UGC CARE CLIO: An Annual Interdisciplinary Journal of History, 6(10) — 2020
Curating Contents for ESP Virtual Classrooms: Striking Balance Between Learner Autonomy and Didacticism
Scopus International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(4) — 2020
Putting Learner First: Flipping the Role of an English Teacher to Facilitate Flipped Classroom
Scopus Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(17) — 2020
Integrating Contents with Language Through LOTUS Mode Impacting Teaching & Learning in English Language Classrooms
Peer Reviewed International Journal for English Learning and Teaching Skills — 2019
Selected Conference Presentations
TypeTitleVenueYear
Intl.A Critical Inquiry on Sustainable Development in ESL ClassroomChandigarh University2023
Intl.Wearable Technology for Language Learning: A Promising AidChandigarh University2023
Intl.Learning through Technology: Incorporating Social Media in Language LearningIVC-DIMR 20212021
Natl.Comparative Study of CLIL in European and Indian Countries at Tertiary LevelChandigarh University2021
Intl.Integrating Contents with Language through LOTUS ModelIEM, Kolkata2019
Intl.Teaching English for Engineers in Society 5.0VIT, Chennai2019
Intl.Culturally Compatible: Enhancing Language Learning through Culturally Responsible MaterialsHindu College, Chennai2018
Intl.Promoting Peace Education through LOTUS ModelIEM, Kolkata2018
Intl.Inclusive Approach for Design and Development of Skills-Based Language TeachingSathyabama University2014
Intl.Evolution of Teaching–Learning Perspectives on Learning English in EngineeringKongu Engineering College2015
Editorial & Review Roles
Editorial Board Member
ShodhGyan-NU: Journal of Literature and Culture Studies
Peer Reviewer
Scalable Computing: Practice and Experience
Peer Reviewer
Open Education Studies
Funded Work

Projects & Grants

Government-sponsored projects totalling ₹46.5 Lakhs

Government-Sponsored Projects
Skill & Personality Development Programme (SPDP)
₹22,00,000
AICTE, Government of India
Comprehensive skill and personality development programme for students. Established a dedicated centre with six service verticals.
Completed
PRERNA — Centre for Higher Education Entrance Coaching
₹10,00,000
AICTE, Government of India
Coaching centre for higher education entrance examinations including IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, CAT, and Civil Services.
Ongoing
Entrepreneurship Development Cell (KRIYA)
₹8,00,000
AICTE, Government of India (2012–2014)
Piloted entrepreneurship promotion; established KRIYA with 6 student services; incubated 5 start-ups; organised 2 National Entrepreneurship Conclaves.
Completed
Short-Term Training Programme (STTP)
₹5,00,000
AICTE, Government of India (2018–2019)
Faculty development programme in collaboration with NITTTR and WIPRO Mission 10X.
Completed
Travel Grant Scheme (TGS)
₹1,50,000
AICTE, Government of India (2018–2019)
International travel grant for research presentation at international conferences.
Completed
₹46.5L
Total Funded Amount
5 AICTE-sponsored projects across Skill Development, Faculty Development, Entrepreneurship, and Training.
Training Programmes Developed
Learning for Future
November 2017
Integrating new-age practices for teacher educators; model to connect global issues with classroom activities aligned with UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Suitable for school teachers (Upper Primary & Higher) and college professors.
Learner at the Centre
October 2017
Programme focusing on learner-centric classrooms; model to integrate teaching and learning requirements to acquire thinking competencies for school teachers.
Needs Analysis Programme
October 2017
Brainstorming to identify real-time needs of English teachers at Tamil Nadu state schools. Detailed project report submitted to the Directorate of School Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
Head First — Personal Development Workshop
March 2017
Workshop on self-concept, self-image, planned behaviour, and positive actions. Grounded in educational philosophies and theories for teachers and students.
Concept Notes Submitted to Government
TitleSubmitted ToFocus
Agents of ChangeDirectorate of School Education, TN Govt.Training structure, materials, and resource bank for enhancing English teaching at state schools.
Teaching for Dynamic LearnersInternal / Policy SubmissionFramework for sustainable teaching–learning models distinguishing dynamic learning from other forms.
Supplementing ESD GoalsUNESCO-aligned PolicyMethodology to integrate global issues into classroom learning in line with UNESCO ESD framework.
Aptitude Ranking for English Language SkillsState Schools Curriculum BoardRanking framework for English language skills at state schools aligned with international standards.
Cambridge International

Cambridge Engagement

Professional Development Qualifications & Certified Training

As Principal of the Cambridge Professional Development Centre at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Hema oversees all Cambridge International programmes — leading certification, compliance, instructional design, and faculty training at national and international forums.

Cambridge Record
130+
Submitted
127
Completed
100+
Distinctions
Qualifications & Roles
Principal — Cambridge PD Centre
Oversight of all Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications; strategic alignment with Cambridge International standards; representation at national and international conferences.
Programme Leader — Certificate in Teaching Bilingual Learners
Cambridge International Certificate. Programme design, participant mentoring, and submission oversight.
Programme Leader — Diploma in Teaching Bilingual Learners
Cambridge International Diploma. Advanced qualification with rigorous portfolio and distinction assessment.
Certified Trainer — LinguaSkills, IELTS & Cambridge Advanced English
Business English Certificate (BEC Vantage Level). Delivers test preparation and language proficiency training to faculty and students.
Instructional Design & Curriculum
  • Designed bilingual instructional modules aligned to Cambridge International curriculum standards and best practices.
  • Developed rubrics for skill development programmes used across the Cambridge PD Centre.
  • Conducted needs analysis for feasibility of LinguaSkills, Cambridge Advanced English, and IELTS programmes.
  • Created teaching–learning module content for Cambridge certification on bilingual learning.
  • Strategic correspondence with Cambridge International for certification compliance and quality assurance.
  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of instructional materials, methods, and assessments.
  • Ensures alignment with Cambridge International curriculum standards and educational best practices.
Training Workshops Conducted
Jeevan Kaushal Master Training
Life skills development workshop for faculty. Focused on practical skills for personal and professional effectiveness.
Mulya Pravah — Human Values & Professional Ethics
Master training workshop integrating Indian Knowledge Systems and universal human values into professional education.
Teaching–Learning Methods & Practices
Faculty trainer for pedagogical innovation including flipped classrooms, inquiry-based learning, and outcome-based education.
Bilingual Instructional Design
Cambridge-aligned module training for faculty on effective bilingual classroom instruction and learning outcome assessment.
Get in Touch

Contact

Academic enquiries, collaborations, and speaking invitations

Contact Details
Email
hema.prahar@gmail.com
Mobile
+91 7358341761
Present Place
Chennai, India
Institution
SRM Institute of Science and Technology,
Kattankulathur, Chennai
Academic Profiles
ORCID
0000-0003-3536-8676
Scopus
57704397400
Vidwan
306837
Google Scholar
View Publications
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/hema-natarajan
Open To
Research Collaborations
International and national academic research partnerships in ELT, curriculum design, bilingual education, and peace education.
Conference Speaking & Keynotes
Available for keynote addresses, invited talks, and workshop facilitation on ELT, Cambridge pedagogy, and curriculum innovation.
Faculty Development Programmes
Designing and conducting FDPs for institutions on pedagogical innovation, bilingual instruction, and NEP-2020 alignment.
Consultancy
Communication skills, gender sensitisation, leadership, and curriculum restructuring for industry and academic organisations.
Ph.D. Supervision
Accepting research scholars in areas of ELT, curriculum design, instructional technology, and bilingual education.