Dr. Elson John is currently the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam. He holds a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, specializing in Concrete Technology. With over two and half decades of academic and professional experience, Dr. Elson has made significant contributions in the fields of advanced concrete technology, structural design, and sustainable construction. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and guided numerous M.Tech, B.Tech, and Ph.D. students. He is a recognized academic leader, having delivered expert lectures across the country and chaired technical sessions at prestigious conferences. Dr. Elson also serves as a reviewer for reputed journals including the ACI Materials Journal and Indian Concrete Journal, and is presently the Secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Southern Region, India Section and Vice Chairman of the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) Kochi Centre. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Elson John heads the Consultancy and Research Centre at MACE, undertaking a wide array of structural consultancy projects. His expertise spans structural design, retrofitting, condition assessment, mix design, and DPR preparation. He has led consultancy assignments for various government bodies and private firms including BPCL, NHAI, Kerala PWD, KITCO, and several municipalities. Dr. Elson has also been instrumental in coordinating funded projects from KSCSTE, AICTE, CERD, and other organizations including large-scale collaborations on Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with IITs and NITs. Through his leadership, the department has advanced both its research infrastructure and industry engagement, making significant impact in civil engineering education and practice.
Dr. Cibu K Varghese is currently the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE), Kothamangalam. He holds a PhD and an M.Tech in Machine Design from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), alongside an MBA in HR and Marketing from Madras University. He currently serves as the Convenor of the Board of Studies (Mechanical Engineering) for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), playing a pivotal role in curriculum development and academic governance. With nearly three decades of experience spanning teaching, research and academic leadership, his core areas of specialisation include machine design, vibration analysis, structural dynamics, system identification and optimisation. Dr. Varghese remains deeply committed to bridging academic excellence with industry relevance, significantly driving innovation and development within the institution.
Dr. Siny Paul serves as the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering department at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam. She holds a Ph.D. in Nanodielectrics from NIT Calicut, and M.Tech in Microelectronics from NIT Surathkal. As a professor with more than 25 years of experience, she plays a pivotal role in steering the department’s academic and research initiatives. Her commitment to fostering academic rigor and innovation has been instrumental in maintaining the department’s esteemed reputation.
Dr. Aji Joy assumed leadership of MACE's Electronics and Communication Engineering Department in April 2024, bringing his distinguished academic background to the role. His credentials include a Ph.D. from Anna University (2017), M.Tech. from Anna University (2008), and B.Tech. from Mangalore University (1996). Under his visionary leadership, the department has flourished through faculty development programs, expert lectures, and industrial visits. Strategic partnerships have been established through memoranda of understanding, fostering industry-academic collaboration. Looking ahead, the department plans to expand industry partnerships through strategic initiatives such as establishing industry-sponsored laboratories, enhancing consultancy services, and developing collaborative research projects. These developments reflect Dr. Joy's commitment to creating a dynamic learning environment that bridges academic expertise with industrial applications, positioning the department for continued growth and excellence in engineering education.
Dr. Jisha P Abraham has been the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE), Kothamangalam, since 2026. She earned her PhD in Computer Architecture from Cochin University in 2018, an M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University in 2006, and a B.Tech. Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, in 1997. Under her leadership, the department has seen significant advancements, including the introduction of cutting-edge electives aligned with industry trends, the strengthening of research and development initiatives, and the establishment of collaborative programs with leading IT firms. Her efforts have also enhanced student placement rates and fostered innovation through hackathons, workshops, and faculty development programs. Dr. Jisha P. Abraham's involvement in both academic and industry-focused initiatives reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between education and real-world applications. She continues to contribute actively to the growth and excellence of the Computer Science and Engineering department at MACE, ensuring it remains a leader in technical education and research.
Dr. Sonia Abraham was appointed Head of the Department of Computer Applications on July 1, 2026. Dr. Sonia has been a cornerstone of the MACE faculty since 2004, bringing over two decades of pedagogical expertise to the institution's two-year postgraduate MCA programme. She holds a Masters in Computer Applications from Calicut University and earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Her research and academic interests lie at the intersection of Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence and advanced programming languages, complemented by a dedicated background in student counselling and academic mentorship. By mobilizing an extensive alumni network and cross-sector corporate partnerships, her ultimate mission is to cultivate highly skilled, socially conscious professionals equipped with the leadership acumen and ethical grounding necessary to excel globally, while consistently maintaining a benchmark of absolute career placement and academic distinction.
Dr. Darshan Lal M Nair assumed charge as the Head of the Department of Mathematics at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE), Kothamangalam, on 1 July 2026. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the National Institute of Technology Calicut in 2019, an M.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Hyderabad in 2011, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from CMS College, Kottayam in 2007. He has also qualified the CSIR-UGC NET in Mathematics and possesses over 12 years of teaching experience. Dr. Darshan Lal's research focuses on Graph Theory, with academic interests spanning Weighted Graphs, Topology, and Real Analysis. As a committed educator and academic leader, he has consistently fostered collaboration among students, faculty, and other stakeholders to promote academic excellence and institutional development. He has also served as an NSS Programme Officer for more than seven years, inspiring students to actively engage in community service and develop into socially responsible citizens. Through his dedication to teaching, research, and service, Dr. Darshan Lal continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Department of Mathematics and the overall academic excellence of MACE.
Dr. Nisha Mathew has been serving as the Head of the Department of Science & Humanities at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE), Kothamangalam, since 1 July 2026. She earned her Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc., 2002), Bangalore. She has obtained her M. Sc. (1996) and B. Sc. (1993), in chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam. She has qualified CSIR-JRF and NET (1996), and has over 24 years of teaching experience. Dr. Nisha Mathew's academic interests include inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry and nanoscience, with a focus on advancing research and innovation in these areas. Dr. Nisha Mathew has been leading the department in providing academic support to the B.Tech. programmes at MACE through the common courses offered in Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, and Physical Education. The department also promotes the holistic development of students through its Physical Education faculty by supporting sports and games activities across the college. Under the leadership of Dr. Nisha Mathew, the Department of Science & Humanities continues to make significant contributions to the academic excellence and overall development of MACE.
