Dr. Geena Prasad | Environment | Women Researcher Award

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Prasad’s academic foundation in engineering set the stage for her distinguished career. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Environmental Engineering from P.E.S College of Engineering under Mysore University, where she graduated with first-class honors and distinction. Recognizing her aptitude and drive, she pursued further studies, achieving a Master’s in Technology Management (M.Tech) from the University of Kerala, once again graduating with first-class honors and distinction. Driven by her passion for environmental sustainability and the desire to create impactful solutions, Dr. Prasad continued to excel academically, ultimately obtaining her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Her doctoral studies provided a solid research background, allowing her to delve deeper into the issues surrounding sustainable urban development, waste management, and environmental conservation.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Prasad’s professional experience is as diverse as it is impactful, encompassing roles in both the public and private sectors. Her career began as a Project Fellow at the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), where she contributed to earth science research projects, focusing on environmental impacts and assessments. Following this, she took on the role of Environmental Engineer at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), where she was responsible for monitoring and managing the environmental health and safety of the institution, including waste management practices.Her skills were further honed as a Junior Engineer at the Centre for Environment and Development (CED), Thiruvananthapuram, where she played an integral role in environmental planning and project implementation. Her role evolved as she became a Technical Officer (Environment) with the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP). In this capacity, she spearheaded sustainable development initiatives, focusing on creating more resilient urban landscapes within Thiruvananthapuram. From 2010 to 2011, she returned to CED as an Environmental Engineer, a period in which she dedicated her efforts to environmental consultancy and project management.In 2011, Dr. Prasad joined Amrita University as an Assistant Professor (Senior Grade) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Amritapuri Campus, Kollam. Here, she has been deeply involved in teaching, research, and mentoring, where she blends academic rigor with her extensive practical experience, inspiring future engineers and researchers.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Prasad’s research work is vast and varied, covering several pressing topics in environmental engineering and sustainability. Her primary areas of research focus include sustainable urban development, waste management, water quality assessment, and pollution control. Her projects and publications often delve into the environmental implications of urbanization and industrialization, assessing factors such as waste treatment efficacy, air and water pollution mitigation, and resource management. She has also been involved in developing frameworks for urban sustainability, where she addresses the impact of urban expansion on environmental resources and provides strategic insights for managing these effects.Her work at KSUDP as well as at Amrita University demonstrates her commitment to environmental solutions that not only address current issues but also anticipate future challenges. Her research often emphasizes community involvement and public awareness, aligning with global goals for sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Prasad’s contributions have been recognized both within her institution and by the broader scientific community. Her achievements in environmental consultancy and academic mentorship have earned her accolades, as she consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing knowledge and practical solutions in environmental engineering. She has been acknowledged for her role as an educator, where she leverages her industry experience to enrich the curriculum, offering students a unique, hands-on perspective on the subjects she teaches.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Prasad’s influence extends beyond her research and professional roles to her students, colleagues, and the wider engineering community. At Amrita University, she is known as a mentor who is committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers. Her courses often include practical insights from her time as an environmental engineer and consultant, encouraging students to view environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary lens.Her involvement in community-driven projects underlines her belief that sustainability is a collaborative effort, requiring input from all levels of society. By leading research that combines academic knowledge with field applications, she has provided insights that contribute to policy-making, environmental education, and sustainable development initiatives across Kerala and beyond.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Prasad is focused on expanding her research into new areas of sustainable technology and eco-friendly solutions. Her vision for a more sustainable future involves the integration of green technologies into urban planning and development, focusing on waste reduction, pollution control, and resource conservation. She envisions her work at Amrita University as a platform for fostering innovation and supporting research that drives environmental responsibility and resilience.In her continued role as a mentor and educator, she hopes to inspire her students to become advocates for environmental change and champions of sustainable practices. Through ongoing research, she remains committed to discovering solutions that will enable future generations to live in a world that respects and preserves its natural resources.