Originating from the remote district of Humla in northwestern Nepal, a country that lies in the Global South — renowned for its rich natural and cultural heritage, I developed an innate affinity with nature from an early age. Growing up in one of Nepal’s most geographically isolated regions, disconnected by road infrastructure and with limited access to formal educational resources, I faced significant barriers in pursuing my passion for learning about the natural world.

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Determined to overcome these challenges, I moved to Kathmandu to pursue higher education. I completed my Bachelor’s in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, where I explored subjects ranging from forest management and wildlife conservation to climate change. My undergraduate dissertation, Ecological and Temporal Assessment of Himalayan Rangelands: A Case Study from Annapurna Conservation Area, funded by WWF Nepal, marked the beginning of my research career in ecology and conservation.

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I then pursued a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Development at Nepal Open University, focusing on natural resource management, human–wildlife conflict, and global environmental change. My master’s dissertation, Diversity and Distribution of Wild Cats in Madane Protected Forest, Nepal, provided new insights into the status of felids in the mid-hills of Nepal and was supported by WWF Nepal and USAID.

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Professionally, I have worked as a Wildlife Biologist at Third Pole Conservancy (TPC), leading projects on community-based conservation and climate adaptation in Nepal’s remote regions. I have served as Project Leader and Principal Investigator of two Rufford Foundation Small Grants, promoting biodiversity conservation in Lower Humla, my home district. I am also a member of the Rusty-spotted Cat Working Group, where I contribute to global efforts to conserve the world’s smallest wild cat. Previously, I worked with KIRDARC Nepal as Project Officer on the SAAMARTHYA Project, integrating climate change, livelihoods, and community resilience.

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Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Integrative Biology at the University of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, under the mentorship of Dr. Nicola M. Anthony. My doctoral research focuses on urban wildlife ecology and human–wildlife coexistence.  I also serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, contributing to undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

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Beyond academia, I am deeply passionate about wildlife photography, documentary filmmaking, and storytelling as tools for conservation awareness. My work and photography have received recognition, including the 2022 International Mountain Day Photo Contest (FAO/Mountain Partnership), and media coverage in platforms such as Mongabay and the Rusty-spotted Cat Working Group’s Partner Spotlight.

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With a robust foundation in landscape ecology, natural resources management, and community-based conservation, I remain committed to advancing ecological research while bridging science with local communities to promote coexistence and sustainable development.