Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Rachana Lunawat | Kingston University | United Kingdom 

Ms. Rachana Lunawat is an emerging scholar and finance professional with a strong academic foundation and practical experience in financial control, reporting, and sustainability-driven investment analysis. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance with Distinction from Kingston University, London, and a Master of Commerce from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a blend of analytical expertise and sustainability-oriented research. Having worked across the UK and India, Rachana has contributed to financial control, reconciliations, and audit preparedness in both public and private sectors, demonstrating her capability in enhancing reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and corporate financial performance. She co-authored a peer-reviewed article titled “Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors into the Investment Returns of American Companies,” published in MDPI’s international journal Sustainability. The study, indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science, employs panel data regression models using Bloomberg and Refinitiv datasets to assess how ESG engagement influences market valuation and long-term financial outcomes. This publication underscores her commitment to bridging sustainable finance and empirical financial analysis, offering insights that inform corporate strategy and responsible investment practices. Beyond research, Rachana has been actively involved in industry-oriented financial analysis projects, including portfolio optimization and ESG-financial performance evaluation of S&P 500 firms. These projects reflect her ability to translate academic concepts into data-driven decision-making relevant to global markets. Her collaborations with scholars from the University of St Andrews and Aston Business School have further enriched her interdisciplinary perspective on corporate sustainability and financial performance dynamics.

Profiles : ORCID | Linked In

Featured Publication : 

Lunawat, R. M., Elmarzouky, M., & Shohaieb, D. (2025). Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment returns of American companies. Sustainability, 17(19), 8522.

Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award  

Research Scholar at Malaviya National Institute of Technology | India 

Mr. Jagdish Lohar is an accomplished civil engineer and researcher with extensive academic and professional experience in the field of geotechnical and structural engineering. He has pursued advanced studies, including a doctoral program focused on utilizing dimensional stone industry waste as a sustainable fill material in reinforced soil structures. His academic journey also includes a master’s degree in structural engineering where he explored fiber-reinforced compressed earth blocks, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. With over four years of teaching experience at various engineering institutions, he has contributed to shaping the next generation of engineers. His research work has resulted in numerous publications, with more than 35 citations from 25 scholarly documents, and a recognized h-index of 3, and authorship across 10 documents, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions. His work emphasizes sustainable and innovative practices, such as the beneficial use of industrial wastes in construction and geotechnical applications. His studies have been featured in high-impact journals and indexed databases, addressing environmental, geotechnical, and economic aspects of civil engineering materials. In addition to his research, Jagdish holds several patents, including granted and filed inventions related to construction technology and materials testing, highlighting his dedication to translating academic knowledge into practical applications. He has also been actively involved in delivering expert sessions on intellectual property, sustainable construction, and geotechnical innovations, promoting awareness and development within the engineering community. His scholarly contributions and commitment to sustainable engineering practices have positioned him as a respected voice in his field, making significant advancements toward environmentally responsible construction solutions and innovative material utilization.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications:   

Solanki, T., Shrivastava, N., & Lohar, J. (2025). Enhancing subgrade stability of black cotton soil using RO membrane as geo-reinforcement. In Advances in Geotechnical Engineering (pp. 1–).

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Feasibility of marble processing waste as non-conventional fill in geotechnical applications. Journal of Mining and Environment, 16(1), 15–38.

Lohar, J., Lauhar, N., & Sain, A. (2025). Valorizing marble processing waste in fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks: Toward environmental sustainability. Journal of Structural Design and Construction Practice, 30(4), 04025064.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Granite processing waste as sustainable structural fill in reinforced soil structures: A techno-economic analysis. Construction and Building Materials, 491, 142800.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Beneficial use of dimensional stone industry wastes in geotechnical fills: Geotechnical, environmental and economic perspectives. Resources Policy, 101, 105465.