Q: What “day to day” type activities that you do?
Currently, I am focused on my systematic literature review where I read published papers, extract information according to my objectives, and summarise the information. Occasionally, I visit the glasshouse at Burnley to monitor the soil seed bank germination and identify and count the emerging seedlings from the soil seed bank.
Q: What pathway did you take to get into the research?
My academic journey commenced with a bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in Plant science, followed by a master’s degree in Biodiversity and Environmental Management in Nepal. After my master’s, I was involved in research related to natural resource management, scientific forest management, and biodiversity assessment which sparked a desire to broaden my research skills, leading me to apply to FLARE.
Q: How will your work impact real world management decisions?
My research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how different fire regimes components affect understory plant diversity and composition in temperate forests through systematic literature review, an analysis of fire effects on understory diversity and composition in both extant and soil seed bank. This project will provide robust evidence for policymakers and land managers to design fire management strategies that support ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation. My research could help prioritize protection and restoration efforts for the most affected species.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing that you have done during your masters?
During my master’s, I had the opportunity to gain enormous knowledge and skills. I was able to get research funding from the University Grant Commission (UGC) to fund my research project which led me to do fieldwork in high altitude in Nepal. The work is insightful to policymakers to understand how changing climate affects one of Nepal’s most useful plants in the temperate zone.
Q: What is one thing to look for in a supervisor?
The most important aspect to look for in a supervisor is their mentorship style and commitment to student development. A good mentor looks like someone who shows genuine interest in academic and professional growth of their student. Fortunately, I am receiving support and mentorship from one of the best supervisory teams, I am always grateful to all my supervisors for their support and constructive and timely feedback.
