Dr Rajesh Patel is working as Dean, Faculty of Technology and Engineering & Director, School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University. He has an experience of more than 33 years in the field of teaching, research and industry. He obtained his BE degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT, Surat in 1990. Dr Patel obtained ME degree in Turbo Machines from NIT, Surat in 1994 and PhD degree from IIT Bombay in 2007. He served as Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department from June 2011 to August 2017. He has published more than 40 research papers in reputed journals in the domains of renewable energy, energy conservation, energy management, energy policy, supercritical fluid extraction, etc. He has contributed more than 80 research papers in international conferences. He has successfully completed three research projects funded by DST and GUJCOST in the areas of biomass gasification, alternate fuels for IC Engine and small hydropower. He also has one US patent and one Indian patent to his credit. He has guided more than 71 PG dissertations and Seven PhD scholars and is currently guiding 03 PhD scholars. The ISTE National Award – Charutar Vidya Mandal, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat Best Engineering College Teacher Award for Gujarat State for the year 2010 was conferred on him. He is also awarded ISTE-GSFC National Award for guiding Best M. Tech. Thesis in Mechanical Engineering for the year 2011 & 2020. He has served as a member of Board of Studies and Faculty of Technology & Engineering of M S University of Baroda and PDPU, Gandhinagar. He is also a member of the Governing Council at Ganpat University, Mehsana. Dr Patel is the reviewer of international refereed journals in the fields of renewable energy, energy management, fuel, etc. He is actively involved in consultancy, research, and testing in the area of Mechanical Engineering. He is also an Independent Director of Gujarat Informatics Limited, Gandhinagar.
