Pankaj Kumar Das - Solid Waste Management - Excellence in Research

NIT Agartala - India

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🎓 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Das is a dedicated academic professional with a longstanding career in Mechanical Engineering. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala, Dr. Das has been an integral part of the institution since March 2006. His academic journey is marked by a profound commitment to teaching and mentoring, having supervised 16 B.Tech and 14 M.Tech students, with two more M.Tech students under his guidance.

🔬 RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Das’s research is centered around the Tribological properties of materials, particularly focusing on Hard Nanocrystalline Diamond Films and Soft Turbostratic Graphite. His Ph.D. work, supervised by Dr. P. Chakraborti (NIT Agartala) and Dr. N. Kumar (IGCAR Kalpakkam), has contributed valuable insights into the field, leading to several publications in esteemed international journals. His research on phase transformation and low friction behavior in turbostratic graphite and diamond films has been widely recognized.

💻 TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY

Dr. Das possesses a strong command of various technical skills essential for modern engineering research and practice. He is proficient in programming languages like AutoCAD Advanced Version, graphical packages such as Adobe Photoshop 5.0 and Origin 7-8, and operating systems including MS-DOS and Windows 9X, 2000. These skills enable him to effectively conduct and manage complex engineering projects and research work.

📚 PUBLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Das has made significant contributions to the field of tribology and materials science through his research publications. His work on high-temperature phase transformation and tribological studies has been published in reputable international journals such as the Journal of Physics: Applied Physics and Science of Advanced Materials. His research on ultrananocrystalline diamond films has also added to the understanding of superlubrication properties in engineering materials.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Das’s professional journey includes valuable industry experience as well as academic roles. Prior to his tenure at NIT Agartala, he served as a Faculty Associate at the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) University and as a Supervisor at Destini India Ltd, Gurgaon. His diverse experience has enriched his teaching and research, providing a practical perspective to his academic endeavors.

🛠️ MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

In addition to his academic and research responsibilities, Dr. Das has held several important management roles at NIT Agartala. He has served as an Academic Coordinator (UG) from 2015-2017, Warden of the Boys’ Hostel from 2009-2012, and lab in-charge of both the Tribology Lab and Strength of Materials Lab. His involvement in the NIT Departmental Purchase Committee and Institute Inspection and Quality Control further demonstrates his leadership and organizational skills.

🌟 PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE AND PERSONALITY TRAITS

Dr. Das is driven by a professional objective to achieve excellence in his field through continuous learning and focused pursuit of goals. His commitment to work, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities make him a valuable asset to any organization. He is known for his teamwork, coordination, and persuasive skills, which contribute to creating a knowledge-rich and excellence-driven environment.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

A Comprehensive Study on Prospects of Economy, Environment, and Efficiency of Palm Oil Biodiesel as a Renewable Fuel
Authors: S. Dey, N.M. Reang, P.K. Das, M. Deb
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
Year: 2021

Challenges and Opportunities of Utilizing Municipal Solid Waste as Alternative Building Materials for Sustainable Development Goals: A Review
Authors: A. Soni, P.K. Das, A.W. Hashmi, M. Yusuf, H. Kamyab, S. Chelliapan
Journal: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy
Year: 2022

A Hybrid ANN-Fuzzy Approach for Optimization of Engine Operating Parameters of a CI Engine Fueled with Diesel-Palm Biodiesel-Ethanol Blend
Authors: S. Dey, N.M. Reang, A. Majumder, M. Deb, P.K. Das
Journal: Energy
Year: 2020

Comparative Study Using RSM and ANN Modelling for Performance-Emission Prediction of CI Engine Fuelled with Bio-Diesohol Blends: A Fuzzy Optimization Approach
Authors: S. Dey, N.M. Reang, P.K. Das, M. Deb
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2021

An Approach to Optimize the EDM Process Parameters Using Desirability-Based Multi-Objective PSO
Authors: A. Majumder, P.K. Das, A. Majumder, M. Debnath
Journal: Production & Manufacturing Research
Year: 2014

Ngonidzashe Mangoro - Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management - Best Researcher Award

University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS AND PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

Ngonidzashe Mangoro's research spans diverse and critical areas such as Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, and Social and Environmental Justice. His professional interests also cover Natural Resources Governance, Waste Governance, and Environmental Policy Analysis. Mangoro's expertise extends to Agri-Food Systems, Heritage Geographies, and the Decolonisation of the Built Environment. Additionally, he has a keen interest in Late Iron Age Archaeology in Africa, reflecting his broad engagement with both contemporary and historical environmental issues.

EDUCATION

Ngonidzashe Mangoro holds a PhD in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand (2024), following an MSc in Geography and Environmental Studies from the same institution (2021). He completed his BA Hons in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, and Museum Studies at Midlands State University in May 2013, graduating with Upper Second Class Honors. His academic background underpins his extensive research and teaching roles in the field.

PROFESSIONAL TEACHING APPOINTMENTS

From 2021 to 2023, Mangoro served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. He taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Environmental Governance, Thinking Geographically, Food: Security, Politics and Culture, Space and Society, Earth and Atmospheric Processes, Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science, and Economic Geography. His contributions in this role were highly regarded, with notable achievements including co-authoring articles for high-impact journals and being involved in significant projects such as the South African Water Research Commission Sanitation Project.

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS OUTSIDE ACADEMIA

Before his academic roles, Mangoro worked as a Science Communicator and Project Coordinator at Sci Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg from 2016 to 2021. In this capacity, he managed various projects, including project recruitment and quality assurance, and taught environmental sustainability concepts. He also held a role as a Freelance Heritage and Environmental Consultant from May 2017, managing projects that required expert studies, particularly in construction and mining in Johannesburg.

ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS

Ngonidzashe Mangoro has published several impactful papers, including "Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Solid Waste Management on Human Health and the Environment in Sub-Saharan African Cities" in Development Southern Africa and "An Assessment of Literature on Construction and Demolition Waste Management Barriers in Sub-Saharan Africa" in the International Journal of Environment and Waste Management. His work also covers wetland changes in Gauteng, South Africa, demonstrating his contribution to advancing knowledge in environmental and heritage studies.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Mangoro's professional journey is marked by significant achievements, including his impactful contributions to environmental and heritage consulting, as well as his effective project management at Sci Bono Discovery Centre. His ability to shift between roles and his strong work ethic have earned him recognition and opportunities for further development within his professional spheres.

RESEARCH AND CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

With a background in both research and practical consulting, Mangoro has conducted in-depth studies on indigenous communities and their heritage, managed data and compliance procedures in heritage consulting, and contributed to the development of impactful environmental policies. His experience is a testament to his dedication to advancing both academic and applied aspects of environmental and heritage research.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Exploring Wetland Change in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Authors: Mangoro, N., Kubanza, N.S., Simatele, M.D.
Year: 2024

Title: Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Solid Waste Management on Human Health and the Environment in Sub-Saharan African Cities: A Study of Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa

Authors: Mangoro, N., Kubanza, N.S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Development Southern Africa