Meet Our IoA Fellows

Dr. Sheetal Mahendher is a distinguished academician and institutional leader with a career spanning over two decades in higher education, research, and curriculum innovation. Currently serving as the Head - Academics, Analytics at ISDC, she brings strategic vision and leadership in shaping data science and analytics programs that align with evolving industry trends. Her work focuses on research mentoring, academic policy, and institution-wide engagement across partner institutes.

Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Mahendher has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to merge academic rigor with practical application. During her tenure as Professor and Head of Business Analytics at ISBR Business School (2019-2024), she led several impactful initiatives including the development of industry-aligned analytics curricula, research mentoring, and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the ISBR Management Journal. She was instrumental in NBA accreditation processes and facilitated faculty development programs across the country.

Dr. Mahendher's academic foundations are broad and multidisciplinary. She holds a Ph.D. in Management from CMR University, along with multiple postgraduate degrees in management, computer applications, and operations. Her diverse educational background underpins her strong capability to lead interdisciplinary research and curriculum development in business analytics, operations research, information systems, and data science.

She is also an accomplished researcher with an impressive portfolio of Scopus and ABDC-indexed publications in topics ranging from health data analysis to the impact of COVID-19 on digital ecosystems. Her published work has appeared in leading journals including IEEE, Sage, and several UGC-listed publications. In addition to research, she has filed patents focused on algorithmic trading and agricultural economics, contributing thought leadership across domains.

Her commitment to social equity and sustainability is equally remarkable. She has spearheaded DEI initiatives for transgender inclusion, designed rural immersion programs, and collaborated on sustainability projects through foundations like Vision Karnataka. She also serves actively with WICCI Karnataka, furthering the cause of women in leadership and academia.

With accolades like "Best Professor in Quantitative Techniques & Analytics" and recognition as one of India's 20 Pragmatic Women Leaders in Higher Education (2022), Dr. Mahendher stands out as a transformational educator and visionary leader. Her blend of academic excellence, operational leadership, and human-centric innovation continues to inspire institutional progress and student success.