Mrunali Vaidya – urban planning – Best Researcher Award

Ms. Mrunali Vaidya - urban planning - Best Researcher Award 

Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms Mrunali Vaidya's academic journey commenced with her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Technology from RTM Nagpur University, where she exhibited a strong foundation by achieving an aggregate of 65%. This laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the field of computer science. Subsequently, she pursued a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Computer Science and Engineering from Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, displaying a commitment to advancing her knowledge in her chosen field. Her academic pursuits reflect a dedicated and determined approach towards achieving excellence in computer science education.

Professional Endeavors

With a solid academic background, Ms Mrunali embarked on her professional journey, beginning as a System Analyst at Chartered Information Systems Pvt. Limited, Nagpur. Here, she delved into the realm of software design and development, gaining valuable insights and experience in languages such as VB.NET and VB, along with database applications like MS SQL Server. This early professional experience equipped her with practical skills that would prove invaluable in her subsequent roles.

Her transition into academia marked a significant milestone in her career, where she served as an Assistant Professor at Ballarpur Institute of Technology, Ballarpur, for a period of seven years. During this time, she honed her teaching abilities, specializing in undergraduate courses for Computer Science and Engineering. Her expertise extended to subjects like Operating Systems, Computer Architecture and Organization, Theoretical Foundation of Computer Science, and Compilers. Noteworthy is her contribution as a Departmental Exam Coordinator and Time Table Coordinator, indicating her leadership and organizational capabilities.

Contributions and Research Focus On urban planning

Ms Mrunali's pursuit of academic excellence led her to undertake a Ph.D. with Teaching Assistantship at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, where she currently serves as a Research Scholar. Her research focus encompasses cutting-edge areas within computer science, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the academic community. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at VNIT, she further enriched her teaching portfolio by imparting knowledge in subjects like Computer Architecture and Organization and Programming in 'C'.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Ms Mrunali Vaidya has garnered recognition for her exemplary contributions to both academia and industry. Her dedication to teaching and research has been acknowledged by her peers and superiors, underscoring her significant impact in the field of computer science education. Moreover, her role as a System Analyst at Chartered Information Systems Pvt. Limited attests to her proficiency in software design and development, earning her accolades for her contributions to ERP software development for Atomized Taxation Processes.

Impact and Influence

Ms Mrunali's influence extends beyond the classroom and the workplace, as she actively engages in hobbies such as listening to music and singing. These pursuits not only serve as sources of personal fulfillment but also contribute to her holistic development as an individual. Her multifaceted interests underscore her ability to strike a balance between professional commitments and personal passions, setting an inspiring example for her peers and students alike.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ms Mrunali Vaidya continues her academic journey, her legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Through her exemplary work, she leaves an indelible mark on the institutions she has been associated with, inspiring future generations of computer science professionals. Looking ahead, her future contributions are poised to shape the landscape of computer science education, paving the way for innovation and advancement in the field.

In conclusion, Mrunali Vaidya's journey epitomizes dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From her early academic pursuits to her current endeavors in research and teaching, she embodies the spirit of excellence, leaving a lasting impact on all those she encounters. As she continues to chart new territories in the realm of computer science, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of the discipline for years to come.

Notable Publication

Sara Ramezani – Land Use Planning – Excellence in Research 

Ms Sara Ramezani - Land Use Planning - Excellence in Research 

Utrecht University - Netherlands 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Sara Ramezani began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning at the Art University of Isfahan from 2013 to 2017. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the evaluation of urban health indicators in Tehran, with a case study on Tajrish, Bazaar, and Esmaeilabad neighborhoods. During this period, she not only achieved the highest GPA among Urban Planning students but also received the Student Organization Leadership Award.

She continued her academic pursuits at Allameh Tabatabatei University, earning a Master of Science in Urban Planning from 2017 to 2019. Her master's thesis delved into monitoring land use and land cover changes in Damavand from 2002 to 2018, earning her accolades such as the Iran's National Elites Foundation Scholarship and the Top Researcher Award at the university.

Professional Endeavors

Sara Ramezani has made significant contributions to academia and urban planning through her roles as a Senior Lecturer at Art University of Isfahan (since 2021) and Danesh Pajoohan Higher Education Institute (since 2022). She received recognition as the Top Lecturer at Art University of Isfahan and was honored as one of the Best Young Lecturer Talents at Danesh Pajoohan.

Additionally, she contributed to the professional realm as a Senior Specialist in Urban Planning at Pardaraaz Architecture and Urban Planning Company in Tehran since 2019. Her involvement extended to serving as the Secretary of the specialized group for construction and urban development of Damavand youth council from 2017 to 2018.

Contributions and Research Focus

Sara Ramezani's research has focused on evaluating land use planning systems and understanding green land transformation factors. Her diverse research interests include assessing citizen-local government interactions, monitoring land use changes, and exploring the role of informal institutions in participatory planning. Noteworthy publications include a comparative study on participatory land-use planning and the theory of the right to the city, as well as investigations into urban health indicators and factors affecting the safety of vulnerable groups in urban intersections.

Ongoing research, such as the analysis of the role of the institutional environment in land use planning and the foresight of the older adults' population in Isfahan, showcases her commitment to addressing contemporary urban challenges.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Sara Ramezani has received numerous accolades and recognition. These include the Iran's National Elites Foundation Scholarship, membership in Iran's National Elites Foundation, Top Researcher Awards at both Art University of Isfahan and Allameh Tabatabei University, and the achievement of the highest GPA among Urban Planning students.

Her teaching excellence has been acknowledged with the Top Lecturer Award at Art University of Isfahan and the recognition as one of the Best Young Lecturer Talents at Danesh Pajoohan Higher Education Institute.

Impact and Influence

Sara Ramezani's impact is evident through her research publications, contributions to urban planning companies, and her role in youth councils. Her work has contributed to the understanding of participatory planning, urban health indicators, and the safety of vulnerable groups in urban environments. As a Senior Specialist, her influence extends to the practical applications of urban and regional planning.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Sara Ramezani's legacy lies in her dedication to advancing knowledge in urban planning, her excellence in teaching, and her significant contributions to the professional realm. Her future contributions are anticipated to further enrich the field, particularly in evaluating land use changes, addressing institutional challenges, and fostering sustainable urban development.

As she pursues her Ph.D. in International Development Studies at Utrecht University, her research proposal focusing on evaluating the land use changes process in agricultural land indicates her commitment to continuing impactful research in the years to come.

Notable Publication