PhD Candidate at The University of British Columbia,Canada
Sanyogita Manu is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, specializing in indoor environmental quality (IEQ). With a diverse educational background, including a Master’s in Interior Architecture and Design, she integrates design principles with engineering practices to address contemporary challenges. Her research focuses on the impact of IEQ on well-being and productivity, particularly in the context of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. With extensive teaching experience as an adjunct professor and program chair, Sanyogita is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in built environments. She is an active member of various professional societies and contributes significantly to academic journals, emphasizing her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.
Profile:
Google Scholar Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Diverse Educational Background: Sanyogita holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Interior Architecture and Design, and a Bachelor’s in Interior Design. This interdisciplinary knowledge enables her to approach research from multiple perspectives, particularly in indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency.
- Innovative Research Focus: Her current research evaluates indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in work-from-home settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing a significant and timely issue. The systematic field study design, involving 95 participants, demonstrates her capacity to conduct comprehensive, impactful research.
- Extensive Publication Record: Sanyogita has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals, showcasing her ability to disseminate findings effectively. Her work includes influential papers on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings, underscoring her expertise in the field.
- Leadership and Collaboration: As a member of various scientific committees and an organizer of international conferences, she has shown strong leadership qualities and an ability to collaborate with global experts. This involvement enhances her network and the impact of her research.
- Professional Recognition: Her memberships in esteemed organizations such as ISIAQ and ASHRAE reflect her commitment to advancing the field of indoor air quality and building energy efficiency. Additionally, her role as a reviewer for prestigious journals adds to her credibility.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Public Engagement: While Sanyogita’s research is significant within academic circles, increasing outreach to the general public and industry stakeholders could enhance the application of her findings. Workshops, public talks, or collaborations with industry could bridge this gap.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Although she has a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and design, actively seeking collaborations with disciplines such as psychology or sociology could enrich her research on well-being and productivity, making her work even more holistic.
- More Focus on Implementation: While Sanyogita has a strong research foundation, focusing on the practical implementation of her findings in policy or industry standards could amplify her impact. Engaging with policymakers to translate research into actionable guidelines would be beneficial.
Education:
Sanyogita Manu is currently pursuing her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, focusing on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its implications for well-being and productivity in work-from-home settings. She holds a Master’s in Interior Architecture and Design from CEPT University, where her dissertation optimized window performance in commercial buildings through energy simulation tools. Sanyogita also earned a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from CEPT University, where she explored the relationship between energy, comfort, and interior environments. Her academic journey reflects a robust commitment to understanding and enhancing the interplay between design and engineering, equipping her with the skills necessary to tackle complex challenges in sustainable building practices.
Experience:
Sanyogita Manu has a rich academic and research background, with over a decade of experience in building energy performance and sustainability. From July 2015 to November 2018, she served as Program Chair and Adjunct Assistant Professor for the Master of Technology in Building Energy Performance at CEPT University. She also coordinated the Master of Interior Architecture and Design program from December 2011 to June 2015. In her research roles, she has held positions such as Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Advanced Research in Building Science and Energy (CARBSE) and BHAVAN Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. Sanyogita has contributed to several significant projects, including energy efficiency initiatives in India. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining architecture and engineering, positions her as a leader in her field, driving advancements in indoor environmental quality and sustainable design practices.
Awards and Honors:
Sanyogita Manu’s dedication to her field has earned her numerous accolades and recognitions. She is a member of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) and serves on the Scientific Committee for the Healthy Buildings 2023 Europe Conference. Sanyogita has also received a Student Travel Award for her paper presentation at the Building Simulation 2009 in Glasgow, UK. Her expertise is acknowledged through her roles as a reviewer for prominent journals such as “Building and Environment” and “Energy and Buildings.” Additionally, she has been involved with various international conferences, serving on organizing committees and juries. Sanyogita’s commitment to advancing knowledge in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices is further underscored by her certifications, including being an ECBC Expert and a GRIHA Evaluator.
Research Focus:
Sanyogita Manu’s research centers on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its effects on human well-being and productivity. Currently, she is conducting a systematic study on work-from-home settings, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By measuring parameters like indoor air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, her work aims to understand the relationship between IEQ and various factors, including physical activity and psychological well-being. Sanyogita’s previous research has explored thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings, energy-efficient design, and the impact of building materials on indoor climates. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she integrates concepts from mechanical engineering, architecture, and sustainability to address pressing challenges in the built environment. Sanyogita’s findings contribute to the development of guidelines and standards for improving indoor spaces, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for occupants.
Publications Top Notes:
- Development of the ASHRAE global thermal comfort database II
- Field studies of thermal comfort across multiple climate zones for the subcontinent: India Model for Adaptive Comfort (IMAC)
- Performance evaluation of climate responsive buildings in India-Case studies from cooling dominated climate zones
- Customized performance evaluation approach for Indian green buildings
- A study of indoor thermal parameters for naturally ventilated occupied buildings in the warm-humid climate of southern India
- Assessment of air velocity preferences and satisfaction for naturally ventilated office buildings in India
- An initial parametric evaluation of the impact of the energy conservation building code of India on commercial building sector
- Making sense of building data: New analysis methods for understanding indoor climate
- Total commercial floor space estimates for India
- Clothing insulation as a behavioural adaptation for thermal comfort in Indian office buildings
- Architectural curriculum enhancement for promoting sustainable built environment in India
- Sizing natural ventilation systems for cooling: The potential of NV systems to deliver thermal comfort while reducing energy demands of multi-storey residential buildings in India.
- Determining the trade-offs between thermal comfort and cooling consumption in Indian office buildings
- Impact of Window Design Variants on Lighting and Cooling Loads: Clues for Revisiting Local Building Regulations
- Optimization for Passive Design of Large Scale Housing Projects for Energy and Thermal Comfort in a Hot and Humid Climate
- Design charts to assist on the sizing of natural ventilation for cooling residential apartments in India
- Occupant feedback in air conditioned and mixed-mode office buildings in India
- Occupant Feedback in Energy-Conscious and ‘Business as Usual’Buildings in India
- ECOnirman & third party assessors: Innovative approaches to energy code compliance and enforcement in India
- R&D and Implementation Outcomes from the US-India Bilateral Center for Building Energy Research and Development Program
Conclusion:
Sanyogita Manu is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her comprehensive educational background, innovative research focus, and significant contributions to the field of indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. Her leadership in academic and professional circles further enhances her qualifications. By expanding public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, and by focusing on the practical application of her research, she can further solidify her impact in the field.