News
New partnership between GVSU and DBATU opens doors for international graduate students
February 10, 2025
On January 17, the College of Computing at Grand Valley State
University (GVSU) signed an agreement with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Technological University (DBATU) in Lonere, India., strengthening
international collaboration in computing education. This partnership
marks a significant milestone as it’s the first agreement between
GVSU’s College of Computing and an institution in India.
DBATU is Maharashtra’s only state technological university,
serving as a central hub for engineering, computing, and technology
education. The university is known for its strong research culture,
with active participation in national and international projects in
areas such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and digital
transformation. Additionally, DBATU has a proven track record of
global partnerships, facilitating faculty and student exchanges, joint
research initiatives, and international collaboration—making it a
natural partner for GVSU’s College of Computing in advancing
technological education and innovation.
Rachel Salinas, assistant dean in the College of Computing, works
closely with the faculty to establish the college’s international
agreements. “The 1+1 partnership with DBATU is the most recent
partnership with an international university and the College of
Computing. These agreements offer our students unique opportunities
for cross-cultural collaboration and broadens their perspective. We
look forward to welcoming DBATU students to campus!”
Dr. Vijay Bhuse, associate professor in the College of Computing
at GVSU, initiated the partnership with his alma mater. He completed
his bachelors of technology degree in Computer Science from the
Department of Computer Science and Engineering at DBATU in 2000 before
moving to the United States in 2001 to pursue his doctoral degree in
Computer Science at Western Michigan University.
“DBATU focuses on hands-on and project-based learning, which
prepared me well for my career,” expressed Bhuse. “The skills and
knowledge I gained there continue to shape my teaching at GVSU, and
I’m excited to bridge my education at DBATU with my work here,
creating new opportunities for students on both sides.”
This agreement focuses on creating a pathway for graduate
students to pursue their second-year of their master’s program at GVSU
after completing their first year at DBATU. Through this
collaboration, students will gain access to world-class faculty,
cutting-edge research opportunities, and industry connections at GVSU
while benefiting from a cost-effective and seamless transition to
studying abroad. By immersing themselves in an international academic
environment, students will enhance their technical expertise,
cross-cultural competencies, and professional networks, better
preparing them for global careers in computing.
“This partnership with DBATU is an exciting step forward in
expanding global opportunities for our students and faculty. It
reflects our commitment to fostering international collaboration and
providing students with a cost-effective pathway to study abroad,”
stated Dr. Marouane Kessentini, dean of the College of Computing at
GVSU. “I appreciate the efforts of Dr. Vijay Bhuse, whose leadership
and initiative helped bring this agreement to fruition. Together, we
are creating new opportunities for research, academic exchange, and
global engagement.”
To learn more about our previous and ongoing international
partnerships, view
them here.
Article written by Shelby Harrison.