<p data-start="379" data-end="912">The urgent need to retrofit aging infrastructure and develop safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient built environments has become increasingly significant in India and globally. Premature deterioration of structures leads to major economic losses and safety concerns, highlighting the importance of durability, service-life design, and resilience engineering. These challenges have shaped my academic and professional journey and motivate my aspiration to contribute to academia as an Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering.</p>
<p data-start="914" data-end="1413">I completed my undergraduate studies at R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru, where my internship at Sterling Engineering Consultancy provided my first formal exposure to structural design practice. Motivated to deepen my expertise, I pursued an M.Tech in Structural Engineering at IIT Roorkee. The program strengthened my foundations in Structural Analysis, Advanced RCC, Steel Structures, Seismic Design, Durability of Concrete, Sustainable Construction, and Repair &amp; Retrofitting of Structures.</p>
<p data-start="1415" data-end="1952">Under the mentorship of Dr. Umesh Kumar Sharma, I worked on an industry-sponsored research project titled &ldquo;Characterising Corrosion Activity in Reinforced Concrete Structures along the Indian Coastline.&rdquo; This study involved extensive field investigations in Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha, using performance-based approaches supported by physical and mathematical models to evaluate corrosion mechanisms. The research aimed at extending service life and reducing costly repairs, directly contributing to sustainable infrastructure development.</p>
<p data-start="1954" data-end="2636">Over the past seven years, I have gained extensive professional experience in structural design and infrastructure engineering. I have worked with KEC International Limited (RPG Group), Amara Raja Infra Pvt. Ltd., and Hyosung T&amp;D India Pvt. Ltd., primarily in the Power Transmission and Distribution sector. My responsibilities included pre-bid engineering and detailed structural design of substations and associated facilities such as control room buildings, GIS buildings, foundations, gantries, towers, retaining walls, roads, and drainage systems. This experience strengthened my expertise in structural analysis, foundation systems, and multidisciplinary project coordination.</p>
<p data-start="2638" data-end="3093">Currently, I serve as Engineering Manager &ndash; Civil at L&amp;T Construction, Dubai (Power Transmission &amp; Distribution and Renewables). I review and coordinate structural calculations and drawings, ensure BIM-based interdisciplinary integration, and liaise with authorities such as DEWA and RTA for regulatory approvals. This leadership role has enhanced my technical judgment, project management capabilities, and understanding of global construction standards.</p>
<p data-start="3095" data-end="3555">At this stage of my career, I am keen to transition into academia to integrate research, teaching, and consultancy. My areas of interest include durability-based design, evaluation and retrofitting of existing structures, and resilience of lifeline infrastructure systems. I am particularly motivated to teach Structural Analysis, Reinforced Concrete Design, Steel Structures, and Repair &amp; Retrofitting, while guiding students with practical industry insights.</p>
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<p data-start="3557" data-end="3816">With a strong academic foundation, research exposure, and seven years of professional experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to teaching, research, and institutional development as an Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering.</p>