<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Statement of Purpose</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I am applying for the position of Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering at <strong>NICMAR</strong>, with a specialization in Construction Materials and Sustainable Infrastructure. My academic and research journey has been driven by a commitment to advancing sustainable construction technologies, particularly through the development of structural masonry units utilizing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and industrial by-products. With strong expertise in experimental research, performance evaluation, and sustainable material design, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the teaching, research, and academic growth of NICMAR.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">My doctoral research focused on the development and validation of load-bearing solid masonry blocks produced using 100% recycled concrete aggregates. The study systematically addressed challenges such as high water absorption, porosity, and interfacial transition zone characteristics associated with RCA. Through optimized mix design strategies and the incorporation of Class F fly ash, the study demonstrated structural feasibility, enhanced durability performance, and improved sustainability metrics. This work contributes to circular construction practices and aligns with contemporary priorities in resource efficiency, waste utilization, and low-carbon infrastructure development.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">My teaching philosophy is centered on conceptual clarity, analytical rigour, and research-integrated learning. I believe civil engineering education must evolve to incorporate sustainability principles, innovation in materials, and performance-based engineering approaches. I am keen to teach courses such as Concrete Technology, Construction Materials, Building Materials and Construction, Sustainable Construction Practices, and Advanced Cementitious Materials. My approach emphasizes integrating theory with laboratory validation and real-world case studies to equip students with both strong fundamentals and problem-solving capabilities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">At NICMAR, I intend to establish a focused research program in sustainable and low-carbon construction materials. My proposed research directions include high-volume recycled aggregate systems, blended and alternative binder systems, durability modelling, and AI-assisted mix optimization for performance enhancement. I aim to secure competitive research funding, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop industry partnerships that facilitate translational research and practical implementation. Establishing a Sustainable Construction Materials Laboratory dedicated to durability assessment, microstructural characterization, and advanced material testing is a key component of my academic vision.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Beyond research and teaching, I am committed to mentoring postgraduate and doctoral scholars, contributing to curriculum development, and supporting outcome-based education frameworks. I seek to contribute to high-impact research publications and to build a strong academic and research ecosystem within the department.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I am confident that my research background, commitment to sustainability-driven innovation, and passion for academic excellence align well with the dynamic and research-oriented environment at NICMAR. I look forward to contributing to its continued growth in teaching, research, and societal impact.</span></p>