Ms. Aishwarya Fadnavis | Construction Management | Women Researcher Award
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Washington, United States
Aishwarya Fadnavis is a pre-doctoral teaching associate and Ph.D. candidate in Construction Management at the University of Washington, with international industry experience in project management, architectural design, and sustainable construction practices across India, the UK, and the US. Passionate about innovative construction technologies, lean project planning, and educational mentorship, she has contributed significantly to undergraduate teaching and low-carbon initiatives. Her multidisciplinary background combines architecture, project planning, data analytics, and supply chain efficiency, making her a dynamic force in shaping the future of the construction industry. She is committed to advancing women in STEM through mentoring and outreach programs while actively pursuing impactful research in off-site construction and procurement strategies.
Profile
Education
Aishwarya is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Construction Management at the University of Washington (2022–Present), focusing on lean construction, project delivery methods, procurement systems, and construction technology adoption; she’s adept in game theory, simulation, cognitive mapping, Python, and Java. She holds an MS in Construction and Project Management from Queen’s University, UK (2017–2019), where she specialized in project scheduling, budgeting, and facilities management, also working as a research assistant in planning and cost control. She earned her B.Arch. from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, India (2012–2017), emphasizing sustainable design, high-rise construction, and 3D visualization, and mastered AEC tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, MS Project, and Bluebeam.
Experience
With a blend of academic and industry roles, Aishwarya’s career spans multiple countries and roles: Currently a Pre-doctoral Teaching Associate II at the University of Washington since 2022, she teaches and assists courses in digital tools, construction equipment, and sustainable methods while innovating collaborative curriculum formats. She worked as a Cost Estimating and Space Data Analyst at UW Facilities in 2023, contributing to analytical tools and low-carbon solutions. Previously, she managed large-scale commercial and residential projects as Project Manager at Access Building Contractors Ltd., UK (2018–2022). She began her professional journey as an Architectural Designer with Raja Aederi Consultants in India (2016), focusing on high-rise designs, campus planning, and resilient urban development.
Awards and Honors
Aishwarya received the Excellence in Teaching Award in Seattle for her innovative methods and mentorship in construction education. As a delegate at the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (Boston), she led initiatives to empower women in STEM. She actively mentors high school students through DECA and Washington Business Week, promoting leadership and strategic thinking. She volunteers with the National Association of Women in Construction in Seattle, leading hands-on STEM experiences for girls. Her recognitions reflect both technical competence and a strong commitment to inclusivity, education, and the advancement of underrepresented groups in the construction and engineering domains.
Research Focus
Aishwarya’s research centers on improving construction procurement and project delivery through lean principles, off-site construction, and integrated design. Her work explores risk management, compensation structures, supply chain optimization, and reduction of construction waste using quantitative and qualitative methods. She integrates simulation, game theory, cognitive mapping, and programming (Java, Python) to build decision-support models for sustainable and efficient construction practices. Aiming to address real-world challenges in technology adoption and collaborative performance, her interdisciplinary approach links innovation, systems thinking, and environmental responsibility in construction management. Her ongoing Ph.D. research is geared toward driving policy and practical changes in the built environment industry.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Fadnavis is an excellent candidate for the Women Researcher Award, demonstrating leadership in sustainable construction research, education, and advocacy for women in STEM. Her diverse experiences, innovative mindset, and technical strengths align well with the award’s purpose. As she continues to publish and expand her academic footprint, she is positioned to make lasting contributions to the field of construction management and beyond. With enhanced visibility of her scholarly outputs and broader research dissemination, she has the potential to become a recognized leader in her domain.
Publication
Title: Success and Failures of Crossing Facilities for Pedestrians
Author: A. Fadnavis
Year: 2015
Citation: 3
Title: Construction of Big Dams Affecting Lives of Vulnerable People versus Prototype of Development
Author: A. Fadnavis
Year: 2015
