<p>I am writing to express my interest in the position of Assistant Professor (Transportation</p>
<p>Engineering) at your esteemed institute, NICMAR University. My area of expertise includes</p>
<p>sustainable highway materials, bio-bitumen binders and mixtures, rheology of bituminous binders,</p>
<p>performance assessment of bituminous mixtures, and the use of recycled materials in pavement</p>
<p>construction. With a strong academic foundation, research expertise, and teaching inclination, I</p>
<p>am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your institute.</p>
<p>Currently, I am working as a postdoctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. I</p>
<p>completed my PhD in Transportation Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee</p>
<p>(2025) and my masters from the National Institute of Technology Silchar (2021). I was awarded</p>
<p>the Institute Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA at both PG and UG levels. I have</p>
<p>contributed to several research projects, published papers in reputed journals, and actively</p>
<p>participated in conferences.</p>
<p>My doctoral work focused on exploring sugarcane molasses as a partial replacement for bitumen</p>
<p>(30% by weight of bitumen). The developed bio-asphalt binder was characterised from chemical</p>
<p>(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and asphaltene-maltene ratio), thermal</p>
<p>(thermogravimetric analysis), morphological (fluorescence microscopy) and rheological standpoint.</p>
<p>The effects of oxidative ageing (short- and long-term ageing) on the rheological and chemical</p>
<p>properties of bio-asphalt were examined by employing a dynamic shear rheometer and FTIR. The</p>
<p>study was extended from the binder level to the mixture level. Performance tests were carried out</p>
<p>to study the permanent deformation characteristics (wheel rut tester), cracking resistance (Indirect</p>
<p>tensile asphalt cracking test), moisture damage (modified Lottman test), and stiffness</p>
<p>characteristics (resilient modulus). The laboratory prepared bio-asphalt was successfully</p>
<p>translated to field application on a National Highway capable of carrying a 200 msa load.</p>
<p>Alongside research, I have a keen interest in teaching. I have served as a teaching assistant for</p>
<p>the NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning) course on Pavement</p>
<p>Materials, as well as for the undergraduate courses and laboratories in Highway Engineering.</p>
<p>These experiences strengthened both my technical foundation and my ability to communicate</p>
<p>concepts effectively to students.</p>
<p>My research and teaching vision align with the current need for sustainable development goals.</p>
<p>Going forward, I aim to explore bio-binders, recycled materials for pavements, engage in research</p>
<p>projects, and contribute to consultancy works, along with teaching. I am confident that my</p>
<p>academic background, research expertise, and passion for teaching will make me a strong fit for</p>
<p>this position.</p>
<p>Dr. Dheeraj Mehta</p>