<p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;">My research aims to address the question: How can we minimize road fatalities to achieve a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system? During my doctoral studies at IIT Bombay, I advanced proactive safety analysis methods that move beyond the limitations of traditional crash-based approaches. Using surrogate safety indicators, Trajectory-Based modelling, econometric techniques, and computer vision, I developed innovative tools including a UAV-based automated system for vehicle detection and trajectory tracking to quantify crash risks in heterogeneous traffic conditions. My work also explored joint copula models, extreme value approaches, and behavior-based models to provide a robust foundation for safety analytics. Looking ahead, I aim to extend this research toward real-time risk assessment frameworks for connected and autonomous vehicles, supporting the global vision of achieving zero road fatalities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;">Teaching and mentoring form an integral part of my academic vision. My experiences as a teaching assistant, lab instructor, and research mentor have shown me that students thrive when rigorous instruction is integrated with real-world applications and interactive learning. I aim to create classrooms that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative engagement. At NICMAR university, I am prepared to teach foundational courses such as Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, Highway Geometric Design, and Traffic Engineering Laboratory. In parallel, I plan to design advanced graduate-level courses in Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology, Data Science in Transportation Engineering, and Road Safety Analytics and Crash Risk Modelling. My research will focus on addressing critical issues in road safety for both human-driven and autonomous systems, with the broader goal of advancing mobility efficiency and contributing to the vision of zero road fatalities through a deeper understanding of traffic operations and collision dynamics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;">Beyond teaching and research, I view service to the academic community as an integral responsibility of a faculty member. I have contributed as a reviewer for international journals and conferences and served on organizing committees for national and international events at IIT Bombay. I look forward to extending this engagement at NICMAR university through student mentorship, curriculum development, and collaborative projects that bridge research and practice.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;">I am committed to integrating innovative research on road safety and autonomous systems with high-quality teaching and active service. I aspire to contribute to the Department of School of Engineering at NICMAR by advancing transportation safety science, preparing the next generation of engineers, and supporting the institute&rsquo;s mission of excellence in education and impactful societal contributions.</p>
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