Meet our alumni - Dr. Udhaya Kumar Dayalan

Dr. Udhaya Kumar Dayalan has emerged as a distinguished figure in the fields of networking, machine learning, and IoT, owing to his impactful contributions across various domains. As a Senior IEEE Member and Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) accredited by INCOSE, Dr. Dayalan's expertise is widely recognized and revered. His scholarly endeavors are evidenced by the publication of 10 papers in esteemed venues such as ACM SIGCOMM, IEEE Network Magazine, and ACM IMC, highlighting his adeptness in navigating highly selective and competitive academic landscapes. Complementing his academic prowess, Dr. Dayalan boasts an impressive portfolio of 38 internationally filed patents, reflective of his innovative pursuits in IoT, machine learning, and networking, which have garnered widespread adoption and citation by industry leaders like Microsoft, Johnson Controls, Carrier Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Siemens Industry.

Currently serving as an Engineering Manager at Trane Technologies USA with over 19 years of industry experience, Dr. Dayalan's influence extends beyond corporate realms. He assumes leadership roles within professional societies, acting as the Director of Academia & Government for the INCOSE Northstar Chapter and offering advisory support as an Honorary Instructor at Minnesota State University. Dr. Dayalan's commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge is further underscored by his extensive involvement in the global academic community, having served as a technical program committee member and reviewer for over 170 international conferences. With a solid educational foundation comprising a Master's in Software Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Dayalan's research endeavors center on exploring the challenges and opportunities inherent in harnessing 5G technology for critical and massive IoT deployments. His innovative solutions address key issues such as vendor-locked IoT ecosystems, large-scale device evaluation, and the optimization of NextG Radio Access Networks, positioning him as a trailblazer in shaping the future of wireless communications and IoT infrastructure.

Why did you choose to pursue a Masters degree in Software Engineering specifically at the University of Minnesota?

In 2005, despite facing significant financial constraints that nearly led to dropping out of high school, I successfully completed my bachelor's degree in computer science. Juggling multiple jobs to afford college was no easy feat, but driven by the desire to secure a better future for myself and my family, I persevered. Fast forward a decade, with 10 years of valuable work experience behind me, I realized the need to further my education to truly excel in my software engineering career and repay my family for their unwavering support. Thus, in 2016, I took the significant step of pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering (MSSE).

The discovery of the MSSE program proved to be transformative. It provided the perfect balance, allowing me to continue working full-time while acquiring practical skills and knowledge crucial for advancement in my field. Tailored for professionals like myself, this program not only enabled me to financially support my family, but also allowed me to invest in my future. Subsequently, after completing my MSSE degree, I embarked on another journey, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Throughout these educational pursuits, I was fortunate to have the support of my employer's tuition program at Trane Technologies for both my Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, which significantly alleviated the financial burden and reinforced my determination to succeed. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities brought forth from the MSSE program that have propelled me forward in both my career and life as a whole.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far and how did the MSSE program help you?

During my 16 years of dedicated service at Trane Technologies, I managed to not only advance my career, but also prioritize the well-being of my family, which includes my two kids, ages 12 and 4. Alongside fulfilling family responsibilities, I actively pursued opportunities for personal and professional growth. This involved continuing education, culminating in becoming certified by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), engaging in mentorship roles, and contributing to urgent healthcare needs through publications and patents. While these endeavors have been immensely fulfilling, none compare to the invaluable network of individuals I've gained through the MSSE program.

During and after the MSSE program, I had the opportunity to learn from exceptional instructors, such as Professors Mike Whalen, Mats Heimdahl, and John Carlis. Their approach of treating us as working professionals enhanced the learning environment and greatly contributed to my development. It was through the guidance and support of individuals like Mike Whalen, who served as the former MSSE program Director of Graduate Studies and instructor, that I was inspired to apply for admission into the University of Minnesota’s Ph.D. program, marking another significant milestone in my career journey. 

What do you see as the future trends or opportunities in your field, and how do you plan to adapt to them? 

Everything you do has to do with software engineering, let it be artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, or robots in medicine. While a good programmer can write anything, a good software engineer can help an organization to think of the intersections and how decisions affect other aspects; such as security. The MSSE program prepares its graduates to adopt the right mindset to tackle those kinds of complex problems. 

Do you have any parting advice for those who are non entirely sure whether to join the MSSE program? 

There is a clear difference in who I am before and after the MSSE program, especially in my work. A bachelor's degree lays the groundwork, while a master's in software engineering propels advancement. In the MSSE program, collaboration with experienced professionals sharpens problem-solving skills immediately. I’m not waiting for my classes to be done; I am implementing what I learn right away— that is the beauty of the MSSE program. I have been able to help refer some people into the MSSE program and three of my referrals have since graduated. If you are looking to develop the right skills and mindset, learn with and from current software engineers, and expand your network, the MSSE program is right for you.