Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar , Goa Institute of Management, Goa India.
Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar is an emerging academic scholar with a strong foundation in engineering and management, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marketing at the Goa Institute of Management. His research centers around Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropomorphism, and Consumer Behavior, exploring how digital avatars and AI interfaces influence consumer psychology. With prior experience as an Assistant Professor and a growing presence in reputed academic forums, Mr. Pawar has published and presented pioneering work on generational differences in digital interaction. His participation in prestigious workshops and editorial contributions to leading journals underscore his academic rigor and commitment to the field.
Profile
ORCID
Early Academic Pursuits
Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering, completing his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from RGPV University, Bhopal in 2011. He further honed his analytical and managerial skills by pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management at the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET-DAVV), Indore, graduating in 2013. His educational pathway reflects a clear progression from technical acumen to managerial sophistication, which eventually evolved into a deep interest in consumer behavior and marketing. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. (Fellow Programme in Management) in Marketing at the Goa Institute of Management, where he is actively engaged in research on the human-computer interface and digital consumer psychology.
Professional Endeavors
Mr. Pawar’s academic career began in earnest in 2013, when he joined the Chameli Devi Group of Institutions in Indore as an Assistant Professor. Over eight enriching years until 2021, he played a pivotal role in mentoring students, designing course curricula, and fostering research-driven teaching practices. His passion for education and innovation in pedagogy has been further demonstrated through his participation in advanced teaching workshops and his contribution to academic discourse. His transition from full-time teaching to doctoral research marks a significant shift in his journey, as he now combines academic instruction with a deeper engagement in original research and theoretical exploration.
Contributions and Research Focus
Mr. Pawar’s research is rooted in the interdisciplinary domains of Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropomorphism, and Consumer Behavior. His work explores how technology and human psychology intersect in marketing contexts. His recent publication in Computers in Human Behavior, titled “From Efficiency to Immersion – Understanding Generational Differences in Avatar Interactions”, is a testament to his commitment to uncovering the nuanced ways consumers relate to digital avatars across age groups. He is also actively developing two working papers: one on emotional motives in gifting behavior and another on avatar realism in consumer interactions. These contributions reflect his scholarly dedication to understanding consumer engagement in increasingly virtualized environments.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his academic journey, Mr. Pawar has consistently been recognized for his research aptitude and academic involvement. His paper presentations at prestigious conferences such as the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM), IIM Shillong, and IIM Ranchi underscore the academic community’s acknowledgment of his innovative ideas. Furthermore, his role as a reviewer for the International Journal of Consumer Studies (Wiley, ABDC-A) and for INDAM Conferences reflects his growing stature within the research community. His inclusion in expert-led workshops by luminaries like Prof. Russell Belk and Prof. Giampaolo Viglia further solidifies his standing as an emerging scholar with a future-oriented research vision.
Impact and Influence
Mr. Pawar’s interdisciplinary expertise places him at a critical intersection of marketing, technology, and psychology. By investigating consumer interactions with AI-driven avatars and analyzing generational digital behavior, his work has implications not just in academia but also for digital marketers, designers, and policy makers. His fluency in both qualitative and quantitative research tools, including SPSS and MAXQDA, has enabled him to craft insights that resonate with evolving business challenges. His research informs both theory and practice, offering practical understanding into how modern consumers relate to anthropomorphized digital agents in an AI-mediated world.
Legacy in Academia and Beyond
Through his years of teaching, reviewing, and researching, Mr. Pawar has laid a foundation for future educators and scholars to build upon. His commitment to academic excellence, coupled with a drive for exploring under-researched areas such as avatar realism and digital empathy, ensures that his scholarly legacy will endure. He has inspired students and peers alike with his thoughtful approach to marketing research and a genuine curiosity about how human behavior adapts to emerging technologies.
Future Contributions and Vision
Looking ahead, Mr. Pawar envisions a future where technology and consumer understanding evolve hand in hand. He aims to continue exploring how digital interfaces can become more human-centric, especially in marketing applications. With a solid academic background, active engagement in top-tier journals, and a growing research portfolio, he is poised to contribute significantly to the future of marketing science. His research will likely shape conversations around ethical AI, digital empathy, and consumer trust, reinforcing his role as a scholar of the digital age.
Publication
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar demonstrates strong scholarly promise and a high level of academic integrity, making him a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His focus on emerging intersections of AI, marketing, and consumer psychology aligns with current and future academic priorities. While there remains room for strategic growth in international exposure and output expansion, his trajectory is undoubtedly impressive. With continued momentum, he is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in both academic and applied research arenas. Thus, based on merit, contribution, and potential, Mr. Pawar is indeed highly suitable for recognition through the Best Researcher Award.