VINITA SURESH NAVALKAR

Editorial professional adept in managing content workflows and enhancing editorial processes with a strong academic background and over a decade of experience in reviewing, science communication, education, and research. . Proven ability to lead editorial teams and drive publication success through meticulous attention to detail and effective communication. Highly reliable and adaptable, excelling in team collaboration and achieving editorial goals.

• Since May 2024, I focused on maintaining efficiency in manuscript processing, while continuing to address ongoing challenges related to backlog management. My primary responsibilities span across the PIC, JRP, and IFS journals, along with several additional tasks contributing to the broader objectives of the editorial team.
• Beyond manuscript handling, I regularly updated fortnightly reports that track the status of manuscripts in PIC, IFS, and five ME Checker journals. This has helped ensure clarity and timely communication across editorial functions.
• In PIC, in addition to my processing duties, I supported several external Associate Editors (AEs) by providing supplementary reviewer suggestions when needed. In total, I provided additional reviewer lists for 8 manuscripts handled externally during this quarter.
• I also contributed to the Biannual Journal Presentations by presenting the PIC Journal statistics report, offering insights into performance metrics and editorial trends.
• I co-authored and completed the internal newsletters for the for two quarters of 2025. The newsletter includes key updates and developments relevant to the Engineering and Material Science team and has been shared within the team.
• Additionally, I presented a session on the use of AI tools to support AEs in conducting pre-peer review checks. This was part of a refresher training course for the EMS team, aimed at improving efficiency and decision-making during the review process.
• I also completed several professional development courses this quarter through Sage Learn. These included the Continuous Feedback course, SharePoint Beginner training, the Code of Conduct module, and courses related to the responsible use of AI.
• Overall, 2024 and first half of 2025 has been a productive and impactful. I have made significant progress in reducing backlogs, upholding quality and ethical standards, supporting editorial colleagues, and contributing to team development and communication efforts. I remain committed to continuous improvement and collaboration in the upcoming quarters.

• Featured in the BBC and Sequoia Films documentary 'Indian Space Dreams,' highlighting AstroSat research at TIFR. Invited to the film's London release and Q&A sessions in December 2019.
• Represented India at the 12th International Olympiad for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Beijing, China, in 2018, and served as a grader for the 10th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Bhubaneshwar in 2016.
• Invited to develop and assess experiments and study materials for Physics and Astronomy Olympiad Selection Camps at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education since 2010.
• Awarded 'Best Poster' by Springer and the Indian Academy of Sciences at the Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Meeting in 2017 for work on the 'Development of Multi-layered Mirrors for future Hard X-ray telescopes.'
• Represented India at the 3rd Azarquiel School of Astronomy in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2012, presenting a comprehensive review of 'Astronomy in India.'
• Honoured by Ramnarain Ruia College for being a topper at the M.Sc. Examination for the academic year 2009-2010. Received the Yamunabai Herlekar Trophy (Best All-rounder Student) for outstanding accomplishments in academics, sports, and fine arts in 2009-2010.

• Pre-Flight Evaluation of the Soft X-ray Telescope Optics aboard AstroSat, Vinita Navalkar et al., J Astrophys Astron, 2020, 42, 103, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12036-021-09754-y
• DarpanX: A python package for modeling X-ray reflectivity of multilayer mirrors, B. Mondal et al., Astronomy and Computing, 2021, 34, 100446, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ascom.2020.100446
• Estimation of constants of thermal radiation using tungsten filament bulb, Vinita Navalkar et al., Phys. Educ., 2020, 56, 015007, https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/abc07d
• Thermal shaping of thin glass panels for hard X-ray telescope optics, V Navalkar et al., J Astrophys Astron, 2019, 40, 24, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12036-019-9592-3
• Soft X-ray Focusing Telescope Aboard AstroSat: Design, Characteristics and Performance, Singh, K.P. et al., J Astrophys Astron, 2017, 38, 29, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12036-017-9448-7
• In-orbit performance of SXT aboard AstroSat, Kulinder Pal Singh et al., SPIE, 2016, 9905, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 99051E, 10.1117/12.2235309

In my spare time I like to paint or go out for nature and astrophotography