I was introduced to wildlife at a young age. I used to help with wildlife rehabilitation from the age of seven, where I was exposed to a wide variety of animals, from birds to snakes and everything in between. It is from there that I developed an interest in wildlife conservation and in birds more specifically. I started birdwatching and decided to continue to learn more about these fascinating creatures. I studied the highly endangered and endemic Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) in New Zealand as part of my Master’s thesis. My thesis covered several topics, namely physiology, breeding biology, hematology, and immunology. One subject area which I am yet to pursue is sexual selection in birds, and I hope one day I get the opportunity. I have briefly worked in Uttarakhand and have also assisted other researchers with their theses both with lab and field work.

I love travelling and exploring, and this project will give me the chance to observe a side of the country which is largely untouched. I feel that by studying the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) and endangered White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) it could benefit and influence the conservation management strategies of countless other species in need in that region.