Kaushik Kumar holds a Ph.D. in engineering from Jadavpur University, India, an MBA in marketing management from Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, and a Bachelor of Technology from the Regional Engineering College (nowthe National Institute of Technology), Warangal, India. For 11 years, he worked in a manufacturing unit of global repute. He is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India. He has 24 years of teaching and research experience. His research interests include composites, optimization, non-conventional machining, CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, and quality management systems toward product development for societal and industrial usage, and he has received 50+ patents for them, most of which are donated to startups and the industrial fraternity through the Jharkhand Small Industries Association (JSIA). He has published 60+ books (they are referred to as textbooks and reference books by 40+ universities and institutes in their academic curriculum), 100+ book chapters, and 200+ research papers in peer-reviewedreputed national and international journals. Kaushik has also served as editor-in-chief, series editor, guest editor, editor, editorial board member, and reviewers for international and national journals. He has been felicitated with many awards and honors, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Excellence 2023 under Academic and Research from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India. He has also received sponsored research and consultancy projects of more than 1 crore from the Government of India and abroad. Kaushik has delivered expert lectures as a keynote speaker at international and national conferences, and as a resource person at various workshops, FDPs, and short-term courses. He has guided many students of doctoral, masters, and undergraduate programs of his home and other institutions in India and abroad. He has also served as a reviewer and examiner of doctoral and master’s dissertations for institutes in India and abroad.Nabanita Saha is an architect and urban planner with a distinguished academic background. She graduated from the Sir J.J. College of Architecture and pursued her postgraduate and doctoral studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Currently, she serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Planning and Architecture at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. Her research interests span globalizing cities, social networks, blue-green infrastructure, and spatial planning. In addition to her research, Dr. Saha teaches a wide range of subjects, including architectural design, landscape design, building materials, building services, building byelaws, urban design, and planning theory and processes.Beyond her academic commitments, she actively engages in consultancy and sponsored research projects, contributing to architectural design, master planning, and community development initiatives. She has also explored the feasibility of utilizing unconventional stones in architectural applications.Balaji P.S. is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Rourkela, with a Ph.D. in vibration control from Curtin University, Australia. With over six years of teaching and research experience, he has expertise in vibration control, nonlinear dynamics, and drone technology. Dr. Balaji has been instrumental in securing major projects, including one on Drone Aeromechanics worth ₹1.55 crores, which led to the establishment of a fully functional lab equipped with high-class facilities for advanced drone research. In addition to his research projects,which are funded by prestigious organizations like SERB DST India and ISRO, Dr. Balaji has successfully supervised two Ph.D. students. He has also made significant contributions to academia, with numerous publications in reputed journals, authorship of conference proceedings, and book chapters. He holds two patents in the field of vibration control, showcasing his innovative approach to solving complex engineering challenges. Dr. Balaji is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered numerous talks at Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and conferences, sharinghis insights as a guest speaker.Chikesh Ranjan is a highly accomplished mechanical engineer currently serving as a project engineer for Project SwaYaan—Capacity Building in Drone/UAS at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Rourkela. He holds a PhD in mechanicalengineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Chikesh also possesses a Master of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in the design of mechanical equipment, from the same institution.His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering from Marathwada Institute of Technology, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, where he graduated with first class with distinction. Chikesh’s innovative contributions have been recognized through the publication of 15 journal papers, 10 authored books, and 13 book chapters. He has actively organized 10 workshops, coordinated 13 technical events, and been involved in 18 technical events overall. Additionally, he has participated in 31 training or FDP programs and attended 34 national and international workshops, seminars, and webinars.Chikesh has been granted ten design patents and seven foreign patents, demonstrating his dedication to advancing mechanical design and technology. With nine years of teaching and research experience of global repute, his teaching and research interests include composites, non-conventional machining, CAD/CAM, and robotics. He is a proud member of the Institution of Engineers, India, and has received seven prestigious awards and honors for his remarkable contributions to the field of mechanical engineering..
