Dr. Sumit Zanje, Florida International University, United States
Dr. Sumit Zanje is a distinguished civil and mechanical engineer specializing in stormwater management, hydrology, and product design. Currently, he serves as a Lead Civil Project Engineer at COSMOS Technologies, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA, where he spearheads innovative stormwater modeling projects for municipal compliance and optimization. Dr. Zanje earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Florida International University, where he conducted groundbreaking research on flood mitigation and sewer eruption control. With interdisciplinary expertise, he has secured four design patents in marine and transportation sectors and led prestigious projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Zanje has received numerous accolades, including EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge awards and the Dissertation Year Fellowship. As a mentor, he has inspired the next generation of engineers in hydrology and fluid mechanics, exemplifying excellence in research, teaching, and project execution. His impactful contributions continue to advance sustainable engineering solutions globally. 🌍
Professional Profile
Suitability for Award
Dr. Sumit Zanje exemplifies the essence of the Best Researcher Award through his unparalleled contributions to civil engineering and interdisciplinary research. His NSF-funded project valued at $329,733, coupled with his four design patents, highlights his innovative prowess in addressing complex engineering challenges. Dr. Zanje’s leadership in stormwater management, demonstrated through his work with ALCOSAN’s GROW program, has significantly advanced sustainable urban planning. His academic achievements, including pioneering research in flood mitigation and sewer eruptions, have been internationally recognized with multiple EPA RainWorks Challenge awards. Additionally, his commitment to mentoring future engineers and fostering collaboration underscores his dedication to the field. With a robust portfolio of impactful projects, esteemed recognitions, and contributions to both research and industry, Dr. Zanje’s outstanding career aligns seamlessly with the vision of the Best Researcher Award. 🏆
Education
Dr. Sumit Zanje’s academic journey reflects an unwavering dedication to engineering excellence. He earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Florida International University (2023), where he developed innovative flood mitigation strategies and advanced sewer system models. During his tenure, he also completed an M.S. in Civil Engineering (2021). His earlier academic pursuits include a Master of Engineering in Design Engineering from Birla Institute of Science and Technology, Pilani (2017), and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai (2014). Dr. Zanje’s diverse educational foundation has equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise spanning civil and mechanical engineering. Complementing his technical acumen, he has pursued certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and FE Mechanical accreditation, enhancing his proficiency in system design, optimization, and simulation. This robust educational background underpins his capacity to tackle complex engineering problems and foster innovative solutions. 🎓
Experience
Dr. Sumit Zanje’s career embodies excellence in engineering and research. Currently a Lead Civil Project Engineer at COSMOS Technologies, he leads stormwater modeling initiatives and evaluates municipal Green Stormwater Infrastructure projects. At VPS Development Partners LLC, he managed hydropower prototype development and project designs, showcasing his leadership in interdisciplinary engineering. As a Graduate Researcher at Florida International University, Dr. Zanje pioneered methodologies to mitigate sewer geysers and developed hydraulic models, earning recognition through publications and awards. Earlier, as a Simulation & Design Engineer at Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., he contributed to sustainable product design, filing four patents in the marine and transportation sectors. His teaching tenure at BITS Pilani emphasized mentoring students in advanced engineering concepts. Across these roles, Dr. Zanje has consistently demonstrated expertise in project management, innovation, and collaboration, making him a leader in his field. 🌟
Awards and Honors
Dr. Sumit Zanje has been recognized with numerous prestigious accolades for his exceptional contributions to engineering. Highlights include winning First Place at the 2019 EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge (Master Plan Category) and Second Place in its 9th annual edition, showcasing his leadership in sustainable urban design. He earned the Dissertation Year Fellowship Award (2022), reflecting the significance of his Ph.D. research on flood mitigation. His inventive prowess is evidenced by four design patents in marine and transportation sectors. Additionally, Dr. Zanje has achieved certification as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and FE Mechanical Engineer, underscoring his technical excellence. His dedication to engineering innovation and sustainability has earned him both national and international recognition, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader. 🏅
Research Focus
Dr. Sumit Zanje’s research focuses on sustainable stormwater management, flood mitigation, and advanced product design. His innovative work includes developing CFD models for sewer systems, pioneering retrofitting methods to mitigate sewer geysers using Wire Mesh Sensors and Particle Image Velocimetry, and creating first-of-its-kind field-scaled experimental facilities. His expertise spans hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, Green Infrastructure design, and numerical analysis using advanced tools like HEC-RAS, OpenFOAM, and COMSOL Multiphysics. Dr. Zanje’s interdisciplinary approach bridges civil and mechanical engineering, addressing pressing urban and environmental challenges. His research has resulted in five publications and significant contributions to water resource engineering, including strategies for floodplain mapping and waterway restoration. Through his work, Dr. Zanje continues to advance sustainable engineering solutions, cementing his position as a visionary researcher. 🌊
Publication Top Notes:
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Siphon Break Phenomena Associated with Pipe Leakage Location
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CFD Modeling of Storm Sewer Geysers in Partially Filled Dropshafts
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A Feasibility Study on Harvesting Rainwater from Large Solar Panel Canopies to Supplement Makeup Water for Cooling Towers by Using Remotely Controlled and Self-Cleaning Rain Cistern
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Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Small Scale Storm Sewer Geyser
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Modeling and Simulation of Compact Feeder Pillar System