Laavanya Rachakonda

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, serving in this role since August 2021. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering under Dr. Saraju P. Mohanty at the University of North Texas, Denton, in 2021, and holds a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from VMTW, JNTUH, India.

As the Founder and Director of the Smart and Intelligent Physical Systems Laboratory (SIPS) at UNCW, Dr. Rachakonda leads a multi-disciplinary team researching cutting-edge applications of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and IoMT. Her lab’s focus spans Smart Healthcare, Agriculture, Transportation, and Smart Living, aiming to create sustainable, intelligent systems with robust security and privacy integration. SIPS is dedicated to developing low-power, fully automated systems processed at the edge, supporting stress-free and sustainable living.

With over eight years of experience, Dr. Rachakonda has filed five patents, published 33 scholarly articles, delivered six guest lectures, and received 16 awards and honors. Her commitment to education includes mentoring 24 students, with a strong emphasis on international collaboration and expanding access to STEM through initiatives like Carolinas Women in Computing.

Her personal philosophy centers on self-belief and high aspirations as key drivers of progress. Outside of academia, she enjoys sports, dancing, reading, singing, cooking, and home decorating. These hobbies provide her with balance and inspiration, fueling her dedication to both personal and professional growth.

For more information, visit www.laavanyarachakonda.com

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of North Texas
M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of North Texas
B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda specializes in teaching subjects that bridge computer science fundamentals with the evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Her courses, designed to be both practical and interdisciplinary, introduce students to intelligent systems, embedded systems, and cyber-physical systems, with an emphasis on real-world applications and hands-on learning. In her classes, she integrates foundational concepts of computer science with advanced topics in IoT, focusing on the programming, communication, and security aspects essential for connected devices.
Her teaching approach prioritizes model-based design and simulation to prepare students for complex systems engineering in industries ranging from healthcare to transportation and smart infrastructure. Through active learning projects and labs, she encourages students to develop IoT applications that utilize edge computing, sensor networks, and real-time data processing. Additionally, she is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for STEM education.
She actively participates in initiatives that promote diversity in technology, especially by engaging women in computing and engineering. Her aim is to equip students with not only technical skills but also a mindset for innovation and ethical practices in emerging fields. By combining rigorous instruction with mentorship, she empowers her students to tackle societal challenges using intelligent systems and prepares them to lead in a technology-driven world.
Courses Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda has taught and is currently teaching: Introduction to Computer Science , Introduction to Intelligent Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems , Cyber-Physical Systems, Internet of Things.

Research Interests

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda’s research focuses on developing computational and intelligent systems leveraging Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Her interests lie primarily in Smart Healthcare, where she investigates Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) approaches to create automated health monitoring and predictive tools. These tools aim to enhance patient care by offering real-time, edge-based analytics for applications such as stress detection, diet monitoring, and chronic illness management.

In the domain of Smart Living, Dr. Rachakonda explores IoT-enabled consumer electronics to improve daily life through secure, privacy-assured solutions. Her work encompasses intelligent systems that support autonomous and connected living spaces, where environmental and personal data contribute to smart decision-making and improved quality of life.

Additionally, Dr. Rachakonda’s interests extend to smart agriculture, where she applies IoAT (Internet of Agriculture Things) and AI-driven techniques to optimize soil health and crop productivity. This includes creating systems that monitor and analyze soil conditions, nutrient levels, and plant health through sensor integration and real-time data processing.

Dr. Rachakonda's work is deeply interdisciplinary, focusing on the intersection of intelligent physical systems and secure data handling. She integrates privacy and security considerations into her designs to ensure robust solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and smart living applications. Her vision is to pioneer low-power, sustainable, and fully automated systems that seamlessly blend technology with daily life, ultimately empowering individuals and improving well-being in a connected, intelligent environment.

Professional Service

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda is actively engaged in professional service that enhances academic and research communities in Computer Science, IoT, and AI. She has contributed to over 20 conferences as a reviewer, chair, and panelist, including her role as a Women in Engineering panel chair for the IFIP International Internet of Things Conference and session chair for IEEE’s International Symposium on Smart Electronic Systems. As a reviewer for journals such as Sensors, IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine, and Transactions on Consumer Electronics, she supports the publication of high-quality, impactful research, having reviewed over 70 articles.

Dr. Rachakonda’s commitment to promoting diversity in STEM is evident through her involvement with Carolinas Women in Computing, where she participates in outreach to encourage underrepresented groups in technology. She also contributes to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program as a reviewer, helping to shape the next generation of researchers.

In addition, she serves on technical program committees for conferences like the IEEE Computer Society Annual Symposium on VLSI and Wilmington Information Technology eXchange. Her expertise has made her a valuable advisor and evaluator for grant applications, where she collaborates to ensure that funded projects are impactful and address pressing technological and societal challenges.

Through these professional service roles, Dr. Rachakonda plays an integral part in advancing research standards, supporting diversity, and guiding innovative projects in her field.

Community Engagement

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda is deeply committed to community engagement, especially in promoting STEM education and empowering underrepresented groups in technology. She actively participates in initiatives that encourage young women and minorities to pursue careers in computing and engineering, working closely with organizations like Carolinas Women in Computing. Her outreach efforts include hosting workshops, mentoring sessions, and interactive discussions designed to inspire and support budding talent in the field.

As a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Dr. Rachakonda collaborates with local schools to organize educational events and technology workshops. These programs introduce students to fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine Learning (ML), helping them build foundational knowledge and practical skills through hands-on experiences.

Dr. Rachakonda has mentored 24 undergraduate, 3 graduate, and 2 Ph.D. students in her Smart and Intelligent Physical Systems Laboratory (SIPS), providing them with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects. She has also worked with 4 high school students, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful research, thereby broadening their perspectives and skills.

Through these efforts, Dr. Rachakonda aims to bridge the gap between academia and the broader community, inspiring the next generation of technology leaders. Her dedication to inclusivity and educational outreach continues to have a positive impact on individuals and communities, promoting diversity and innovation within STEM fields.

Honors & Awards

Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda has been recognized for her contributions to research and education through numerous honors and awards, highlighting her expertise in intelligent systems, IoT, and AI. She received the College of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Idea Pitch Award for her project SanaSolo, which promotes soil health through IoT-based monitoring. Additionally, she was awarded The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) to support sustainable technology development and a CSURF Travel Award to present her innovative soil fertility work at conferences.

Dr. Rachakonda's research on intelligent healthcare systems and cyber-physical solutions has also garnered awards, including a Best Paper Award (3rd place) at the IEEE International Symposium on Smart Electronic Systems. She was selected for multiple NSF Student Travel Grants to support her participation in international conferences, which further reflects her influence in the IoT and smart systems fields.

Her dedication to mentorship and professional growth is recognized through awards such as the iREDEFINE Professional Development Award, which celebrates her commitment to enhancing diversity in STEM. She has also received university funding through the CAS Professional Development Awards to support her ongoing research and outreach activities.

These accolades underscore Dr. Rachakonda's contributions to advancing technology and education, as well as her commitment to developing sustainable, impactful solutions that serve society and the environment.