<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">With nearly eight years of dedicated service at NICMAR, six within the Institute and two at NICMAR University Pune, I am a proud member of NICMAR family currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Level 12). My academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (2025), a Master&rsquo;s in Urban Environmental Planning from Arizona State University (2010), and a Bachelor&rsquo;s in Architecture from Pune University (2007). Together, these credentials support over 16 years of diverse experience across academia, private consulting, and NGOs in India and the USA.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">As NICMAR transitioned into a University in 2022, I was entrusted with the unique opportunity of establishing the Master of Planning programme. Serving as Programme Director and subsequently as Programme Head, I have provided the academic leadership necessary to shape the program&rsquo;s vision, mission, and curriculum. I have personally mentored each batch, ensuring they are industry-ready through constant curriculum refinement informed by industry feedback and a distinguished Board of Studies. Under my administration, admissions have risen consistently, from 22/30 in our first batch to 35 in our third. I also successfully steered the programme through the rigorous process of securing full recognition from the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI).</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">Beyond day-to-day administration, I have supported two essential functions: admissions and placements. Through extensive networking with professionals, I have facilitated meaningful internships and career beginnings for our students. My administrative contributions also extend to the School of Executive Education, where I coordinated a 1.5-year E-PGD program in Advanced Construction Management (2024-2026), and to our flagship conference, ICCRIP, where I served on the technical and academic collaborations committees since 2018. Committed to growing as a leader, I have undertaken leadership trainings, such as the &ldquo;Nurturing Future Leadership Program&rdquo; under the Malaviya Mission.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">In the classroom, I bring six years of industry experience and global exposure to high-demand planning areas. I teach core planning subjects including Environmental Planning, Housing, Research Methods, and Local Area Planning studios. My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding how students learn; I maintain excellent feedback and am currently completing the six-month &ldquo;IIECP&rdquo; certification by the Indo-Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education to further refine my pedagogy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">My research focuses on making Indian cities more sustainable. My work spans three critical pillars: Green Infrastructure (sustainable materials and greywater recycling), Urban Development (Renewal and redevelopment), and Climate Resilience (urban heat vulnerability and carbon inventories).</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">With this strong combination of administrative leadership, domain expertise, and a robust research profile, I am eager to transition into the role of Associate Professor. I look forward to contributing significantly to the School of Architecture and Planning, serving both programmes wholeheartedly to ensure they become renowned leaders within our professional fraternity.</span></p>