Education
Dr. Rachan Karmakar academic foundation is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, followed by a master’s degree in environmental science, and culminating in a doctorate in energy and environment. This progression reflects his continuous pursuit of integrating biological sciences with applied environmental and energy research. His doctoral research focused on biofuel production and energy optimization, an area that laid the groundwork for his career in renewable energy innovation. Through his academic journey, he gained expertise in environmental monitoring, bioenergy generation, fuel characterization, and the development of sustainable energy systems. This educational pathway enabled him to explore cross-disciplinary approaches in tackling energy and environmental challenges. By bridging life sciences, chemical processes, and engineering techniques, his training prepared him for impactful research and teaching. His education not only provided theoretical knowledge but also practical laboratory and field-based experiences, which now form the backbone of his teaching and research endeavors.
Professional Experience
Dr. Rachan Karmakar has served in multiple academic and research capacities, including positions as Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate, and Project Assistant at reputed institutions and research organizations. In his teaching roles, he has delivered courses in environmental science, energy systems, and sustainability studies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. His academic career has been complemented by research positions where he worked on funded projects, such as biofuel development, hybrid fuel cells, and cleaner energy technologies. He has also collaborated with national scientific bodies in projects related to biofuel applications and environmental sustainability. Alongside classroom teaching, he has played a significant role in curriculum development, laboratory manual preparation, and student mentorship. His participation in administrative and organizational activities includes coordinating conferences, workshops, and seminars, which provided platforms for knowledge exchange at both national and international levels. Through these varied professional experiences, Dr. Karmakar has demonstrated a strong balance of research innovation, teaching excellence, and leadership.
Research Interests
Dr. Rachan Karmakar research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable technologies. He is particularly focused on biofuel production from non-edible biomass, algae-based energy systems, and the utilization of waste resources for cleaner energy solutions. His work also explores wastewater treatment, vehicle pollution mitigation, and bioremediation technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental contaminants. He has contributed significantly to understanding the physicochemical properties of biofuels and their performance in internal combustion engines, as well as the integration of biofuels into disaster management strategies. His interests further extend to developing circular economy models where waste streams are transformed into valuable energy resources, thereby reducing environmental burden. He has also investigated the role of nanotechnology and microbial fuel cells in environmental remediation. Overall, his research is driven by the vision of creating scalable, sustainable solutions that contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and advancing renewable energy.
Research Skills
Dr. Rachan Karmakar possesses a wide array of technical and analytical skills that enable him to advance his research objectives effectively. In energy research, he is proficient in biofuel production, fuel characterization, calorific value analysis, and yield estimation using advanced techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance. His environmental research skills include water quality monitoring, analysis of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrient profiling, and greenhouse gas detection. He has expertise in high-end instrumentation, including gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, which are essential for evaluating biofuels and environmental samples. His skills extend to optimizing algal growth systems for biofuel production and assessing pollutant removal efficiency through bioremediation technologies. Beyond laboratory-based expertise, he is skilled in experimental design, project documentation, and technical reporting. His ability to collaborate across disciplines, integrate biological and engineering approaches, and utilize modern analytical tools highlights his research versatility. These skills collectively strengthen his contributions to environmental and energy sustainability.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Rachan Karmakar has been recognized for his academic and research excellence with awards and honors at different stages of his journey. Early in his career, he was awarded for outstanding poster presentation and experimental demonstration at academic seminars, showcasing his ability to communicate research effectively. More recently, he has been granted patents both nationally and internationally, which demonstrate his innovative contributions to renewable energy, environmental remediation, and nanotechnology-based solutions. His active role as session chair and co-chair at international conferences further reflects peer recognition of his expertise. He has also been entrusted with leadership roles in organizing international conferences and workshops, which underscore his professional credibility and ability to foster research dialogue. In addition, he is a member of prestigious professional organizations, including the Royal Society of Chemistry and international sustainability networks. These honors highlight not only his academic achievements but also his contributions to global scientific and environmental advancement.
Publications Top Noted
Title: Fuel properties and emission characteristics of biodiesel produced from unused algae grown in India
Year: 2018
Citation: 128
Title: Production of biodiesel from unused algal biomass in Punjab, India
Year: 2018
Citation: 44
Title: Optimization of safflower oil transesterification using the Taguchi approach
Year: 2017
Citation: 44
Title: Microplastics in freshwater: Unveiling sources, fate, and removal strategies
Year: 2024
Citation: 19
Title: Production of Bioethanol from Mango Peel
Year: 2013
Citation: 16
Conclusion
Dr. Rachan Karmakar has established himself as a promising and innovative researcher in environmental science and renewable energy. His combination of scholarly output, patents, project leadership, and conference engagements clearly aligns with the objectives of the Excellence in Research Award. With continued focus on leadership in high-impact projects and international collaborations, he stands out as a strong and suitable candidate for this recognition.