Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar | Marketing | Research Excellence Award 

Mr. Shashank Singh Pawar, Goa Institute of Management, Goa, India

Shashank Singh Pawar is a PhD (FPM) Scholar in Marketing at the Goa Institute of Management, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropomorphism, and Consumer Behavior. With over eight years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor, his research explores the psychological and behavioral impacts of AI avatars and immersive technology. He has published in top-tier journals such as Computers in Human Behavior and actively contributes as a reviewer for reputed publications. Shashank has presented at leading national conferences and has been recognized for both academic and pedagogical excellence.

Author Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Shashank Singh Pawar began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from RGPV University, Bhopal, in 2011. His inquisitive mind and inclination towards systems thinking led him to pursue a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Management at the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET-DAVV), Indore, graduating in 2013. His foundation in engineering instilled a problem-solving mindset and analytical rigor, which would later shape his interdisciplinary research interests. During these formative years, Shashank not only excelled academically but also demonstrated early signs of leadership and innovation — traits that would define his future academic and professional trajectory.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

After completing his master’s degree, Shashank embarked on a professional teaching career, joining the Chameli Devi Group of Institutions in Indore as an Assistant Professor in 2013. Over eight years (2013–2021), he mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students in various engineering and management subjects. His tenure as a faculty member was marked by a commitment to academic excellence and student development. He actively contributed to institutional events and even served on the core committee for the national conference ETMAES 2016.

In 2021, driven by a passion for deeper academic exploration and research, Shashank enrolled in the Fellow Programme in Management (PhD equivalent) at the Goa Institute of Management (GIM), specializing in Marketing. This transition marked a significant shift from traditional pedagogy to a research-intensive academic environment, where he began focusing on the intersection of technology and consumer psychology.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Shashank’s research interests lie at the crossroads of Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropomorphism, and Consumer Behavior. His scholarly work reflects a keen interest in understanding how consumers relate to and interact with digital avatars and artificial intelligence across generational cohorts. His recent publication titled “From Efficiency to Immersion – Understanding Generational Differences in Avatar Interactions”, published in the ABDC-A ranked journal Computers in Human Behavior, explores how digital avatars impact user engagement differently across age groups. This paper is a significant contribution to the emerging field of avatar-based marketing and human-technology interaction. He has also authored several conference papers, presented at prominent national events like the Indian Academy of Management Conference (INDAM),

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Shashank’s academic excellence and commitment have been widely recognized. At the 9th Indian Academy of Management Conference in 2024, he earned the Best Paper Award (Runner-up), highlighting the relevance and impact of his research on avatar marketing. Earlier in his career, he was honored with the Dronacharya Award for his mentorship in the “Auto India Racing Championship (AIRC-2017),” a national-level go-karting event — showcasing his dedication to practical education and student success. His undergraduate excellence was also acknowledged when he was named Student of the Year in 2011, setting a precedent for continued academic and professional achievement.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond his research publications and teaching, Shashank has contributed significantly to the academic community. He serves as a reviewer for the International Journal of Consumer Studies (ABDC-A, Wiley Publications) and evaluates submissions for major academic conferences like INDAM. His editorial work ensures that scholarly standards are upheld while also giving back to the academic ecosystem that nurtured his growth.

His involvement in organizing the GIM Doctoral Conference in both 2023 and 2025 as a core committee member reflects his commitment to fostering scholarly collaboration and dialogue. Shashank’s influence extends beyond academia into mentorship, where he continues to guide emerging scholars and students.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Shashank nears the completion of his doctoral journey, his academic legacy is already taking shape. With a strong foundation in engineering, a decade of teaching experience, and cutting-edge research in digital consumer behavior, he is poised to become a thought leader in the space of Human-Computer Interaction and AI-driven marketing. Looking forward, he aims to bridge theory and practice by exploring how avatars, AI interfaces, and virtual agents shape consumer perceptions and behaviors. His planned research will delve deeper into the emotional and cognitive dimensions of technology-mediated marketing, contributing to both academic literature and real-world business applications.

✍️Notable Publications