<p>I am interested in joining NICMAR University because of its distinctive focus on the built environment, infrastructure development, and practice-oriented education. NICMAR has established itself as an institution that successfully bridges academic knowledge with professional practice, and this integrated approach strongly aligns with my own academic and professional trajectory. With a background in architecture, a master's in landscape architecture and an MS in Real Estate development from various leading institutions, and over a decade of diverse professional experience across design, landscape architecture, finance, product development, and construction management, I am particularly motivated to contribute to an institution that values both intellectual and real world exereince.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My academic interest lies in the interaction between urban environments, ageing, and human quality of life. Through my doctoral research, I am developing a dignity-based framework for urban development that examines how built environment factors influence the lived experiences of an ageing population in Indian cities. Drawing from several interdisciplinary frameworks, my research seeks to understand how urban environments can be planned and designed to support inclusive, equitable, and dignified living conditions. NICMAR's strong engagement with infrastructure, planning, sustainability, and built environment studies provides an ideal setting to further expand this research and connect it with academia and applied design challenges posed by Indian urban environments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Alongside my professional work in architecture and the built environment, I also spent several years developing a technology-driven fintech venture. This experience strengthened my skills in innovation, interdisciplinary problem-solving, digital systems thinking, and project development. It also provided valuable insights into startup ecosystems, technological platforms, and the role of innovation in addressing complex societal challenges. I believe these experiences complement the contemporary shift toward data-informed planning, digital urban systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the built environment sector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In teaching, I believe landscape and environmental design should be approached as integral components of resilient and inclusive urban systems. I aim to engage students through a combination of theoretical grounding, case-based discussions, and research-oriented learning that encourages critical thinking and contextual understanding. At NICMAR, I would look forward to contributing to curriculum development by integrating emerging themes such as climate-responsive landscapes, inclusive public spaces, green infrastructure, and the role of finance in developing built environments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I am also keen to contribute to NICMAR's research ecosystem through interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research initiatives. Given the university's strong engagement with industry and infrastructure sectors, there is significant potential to develop research projects and consultancies that address contemporary urban and environmental challenges. Areas such as landscape design, city planning, smart ecosystems, age-friendly design, and urban assessment frameworks offer opportunities for collaborative research, external funding, and meaningful engagement with the public and the private sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is also important to me to mentor students and contribute to the university's broader academic community. Supporting students in developing critical and design thinking, research capability, and professional awareness is central to my teaching philosophy, a skill I honed at the University of Maryland while teaching Real Estate Finance to graduate and undergraduate students.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I see NICMAR as an institution where my academic interest, professional experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary research can meaningfully contribute to teaching, scholarship, and the advancement of sustainable and inclusive built environments.&nbsp;</p>