DR. NIVEDITA PATEL WON MOST AMBITIOUS RESEARCHER AWARD IN THE FIELD OF WASTE TO ENERGY

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Waste to Energy INDIA

Dr. Nivedita Patel is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Odisha, where she has served since 2015. She began her academic career as a Lecturer at the Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry, BIT Mesra, in 2007 and subsequently held teaching positions at various esteemed institutions, including JITM Parlakhemundi, IEM Koraput, and CVRCE Bhubaneswar. Her academic journey spans over 17 years of dedicated teaching and research.

Research and Academic Contributions

Dr. Patel specializes in thermochemical conversion of waste materials, including biomass, plastic, and waste engine oil, into value-added fuels. Her research also encompasses catalytic vapor cracking, purification of waste oils, and chemical kinetics.

Research Publications:

  • Authored several high-impact international publications, including articles in Environmental Science and Pollution Research and Materials Today: Proceedings.
  • Notably contributed to understanding the fuel characteristics of ethanol and waste engine oil pyrolytic oil blends and the catalytic cracking of waste materials.

Conference Presentations:

  • Presented research findings at esteemed conferences such as IconSWM-CE and international events hosted by NITs across India.
  • Delivered key insights into catalytic pyrolysis and fuel property analysis.

Significant Achievements

  • Best Oral Presentation Award at the National Conference on Biological, Biochemical, Bioenergy & Environmental Biotechnology, NIT Warangal, 2021.
  • Coordinator for multiple workshops and faculty development programs under TEQIP-III, promoting renewable energy and sustainability.
  • Successfully organized the 1st National Conference on Chemical and Bioscience (NCCBS-2023) and the National Seminar on Recent Trends in Energy & Fuel Production Technologies (RTEFPT-2024).

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Lifetime member of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE).
  • Completed specialized courses on waste-to-energy conversion, air pollution, and sustainable environmental management.

Community Service and Outreach

Dr. Patel has actively engaged in social initiatives, including:

  • Organizing awareness programs on water conservation and COVID-19.
  • Hosting a plantation drive at Rohini Hall of Residence.
  • Leading a mega blood donation camp at VSSUT Burla.

Leadership and Extracurricular Roles

At VSSUT Burla, Dr. Patel has taken on numerous leadership roles:

  • Mentor for the Veer Surendra Sai Space Innovation Centre (VSSSIC).
  • Faculty advisor for cultural and technical clubs, including the Music Club and Art & Photography Club.
  • Steering committee member of the ISRO Innovation Centre.

Conclusion

Dr. Nivedita Patel exemplifies excellence in academia, research, and community service. Through her innovative research on waste conversion and catalytic cracking, she significantly contributes to environmental sustainability and technological advancements. Her dedication to fostering education, mentoring students, and organizing impactful initiatives cements her as a leading figure in her field.