Dr. Alka Sawlikar is an accomplished academician, researcher, and educator with over 25 years of teaching experience in Electronics and Communication Engineering. She is currently serving as Associate Professor (Adhoc) at Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering, Research and Technology (RCERT), Chandrapur, where she has been associated since 2005. Prior to this, she worked as a Lecturer at M.P.C.C.E.T., Bhilai, building a strong foundation in engineering education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated excellence in teaching, curriculum development, research supervision, and academic administration, contributing significantly to undergraduate and postgraduate engineering education.

Research & Academic Contributions

Dr. Sawlikar's research expertise spans Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Network Security, Cryptography, Image Compression and Encryption, Industrial IoT, Energy-Efficient Communication Systems, and Signal Processing. She has published numerous research articles in Scopus-indexed, peer-reviewed, and international journals, with recent work focusing on AI-driven Industrial IoT security, DNA-based homomorphic encryption, and wireless communication security.

Her scholarly contributions include:

• More than 10 journal publications in reputed international journals.
• IEEE international conference publications and several national conference papers.
• Four book chapters, including a Springer publication, on cryptography, multimedia security, IoT, and wireless communication.
• One published patent titled "Hardware Implementation of Secure Message Service Using Symmetric Cryptographic Technique Using Java."

Teaching, Leadership & Academic Service

Dr. Sawlikar has played a vital role in strengthening engineering education through academic leadership and institutional development. Her contributions include:

• Ph.D. Supervisor guiding research scholars.
• Reviewer for the 12th International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering & Technology (ICETETSIP 2025).
• Convener and Coordinator of multiple Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), workshops, hackathons, and technical training initiatives.
• Coordinator of Association of Science Geeks and Research Techies (ASGART) and organizer of student innovation activities.
• Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU).
• Active participation in curriculum design and syllabus development for RTM Nagpur University and Gondwana University.

She has also served extensively as:

• University Question Paper Setter and Moderator.
• External and Internal Examiner.
• Project Evaluator.
• Practical Examination Examiner.

Professional Development & Memberships

Dr. Sawlikar has continuously enhanced her professional expertise by participating in numerous AICTE, ATAL Academy, IIT, ISTE, TEQIP, and MHRD-sponsored Faculty Development Programmes, workshops, and certification courses in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• IoT Applications
• Design Thinking
• MATLAB
• Arduino
• PCB Design
• Innovation Management
• Clean Energy and Sustainability
• NEP 2020 Implementation

She is a:

• Associate Member, The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI)
• Life Member, Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE)

Research Impact & Innovation

Dr. Sawlikar has consistently integrated emerging technologies into engineering education and research. Her work on secure communication, wireless networks, and IoT has contributed to advancements in cybersecurity, intelligent communication systems, and smart infrastructure. Through publications, patents, workshops, and innovation programs, she has actively promoted research culture, interdisciplinary learning, and technology-driven education.

Major Academic Achievements

• Over 25 years of continuous teaching experience.
• Associate Professor with extensive experience in engineering education.
• Published Scopus-indexed and IEEE research papers.
• Published Springer and international book chapters.
• Holder of a published patent in secure communication systems.
• Reviewer for an international engineering conference.
• Organizer of FDPs, hackathons, technical workshops, and innovation activities.
• Active curriculum developer and university academic contributor.
• Ph.D. Supervisor and mentor to engineering students and researchers.

Eligibility for Best Academician Award 

Dr. Alka Sawlikar is highly eligible for the Best Academician Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of her outstanding contributions to engineering education, sustained academic excellence, impactful research in wireless communication, IoT, cryptography, and artificial intelligence, along with her exceptional commitment to curriculum development, faculty mentoring, research supervision, innovation initiatives, professional leadership, and more than two decades of dedicated service in higher technical education. Her balanced achievements in teaching, scholarly research, institutional development, and student capacity building make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious academic honor.