I am undertaking PhD on food web structures and temporal dynamics in lakes in the Department of Zoology, University of Otago under the supervision of Dr. Marc Schallenberg, Dr. Carolyn Burns and Dr. Gerry Closs. My study project aim to investigate pelagic food web resilience and potential of biomanipulation techniques to help restore ecological integrity in two eutrophic lakes i.e. Lake Hayes and Lake Johnson. To devise ecologically effective and sustainable biomanipulation techniques we are thoroughly investigating contemporary and historical food web components. We use state-of-the art techniques to determine trophodynamics in lakes food web such as bulk and compound specific stable isotopes (13C and 15N) and fatty acids analysis in combination with traditional technique of consumers gut contents analysis. Alongside the contemporary food web component assessment, we also use paleo-limnological techniques for more in-depth understanding that how species of interest responded to anthropogenic and environmental pressures in the past such as introduction of non-indigenous fish species (Perch and trout species), removal of indigenous fish species (Galaxiids and long fin Eel) and nutrient enrichment.
I am current GLEON Student Association chair for year 2019 and have served the same platform for two years (2017-2018) as co-chair and co-chair elect. I also have worked with World Wide Fund for Nature for six year (2009-2014) as a Senior Conservation Officer in Freshwater Programme and as a Researcher in WasserCluster-Lunz, Austria in Dr. Martin Kainz Lab for a year.