When history is written about education in India and its global reach, one name will forever stand out — Preeti Aghalayam. A chemical engineer, academician, researcher, and now a trailblazer in leadership, she became the first woman ever to be appointed as the director of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus. In 2023, she took charge of the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus in Tanzania, marking a defining moment for Indian academia and women in STEM.
Her story is not just about professional success; it is about breaking stereotypes, reshaping gender narratives, and inspiring the next generation of women to step into spaces once thought impossible.
Preeti Aghalayam: Early Education and the Making of a Leader
Born in Mysuru, Karnataka, Preeti Aghalayam always had a curious mind and a hunger for learning. Her journey into chemical engineering began at IIT Madras, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering in 1995. Her thirst for knowledge then took her overseas — an MS from the University of Rochester, followed by a PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also completed prestigious postdoctoral research at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
These years shaped her not only into a brilliant scientist but also into a thinker with a global perspective.
A Career of Excellence in Teaching and Research
For more than 25 years, Preeti Aghalayam has been a faculty member at IIT Madras, inspiring thousands of students. She also taught at IIT Bombay between 2002 and 2009. Her areas of research cover vital fields such as chemical reaction engineering, underground coal gasification, reduction of automotive NOx emissions, and modeling techniques.
Her work has contributed to addressing critical challenges in energy and the environment. Yet beyond her research, her most enduring impact lies in mentoring generations of students who saw in her a role model of both excellence and humility.
Preeti Aghalayam: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: First Woman Director of an IIT Campus
In 2023, a historic announcement was made: Preeti Aghalayam would serve as the director-in-charge of IIT Madras Zanzibar. With this appointment, she became the first woman ever to lead an IIT campus, breaking a seven-decade-long gender barrier.
The campus itself is groundbreaking — the first international IIT, established through a partnership between India and Tanzania. Beginning with programs in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the institution is envisioned as a hub for global innovation and education.
Aghalayam stepped into her role with confidence, describing the assignment as both an academic responsibility and a diplomatic mission. She even began learning Swahili, a reflection of her commitment to building cultural bridges while shaping the campus into a world-class center for education.
Recognitions and Awards
Her achievements have been recognized widely:
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Featured in “She Is: 75 Women in STEAM” by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2022)
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Amar Dye Chem Award, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers
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IIChE Young Achiever Award, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers
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Young Engineer Award, Indian National Academy of Engineering
These honors reflect her pioneering work, her research contributions, and her role as a change-maker for women in STEM.
Championing Women in STEM
Even before becoming director, Preeti Aghalayam was deeply invested in gender equity in education. At IIT Madras, she served as the nodal officer for the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) initiative, which worked to close gender gaps in science and technology.
She has often spoken about the importance of proactive faculty hiring and creating welcoming spaces for women scholars. With just 12% of faculty at IIT Madras being women, her leadership stands as a powerful reminder of what representation can achieve.
Her vision extends to encouraging women students and professionals not only to enter STEM fields but also to thrive and stay in them despite societal pressures.
Beyond Academia: A Marathon Runner and Role Model
What makes Preeti Aghalayam even more inspiring is her ability to balance academic brilliance with personal passion. She is an avid marathon runner and once served as the President of the Chennai Runners Association. Her endurance and discipline on the track mirror the resilience she has demonstrated throughout her career.
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