Olufisayo Adedokun – Disaster Management – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Olufisayo Adedokun - Disaster Management - Best Researcher Award

University of Newcastle - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Olufisayo Adedokun's journey in academia began with a solid foundation in the field of Building & Quantity Surveying, marked by diligent academic pursuits. Starting from his National Diploma in Building & Quantity Surveying at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Nigeria, in 1998, Adedokun steadily climbed the academic ladder, obtaining his Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2002. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further education, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying in 2008, a Master of Technology (MTech) in Quantity Surveying in 2012, and eventually culminating in his Ph.D. in Quantity Surveying from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, in 2019. Not content with one Ph.D., Adedokun pursued another in Disaster Management, obtaining it from the University of Newcastle, Australia, in 2024. This academic journey reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and expertise in his chosen field.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Adedokun's professional journey is characterized by a rich tapestry of experiences spanning both academia and industry. He began his career as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Erecto Consult, Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2006, and subsequently served in various capacities in esteemed organizations such as Sheffield Nigeria Ltd., GBM-Aje Konsult Associates, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Notably, his tenure at the Federal University of Technology saw him rise to the position of Academic Technologist in the Department of Quantity Surveying, where he played a pivotal role in coordinating courses, supervising dissertations, and contributing to the wider academic community through research publications and administrative duties.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Adedokun's contributions to the field of Quantity Surveying and Disaster Management are substantial and far-reaching. His research endeavors have focused on diverse areas such as risk management in construction projects, disaster resilience, and community-led initiatives. Through his extensive publication record, including articles in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences, Adedokun has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in his field. Notable among his research interests are factors underlying household decisions during disasters, incentives for encouraging self-evacuation, and frameworks for decision-making in crisis situations.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Adedokun's academic and professional achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning him several accolades and recognitions. As a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and a Registered Member of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, he has demonstrated his commitment to professional excellence. Additionally, his association as an Associate Fellow with the Advance Higher Education Academy further underscores his dedication to advancing teaching and learning practices in academia.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Adedokun's impact extends beyond the realms of academia and into practical applications in the construction industry and disaster management. His consultancy work, involvement in accreditation committees, and contributions to academic journals have all contributed to shaping policies and practices in his field. Moreover, his role as a Course Coordinator and Research Assistant at the University of Newcastle highlights his dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners in architecture, built environment, and disaster management.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Adedokun continues to make strides in his academic and professional journey, his legacy is one of excellence, innovation, and commitment to societal well-being. His research outputs, teaching endeavors, and industry engagements serve as pillars upon which future generations can build. Looking ahead, Adedokun remains poised to further advance knowledge and practice in Quantity Surveying, Disaster Management, and related disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on academia and society at large.

Citations

A total of 264 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

  • Citations    264
  • h-index       8
  • i10-index    7

Notable Publication

Fnu Kajal – Governance and system strengthening – Best Researcher Award

Dr Fnu Kajal - Governance and system strengthening - Best Researcher Award 

University of Arizona - United States 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kajal began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S) from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in 2001, securing the first position. She further pursued a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Obstetrics & Gynecology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, earning a Silver Medal in June 2006. Her commitment to academic excellence continued with a Master's in Global Health Sciences (M.Sc.) from the University of California, San Francisco, where she maintained a GPA of 3.66.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her education, Dr. Kajal entered the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in September 2008. Over the years, she held various significant roles, showcasing her leadership and strategic skills. Noteworthy positions include:

  • Director, DPIIT (Delhi, India), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (January 2023-Present): Dr. Kajal spearheaded policy design for industrial development, capacity building, and implementation of central government schemes.
  • Executive Director, REC Ltd (Gurugram, India), Ministry of Power (April 2021-January 2023): Dr. Kajal streamlined a government program, led data strategy initiatives, and transformed sectors through CSR funds.
  • Director, Urban Development (Lucknow, UP), Government of Uttar Pradesh (December 2018-January 2021): Dr. Kajal initiated the SAMBHAV program during COVID, secured Direct Benefit Transfers, and maximized technology for pandemic management.

Contributions and Research Focus

During her sabbatical from September 2016 to October 2018, Dr. Kajal engaged in research activities:

  • Graduate Research Assistant (San Francisco, US): Contributed to articles funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Center for Health Market Innovations, focusing on health accessibility in Uttar Pradesh, India, and payment platforms for Universal Health Coverage in Zambia.
  • Technical Advisor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Winnipeg (October 2017-October 2018): Provided technical support for RMNCH+A interventions globally, collaborated with governments, and engaged with organizations to implement research initiatives.
  • Temp Employee, Department of Population Health and Outcome Research, Stanford University (October 2017-August 2018): Developed interventions for policymakers on non-communicable diseases in rural Uttar Pradesh and collaborated on systematic research.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Kajal received recognition for her achievements:

  • Director, REC Ltd: Led the Data Strategy Unit, headed the National Smart Mission Taskforce, and transformed sectors through CSR funds, earning appreciation for her contributions.
  • Managing Director, UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency & PuVVNL: Received a certificate of appreciation from the Chief Minister for providing metered connections to 900,000 households in a record time of 2 months.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kajal's impact is evident in her roles:

  • Additional Commissioner/District Revenue Collector (Mahoba, UP): Introduced policies addressing violence against women and tobacco cessation, organized low-cost sanitary napkin production, and won prizes for data collection.
  • Additional Mission Director & Special Secretary, UP National Health Mission: Planned and budgeted for National Health Mission projects, introduced emergency transport services, and framed interventions for respectful maternal care.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Arizona, Dr. Kajal is contributing to academia as an Adjunct Faculty in Bangalore and a Graduate Research Assistant in Tucson. Her commitment to teaching, research, and promoting positive learning environments exemplifies her dedication to shaping the future of public health.

Notable Publication