Dr. Mahadev Bera: Faculty at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal 700103, India
Dr. Mahadev Bera is an environmental researcher, educator, and sustainability advocate specializing in climate-resilient design and human-environment interactions. Currently serving as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the School of Environment and Disaster Management, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur, Kolkata, he holds a Ph.D. in Environment and Disaster Management. His work integrates climate change science, occupational health, and sustainable architecture, with a strong focus on vulnerable communities, particularly in the Sundarbans. He has published in international peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in national and global dialogues on ecological resilience and sustainable development.
Online Profiles
Since 2020, Dr. Mahadev Bera has accumulated a total of 147 citations, with 146 of those citations occurring within this period, reflecting the growing relevance of his work. He has an h-index of 7 and an i10-index of 3, indicating that at least seven of his publications have been cited seven or more times, and three publications have been cited at least ten times. These metrics highlight the steady academic influence of his research in environmental science, bioclimatic design, and climate resilience.
Education
Dr. Mahadev Bera earned his Ph.D. (2018–2022) from RKMVERI, Kolkata, where his thesis focused on bioclimatic aspects in rural and semi-urban community environments under the guidance of Prof. Pranab Kumar Nag, a renowned ergonomist and climate health expert. He completed his M.Sc. in Environmental System Management (2012–2014) from Presidency University, Kolkata, with a dissertation exploring salinity and sea water ingress in the Sundarban delta. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of Calcutta (2009–2012), laying the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to ecological and human-centered research.
Research Focus
Dr. Bera’s research is rooted in understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on human health and the built environment, particularly in tropical and coastal regions. His work emphasizes bioclimatic design, thermal comfort analysis, occupational heat stress, and passive architecture. He is particularly committed to improving the quality of life and work for outdoor laborers—especially women—in sectors like agriculture, construction, and fisheries in climate-vulnerable zones like the Sundarbans. He also explores energy conservation and low-carbon development strategies, contributing to the design of resilient, eco-friendly, and health-supportive built environments in both rural and urban settings.
Experience
Dr. Bera brings a rich blend of academic, field-based, and NGO experience. He currently works as a Research and Teaching Assistant at RKMVERI (since August 2024) and has previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Guest Faculty at the same institution. His work as Project Manager for a Germany-sponsored climate resilience project in the Sundarbans gave him grassroots exposure to ecological restoration, women-led adaptation, and community empowerment. He has also worked on a Department of Science and Technology (DST) funded research project focused on human thermographic profiling for climate susceptibility. He has taught postgraduate students, evaluated exams, and contributed to curriculum design in environmental systems.
Research Timeline & Activities
Between 2018 and 2022, Dr. Bera conducted intensive doctoral research on rural and semi-urban bioclimatic environments, combining field surveys, simulation tools, and community engagement. Post-Ph.D., he expanded his research to urban heat adaptation and indoor environmental quality in Indian cities. His recent work involves real-time monitoring of occupational heat stress, particularly among women in high-risk outdoor jobs. He has actively participated in and facilitated workshops, symposiums, and training programs related to carbon credits, climate change, and community resilience. His ongoing activities include mentoring students, publishing collaborative research, and contributing to national seminars on climate-sensitive development.
Awards & Honors
While Dr. Bera has not listed formal awards, his recognition lies in academic contributions, community engagement, and teaching excellence. He has been invited as an external examiner and guest faculty, demonstrating peer acknowledgment of his teaching and subject expertise. His work with NGOs and capacity-building workshops has been widely appreciated for its impact on climate-vulnerable populations. His participation in international symposia, such as the Building Resilience in Sundarbans Conference, and his involvement in EU Erasmus+ tutorial meetings reflect his active role in international knowledge exchange and sustainable development dialogues.
Top Noted Publication
Unraveling the urban climate crisis: Exploring the nexus of urbanization, climate change, and their impacts on the environment and human well-being – A global perspective
S. Das, M.R. Choudhury, B. Chatterjee, P. Das, S. Bagri, D. Paul, M. Bera, …
AIMS Public Health, 11(3), 962-1000, 2024
Citations: 54Advancing energy efficiency: Innovative technologies and strategic measures for achieving net zero emissions
M. Bera, S. Das, S. Garai, S. Dutta, M.R. Choudhury, S. Tripathi, G. Chatterjee
Carbon Footprints, 4(1), 2025
Citations: 24Bioclimatic Design of Low-cost Rural Dwellings
M. Bera, P.K. Nag
Frontiers in Built Environment, 8, 101, 2022
Citations: 19Synergizing sustainability: A critical review on harnessing agroforestry for biomass, carbon sequestration, and water-food-energy nexus
A. Barman, S. Dutta, A. Bera, P. Saha, J. Roy, M. Roy Choudhury, M. Bera, …
Energy, Ecology and Environment, 9(6), 579-613, 2024
Citations: 7Quantification of the interactions between indoor environmental conditions and human thermal comfort and susceptibility in tropical coastal environments
M. Bera, S. Das, P.K. Nag
Indoor and Built Environment, 33(9), 1624-1644, 2024
Citations: 7
Strengths for the Best Innovator Award
Pioneering Research on Climate-Resilient Built Environments
Dr. Bera’s innovative integration of bioclimatic design principles into sustainable architecture, especially in vulnerable ecosystems like the Sundarbans, demonstrates forward-thinking solutions that combine climate science, human well-being, and ecological sensitivity.Focus on Occupational Health under Climate Stress
His cutting-edge work assessing heat stress among outdoor workers, particularly women laborers in agriculture, construction, and fisheries, addresses a critical and underexplored intersection of climate change, public health, and labor rights, creating practical strategies to improve working conditions.Application of Advanced Tools and Interdisciplinary Methods
By using sophisticated software such as Climate Consultant, RayMan Pro, EnergyPlus, and thermographic profiling, Dr. Bera has innovatively combined quantitative modeling with field research, enabling evidence-based, energy-efficient design solutions tailored for tropical and coastal environments.Community-Centric and Collaborative Innovation
Beyond academic research, his leadership in grassroots projects with NGOs like the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society illustrates a commitment to socially inclusive innovation that empowers vulnerable communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges.Contribution to Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building
His active role in international symposia, faculty development programs, and cross-disciplinary collaborations highlights his dedication to spreading innovative ideas, fostering new knowledge networks, and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and sustainability practitioners.