Aakriti | Engineering | Research and Development Achievement Award

Ms. Aakriti | Engineering | Research and Development Achievement Award

PhD student at CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, India

Aakriti Baliyan is a PhD candidate in Chemical Sciences, specializing in the synthesis of chemical additives from FGD gypsum for sustainable building materials. Her research focuses on green materials, contributing to low-carbon construction solutions. Aakriti has a strong publication record and extensive experience in waste utilization, including the development of water-resistant binders and hybrid cementitious materials. She possesses a diverse technical skill set, including Life Cycle Assessment and various analytical techniques. With a background in mentoring and interdisciplinary collaboration, Aakriti is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in her field.

Profile:

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus:
    • Aakriti’s PhD research on utilizing FGD gypsum for developing chemical additives and composite binders represents a significant contribution to sustainable building materials. This aligns well with current environmental priorities.
  2. Strong Publication Record:
    • Aakriti has a notable number of publications in reputable journals, demonstrating her ability to conduct impactful research. Her articles address critical issues in low-carbon construction, showcasing her expertise and commitment to advancing the field.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • Her collaborative work with NTPC and involvement in various interdisciplinary projects highlight her ability to work effectively in team settings, enhancing the practical applicability of her research.
  4. Technical Proficiency:
    • Aakriti possesses extensive technical skills and research methodologies, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and various analytical techniques. This versatility enables her to tackle complex research problems effectively.
  5. Mentorship and Outreach:
    • She has mentored graduate students and engaged in workshops, which reflects her commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building in her field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Impact:
    • While Aakriti has made significant strides in her niche area, expanding her research to include more diverse applications or collaborating with industries outside the construction sector could enhance her overall impact.
  2. Increased Visibility:
    • Engaging more actively in international conferences and networking opportunities could improve her visibility and foster collaborations that enhance her research profile.
  3. Grant Acquisition:
    • Focusing on obtaining research grants can support her projects and facilitate the scaling of her innovative solutions, thus increasing her research’s reach and impact.
  4. Public Engagement:
    • Strengthening efforts in public outreach and education about the benefits of green materials can help raise awareness and promote sustainable practices in construction.

Education:

Aakriti Baliyan holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, where her research focuses on utilizing FGD gypsum for developing chemical additives and composite binders in sustainable construction. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed an M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from Amity University Noida, where she worked on polymeric transdermal patches for topical applications. She also earned a B.Ed. in Physical and Biological Sciences from Chaudhary Charan Singh University and a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi. This diverse educational background has equipped her with strong interdisciplinary knowledge across chemical sciences, education, and applied life sciences.

Experience:

Aakriti Baliyan has extensive research experience in the field of chemical sciences, with a focus on the utilization of industrial byproducts like FGD gypsum for developing sustainable construction materials. Her work includes the synthesis of chemical additives, water-resistant binders, and lightweight plasters, contributing to low-carbon and eco-friendly building solutions. She has collaborated with major national organizations like NTPC and the Department of Science and Technology, working on projects related to both modern construction materials and heritage conservation. Aakriti’s technical expertise spans advanced analytical techniques (SEM, FTIR, LCA) and various scientific software, while her contributions are backed by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, she has mentored students and presented her research at international conferences, demonstrating her capability to lead and innovate within her field.

Research Focus:

Aakriti Baliyan’s research primarily focuses on the utilization of industrial byproducts, specifically FGD gypsum, to develop sustainable construction materials. Her work aims to create eco-friendly, low-carbon solutions such as water-resistant binders, lightweight plasters, and hybrid cementitious binders that can be used in both interior and exterior applications. She addresses critical issues like high porosity and poor water resistance in FGD gypsum by synthesizing chemical additives to improve its properties. Her research also includes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of these materials, contributing to the advancement of green construction technologies. Additionally, Aakriti’s work extends to the conservation of heritage structures, where she develops gypsum-based repair materials to preserve historical buildings, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to sustainable materials science.

Publications Top Notes:

  • A Comprehensive Review of Flue Gas Desulphurized Gypsum: Production, Properties, and Applications
    Authors: S. Maiti, N. Jain, J. Malik
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Construction and Building Materials, 393, 131918.
  • Light Weight Plasters Containing Vermiculite and FGD Gypsum for Sustainable and Energy Efficient Building Construction Materials
    Authors: S. Maiti, N. Jain, J. Malik, A. Baliyan
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A, 1-12.
  • Calcium Sulphate Whiskers (CSW) an Innovative Material for Civil Engineering Applications: A Critical Review of Its Preparation, Characterization, Current Trends, and Prospects
    Authors: A. Bhardwaj, S. Maiti, N. Jain, A. Pathak, R. R. Gupta
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Construction and Building Materials, 420, 135624.
  • Development of Sustainable Water-Resistant Binder with FGD Gypsum & Fly Ash, and Its Environmental Impact Evaluation via Carbon Footprint and Energy Consumption Analysis
    Authors: N. Jain, S. Maiti, J. Malik, D. Sondhi
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 37, 101376.
  • Synthesis of Calcium Sulfate Whiskers via Acidification Exploiting FGD Gypsum for Improved Binder Properties
    Authors: P. P., Aakriti, S. Maiti, N. Jain
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 42, 101745.

Conclusion:

Aakriti Baliyan’s research in the field of chemical additives, sustainable construction materials, and waste utilization demonstrates significant potential for her to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to the development of eco-friendly building materials, strong publication record, technical expertise, and engagement in interdisciplinary projects highlight her as a promising researcher. With further international collaborations and expansion into diverse areas of waste management, Aakriti’s profile would be even more competitive for major research accolades.