MB

Mahadev Bera

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Presidency University, University of Calcutta

ORCID iD 0000-0002-3051-610X
Follow

About

Biography: Dr. Mahadev Bera, PhD

Education:

Ph.D. in "Environment and Disaster Management" from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Kolkata, 2022;
M.Sc. in "Environmental System Management" from Presidency University, Kolkata, 2014;
B.Sc. (Hons) in "Environmental Science" from Calcutta University, 2012.

Doctoral Research:

My doctoral research, conducted at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur campus, explored the "Aspects of Bioclimate: Rural and Semi-urban Community Environment". This work delved into the intricate relationships between environmental factors and human communities in rural and semi-urban settings.

Current Research Work:

My research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, the built environment, and human well-being. Specifically, I am deeply intrigued by the intricate relationship between climate change and human vulnerability, particularly focusing on the vulnerable ecosystem of the Sundarbans, India. Exploring bioclimate aspects, sustainable design, and architecture, I aim to devise innovative solutions for sustainable building practices that enhance environmental performance while ensuring indoor comfort and quality. Energy conservation and efficiency are pivotal components of my research agenda. I strive to contribute towards a more resilient and ecologically responsible built environment, mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering human adaptation and resilience.

Building on my completed PhD research, I am continuing to explore bioclimatic design strategies in major cities across India. My goal is to enhance thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. A key focus of this work is the integration of thermal comfort within bioclimatic frameworks, as it plays a crucial role in improving the well-being of individuals in built environments.

One significant area of my research is the impact of climate change on outdoor heat exposure for workers in India, particularly in high-risk areas like the Sundarbans. With rising temperatures and increasing humidity levels, working conditions in these regions have become increasingly dangerous. Workers—especially those in agriculture, fishing, and construction—are at serious risk of heat stress, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure to extreme outdoor conditions. The Sundarbans, which has a humid tropical climate, is particularly vulnerable. The lack of adequate protective measures and limited access to cooling resources further heightens the health and productivity risks faced by workers. My research focuses on assessing heat stress among outdoor workers, with a particular emphasis on women laborers in sectors such as agriculture, brick production, construction, and fishing. The goal of this research is to develop effective strategies to mitigate health risks and improve working conditions.

I am actively involved in creating strategies for climate- and disaster-resilient built environments that strengthen resilience against extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. These strategies focus on promoting eco-friendly, human-friendly, and energy-efficient design solutions to protect vulnerable communities in the Sundarbans.

Academic Affiliation:

I am proud to be associated with RKMVERI, Kolkata, as a faculty member (RTA) in the School of Environment and Disaster Management (https://narendrapur.rkmvu.ac.in/). In this role, I contribute to the academic community by sharing knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of environmental and disaster management issues.

Professional Outlook:

With a keen eye for opportunities and a strong commitment to collaboration, I am always eager to explore new avenues that align with my research interests. I believe in the power of interdisciplinary cooperation to address the challenges posed by environmental changes and disasters.

Employment

  • Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute Faculty (RTA)
    2024 - Present
  • Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute TRA (At the level of Post Doctoral Fellow)
    2023 - 2024

Education

  • Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute PhD
    2018 - 2022
  • Presidency University M.Sc.
    2012 - 2014
  • University of Calcutta B.Sc. (Hons)
    2009 - 2012

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (37)