Past Trainees
Ajay Singh
Research Trainee
Current affiliation: FAO Ajay Singh is a natural resource management and biodiversity specialist with over a decade of experience in landscape-scale conservation, ecological restoration, and geospatial modelling. He is currently affiliated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), where he supports restoration planning, soil and water conservation, and spatial prioritization across diverse Indian landscapes. He previously worked with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), contributing to integrated landscape management and biodiversity conservation planning in central India. Ajay is completing his Ph.D. in Forestry, with research focused on forest-grassland dynamics and vegetation composition in relation to anthropogenic pressures, particularly fire, grazing, and climate drivers.
Ansha Khapre
Research Trainee
Fergusson College, Pune | Botany I am Ansha Khapre, an M.Sc. Botany student at Fergusson College, Pune, and DST Inspire Fellow, passionate about connecting field ecology with analytical laboratory research. I've worked with CSIR NEERI on heavy metal and microhabitat assessments, and currently I am working on "Intertidal Ecology and Plankton dynamics and their role in Carbon sequestration". As a field assistant at "The Base", I map trees and biodiversity across remote landscapes and in urban areas, sharpening my taxonomy and documentation skills. I enjoy collaborating on sustainability-focused projects where rigorous data, clear storytelling, and ecological insight come together to drive action.
Fizanaj Sheikh
Research Trainee
Current Affiliation : Cluster Assistant in Gondia under the
Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA)
I am Fizanaj Sheikh, holding a Master's degree in
Environmental Science and Technology from, Institute of
Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD), Banaras
Hindu University, Varanasi. My academic & research interests
primarily focus on Biochar Application, Soil health
management, Sustainable & Climate Resilient Agriculture.
During my academic program, I gained hands-on research
experience through a traineeship on "Understanding the
perception of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) and investigating the
3-30-300 rule in Nagpur city", undertaken under the guidance
of Dr. Shalini Dhyani, where I was exposed to field-based
environmental assessment and applied research
methodologies.
Currently, I am working as a Cluster Assistant in Gondia
under the Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA),
a climate-resilient agriculture initiative implemented by
the Government of Maharashtra with support from the World
Bank. My long-term academic goal is to pursue advanced
research and contribute to evidence-based solutions for
sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Krishna Kumar Pandey
Dissertation Work
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
I, Krishna Kumar Pandey, am currently pursuing my research
as a Research Scholar and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at
the Mahamana Centre for Excellence in Climate Change
Research (MCECCR), Institute of Environment & Sustainable
Development, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi,
India, under the supervision of Dr. P. C. Abhilash. I am
enrolled in the M.Phil. programme in Environmental Science
(Environmental Technology) at IESD, BHU, where I secured
78%. I hold an M.Sc. in Environmental Science (Environmental
Technology) from BHU with First Division (81%, 2018), &
B.Sc. degree from Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi
(First Division, 2016), and a Diploma in Biotechnology from
the same institution. .
My research training includes dissertation work at
CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, focusing on biodiversity assessment,
heavy metal profiling of aquatic systems, and microbial
remediation of organic contaminants, under the supervision
of Dr. Shalini Dhyani. I have also received advanced
analytical training through the DST-sponsored STUTI
programme on high-end techniques for molecular, material,
and pollutant analysis (October-November 2022). My research
focuses on plastic pollution in agricultural ecosystems,
particularly assessing its impacts on soil health, plant
growth, and microbial interactions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh,
India. My work investigates microplastic contamination in
soils, its effects on plant morphology and biochemical
responses, and explores bioremediation strategies through
plant-endophyte partnerships.
I have been
actively involved with several international and national
organizations, including IUCN-CEM (Commission on Ecosystem
Management), IUCN-CEC (Commission on Education and
Communication), IUCN-CEESP (Commission on Environmental,
Economic and Social Policy), and the Global Land Programme
(GLP) since 2020. I am also a Life Member of The Global
Academy-Global Goals (2022), the Society for Science of
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (SSCE), the
Foundation for Advancement of Agriculture and Rural
Development (FAARD), and the Fundamental Action and Research
Foundation, India (FARF). I have presented my research
findings at several national and international conferences,
including Hochschulen Fresenius Next Generation University,
Germany (fully supported by a DST Travel Grant), and
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok (fully supported by
IOE-BHU). I was also selected in 2025 by the São Paulo
Research Foundation (FAPESP) to attend the São Paulo School
of Advanced Science (SPSAS). Recently, I won First Prize for
an oral presentation at the Young Leaders Conclave 2024,
organized by the National Institute of Disaster Management
(NIDM), New Delhi. In addition to research, I actively
contribute to academic publishing as an Assistant Editor for
Anthropocene Science (ANPS) and Climate Change and
Environmental Sustainability (SSCE). I have served as Guest
Editor for special issues titled "Microplastics Pollution in
the Soil Ecosystem: Impacts, Challenges for Restoration and
Remediation Strategies" in Land Degradation & Development
(LDD) and "Sustainable Agricultural Intensification for
Agrobiodiversity Conservation, Food Sovereignty, and
Livelihood Security" in Current Research in Environmental
Sustainability (Scopus indexed). .
I am also
actively involved in science outreach and capacity-building
activities, collaborating with the National Academy of
Sciences, India, & the National Academy of Agricultural
Sciences for science popularization initiatives. These
include organizing science exhibitions and model
presentations for school students, conducting workshops and
training programmes for farmers and tribal women, and also,
participating in the SWAYAM Outreach Workshop on the
integration and implementation of SWAYAM courses across
universities and affiliated colleges of Uttar Pradesh,
Haryana, and Delhi, held on 5 January 2025. My passion for
environmental research drives me to develop innovative
solutions for plastic pollution mitigation, including
advanced microplastic characterization techniques, impact
assessment, recycling innovations, and policy-oriented
approaches to enhance plastic circularity in India over the
next decade.
Kusum Jaswal
Dissertation Work
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi
My interest in Himalayan landscapes developed early and
gradually evolved into a commitment to environmental
research. I pursued a Master's degree in Environmental
Management, during which my dissertation on Ecosystem Health
Assessment for Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests in
Uttarakhand was undertaken under the guidance of Dr. Shalini
Dhyani, a phase that shaped my entry into scientific
research.
I am currently a PhD scholar in
Environmental Science at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha
University, Delhi, working at the interface of
climate-induced hazards, ecosystem vulnerability, and
Himalayan resilience. By combining GIS, remote sensing, and
ecosystem assessment frameworks, I aim to generate spatially
grounded insights that support conservation planning and
climate adaptation in ecologically sensitive mountain
regions.
Chandan Das
Trainee
[M.Sc.] Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University | Environmental Science I am a Prime Minister's Research Fellow, and my research area revolves around urban ecology and biodiversity conservation. I am using biodiversity as a cost-effective solution with the inclusion of nature-based solutions and disaster-risk reduction approaches to combat the various environmental critical issues in the urban ecosystem. My research focuses on UN SDG 11 (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal) pertaining to sustainable cities and communities, promoting livable and green development in the cities.
Samadrita Roy
Dissertation Work
Currently Affiliated with One Tree Planted
I am a forestry and environmental management professional
with over 9 years of experience in afforestation,
reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable land-use
initiatives across India and South Asia. Currently serving
as Project Manager: South Asia at One Tree Planted, managing
a multi-million-dollar portfolio of community-led
restoration projects, donor partnerships, and transparent
project delivery. I worked as a Board Member at Livelihood
Care Foundation and as an empanelled Forestry Expert with
the Quality Council of India (QCI) for the Indian Forest and
Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS-PRAMAAN), contributing to
governance, certification oversight, and sustainable
forestry standards.
I aim to bring strong
technical expertise in sustainable forest management, Forest
Stewardship Council auditing, climate change, and monitoring
frameworks, along with extensive experience in stakeholder
consultation, participatory field approaches, and
livelihoods-linked conservation. I am deeply committed to
advancing climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and
socially inclusive restoration outcomes.
Saniya Joshy
Trainee
Currently affiliated with UpEnergy Group
I am an environmental science professional and researcher
with over three years of experience in sustainability,
climate action, and applied environmental research. I hold
an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and have worked on
ecosystem assessment, biodiversity conservation, and
community-based environmental management. My research
includes a peer-reviewed Springer book chapter titled "A
Participatory Stakeholder-Based Approach to Assess the
Drivers and Challenges of Mangrove Loss in Kochi, Kerala,
India," which explores socio-ecological drivers of mangrove
degradation using participatory approaches.
I
have also contributed to academic research on organic
farming, soil health, and environmental management practices
at Mahatma Gandhi University. Currently, I work with
UpEnergy on community-driven decarbonisation and climate
mitigation initiatives
Sayalee Gulhane
Research Trainee
Currently affiliated with The Climate Group and Climate Trends
Sayalee is a public policy professional with an academic
background in public policy and biotechnology, and
experience across research and implementation-oriented
roles. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the
Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, and a Bachelor's
degree in Biotechnology from Priyadarshini College of
Engineering, Nagpur.
Her areas of interest
include climate change, nature-based solutions, adaptation
and mitigation strategies, and land degradation and
restoration policies. She has previously worked as a
Research and Academic Associate at IIM Indore and as a
Research Intern at the National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (NEERI). She is currently working as a
Project Coordinator (Consultant) at the Climate Group and a
Research Associate at Climate Trends.
Surbhi Tilgota
Dissertation Work
Currently positioning as Consultant
I am an Environmental Engineer with over 7 years of
progressive experience in environmental consultancy,
infrastructure and real estate advisory, and regulatory
compliance. My core expertise lies in Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), environmental and forest clearance
facilitation, sand mining projects, and
sustainability-driven decision support for large-scale civil
and mining developments.
I have hands-on
experience managing complex regulatory applications on
platforms such as PARIVESH, preparing District Survey
Reports, EMPs, IEEs, and post-compliance documentation, and
coordinating with statutory authorities to mitigate
regulatory and project risks. My work is strongly supported
by spatial analytics and GIS-based insights, enabling
informed master planning, land-use strategy, and site
selection for infrastructure and real estate projects.
As
part of my M. Tech training, I completed my dissertation
work at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, where I worked on advanced
Species Distribution Modelling in the Trans-Himalayan
regions, gaining exposure to high-end environmental data
modelling, spatial analysis, and scientific research
methodologies.
Alongside technical delivery, I
actively contribute to business development, client
strategy, and stakeholder management, helping organizations
expand project portfolios while maintaining regulatory
integrity. I am proficient in ArcGIS, QGIS, Power BI,
AutoCAD, and spatial data synthesis. I am currently
positioning myself as a consultant within the Infrastructure
& Real Estate domain, where environmental strategy,
data-driven planning, and sustainability intersect.
Dr. Nihal Gujre
Research Trainee (2015)
I am an INSPIRE Faculty in the Environmental Impact
Assessment and Audit Planning (EIAAP) Division at the
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
(NEERI), Nagpur, where I conduct focused research on
riparian biodiversity. I earned my PhD from the Indian
Institute of Technology Guwahati in the interdisciplinary
field of Agro and Rural Technology. I am a gold medalist in
Environment Management and also hold an M.Phil. degree in
Energy and Environment.
With over 10 years of research experience, I have authored
more than 21 publications, including peer-reviewed journal
articles, book chapters, magazine articles, and books. My
research interests include agro-eco technology -
particularly biomaterial applications and arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi - as well as Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), riparian biodiversity, and urban
biodiversity.
I have received several prestigious accolades, including the
Child Scientist Award from the National Children's Science
Congress (2007), the NESA Junior Scientist of the Year Award
(2021), and the SCCE Young Scientist Award (2023). I have
also developed the NEERI Biodiversity Portal and created
innovative e-learning materials on soil sciences, along with
fun-based learning modules for NCERT under the National
Education Policy 2020, contributing to the advancement of
environmental education in India.