Early Academic Pursuits
His academic journey commenced with a passion for psychology. His early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for a multidimensional understanding of the field. Embracing the diverse facets of psychology, he embarked on a journey that would eventually shape his career.
Professional Endeavors
His professional trajectory has been marked by a dynamic blend of teaching and research. As an Assistant Professor at the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Chanakya University, Bengaluru, he has actively contributed to academic enrichment. His role at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, further reflects his dedication to fostering learning environments.
Contributions and Research Focus in Gifted education
A significant facet of his career lies in his contributions to research projects spanning school psychology, applied psychology, public health, and higher education. His engagement as a Research Fellow at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences involves academic planning for the School of Social Sciences and School of Law, emphasizing mental health, higher education, urban governance, neglected diseases, tourism, and development projects.
Noteworthy is his tenure as a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Educational and Social Studies and the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). At NIAS, Ajay played a pivotal role in the national project "Identification of Gifted Children in Math and Science (3-12 years)." This extensive involvement included field research, classroom observations, case documentation, and the organization of workshops to identify and nurture gifted children.
Accolades and Recognition
His impactful contributions have garnered recognition. As a Co-Investigator in the project comparing COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategies, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he has delved into pressing public health issues, showcasing the breadth of his expertise. His dedication to gifted education is evident in his development of national-level teacher training workshops, creating awareness about gifted education among school teachers. He successfully organized workshops in both urban and rural settings, conducting consultation meetings with experts and researchers to refine assessment tools for identifying gifted children in the Indian context. His efforts extended to coordinating a team to standardize assessment tools and ensure the completion of field studies across multiple districts in Karnataka.
Impact and Influence
His influence extends beyond his immediate academic circles. His involvement in drafting the vision document for Bengaluru City University (BCU) reflects his commitment to shaping the educational landscape at an institutional level. Through workshops, training programs, and consultations, he has made a lasting impact on the identification and education of gifted children, contributing to the broader educational discourse.
Legacy and Future Contributions