Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Jerald Stuart Feitelson

CEO and Co-Founder, Agrivitae LLC

Jerry Feitelson, Ph.D. is CEO and Co-Founder of AgriVitae LLC, a California-based agricultural biotechnology company commercialising a novel, patent-pending genome-editing target designed to improve crop shelf life, increase yields, and enhance tolerance to abiotic stress. He previously served as CEO and Co-Founder of Agribody Technologies, Inc., where he partnered with innovative seed and farming companies. He has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Scientific Officer at GCEH and Sustainable Oils; Manager of Business Development, Intellectual Property, and Alliances at Beckman Coulter; Vice President of Technology and Business Development at GenWay Biotech; and Research Director at Akkadix. During his tenure at Mycogen, his research group discovered the majority of the currently known Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Research Microbiologist at American Cyanamid and served as an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University. Dr. Feitelson is an inventor on 16 U.S. patents and the author of more than 40 scientific publications. He earned a B.S. in Life Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completed his Ph.D. in Genetics at Stanford University School of Medicine under Nobel Laureate Joshua Lederberg, and conducted NIH-funded postdoctoral research at the John Innes Institute in Norwich, focusing on Streptomyces molecular genetics. There, he cloned the first gene involved in antibiotic biosynthesis with a known biochemical function.

Professor Michael George Kepler Jones

Agricultural Biotechnology, Murdoch University

Michael G K Jones holds a degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in Plant Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge. He is an internationally recognised leader in agricultural biotechnology and a frequently invited speaker at major international meetings. He is a Professor of Agricultural Biotechnology at Murdoch University and the Foundation Director of the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre. He has played a key role in establishing new research centres, including the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation. Professor Jones was a founder member of Life Sciences WA, served as President of the Royal Society of WA, and was a member of the Australian Biotechnology Advisory Council, which advised government ministers on national biotechnology policy. With extensive experience in crop improvement, his current work focuses on New Breeding Technologies and translating research into commercial outcomes. Most recently, he organised a symposium at the Australian Academy of Sciences on gene editing, addressing the science, applications, and implications for international trade.

Mr. Kinzang Thinley

Senior Agriculture Officer, Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Wengkhar

Mr. Kinzang Thinley, currently serving as Senior Agriculture Officer at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Wengkhar, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Mr. Thinley holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from the College of Natural Resources and a master’s degree in international Innovative Agricultural Science from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan. Mr. Thinley leads the field crop research and development initiatives at the centre, especially maize agronomy, varietal evaluation, and sustainable crop management practices. Those initiatives strengthened several research trials and extension initiatives that enhanced the food security of smallholder farmers.

Dr. Shailaja Bhagwanrao Bhosale

Assistant Professor of Botany, India

Dr. Shailaja Bhagwanrao Bhosale is a researcher with a PhD in Organic Farming. She currently works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany. Her work focuses on advancing organic farming practices and spreading organic principles nationwide through scientific research. She has published eight research papers in reputed journals and has recently authored a book titled Organic Farming. With a strong belief that agriculture is transitioning from chemical-based practices to organic systems through innovation and awareness, her work emphasises the development of fully organic farming methods that are environmentally sustainable and beneficial for the globe

Keynote: Associate Professor Phurpa Wangchuk

James Cook University

Associate Professor Phurpa Wangchuk (PhD-Drug Discovery; GradDip-Health Research; M.Sc. Medicinal Chemistry; B.Sc. Biology/Chemistry) is a Team Leader and Head of the Nature-Inspired Drug Discovery Program at the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia. He also serves as an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. He leads nationally funded research focused on discovering nature-inspired therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cancer, malaria, and microbial infections. With over 26 years of experience in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and omics sciences, he has published more than 150 scholarly works and is ranked among the top 0.5% of researchers globally in medicinal plants research. His research integrates traditional medicinal knowledge with modern drug discovery approaches, aiming to develop innovative therapies that address global health challenges, particularly in tropical and infectious diseases.

Shamika Shantaram Sawant

ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, India

Ms. Shamika Shantaram Sawant is a Ph.D. Scholar in the Aquatic Environment and Health Management Division at ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India. She holds M.F.Sc. and B.F.Sc. degrees and has published in reputed national and international journals. She is a recipient of a competitive research grant from the Marine Biological Association of India under Dr. E.G. Silas Small Grants Programme. Her awards include the Dr. C.V. Kulkarni International Travel Award and Prof. H.P.C. Shetty Award. She qualified ICAR-SRF (AIR 3), ICAR-JRF, UGC-NET, ASRB-NET, and GATE, and focuses on aquatic biodiversity and climate change.

Dr. Gerald Paul Turpin

Senior Ethnobotanist, Queensland Herbarium & Biodiversity Science

Gerald Paul Turpin is a Senior Ethnobotanist at Queensland Herbarium & Biodiversity Science. Gerald is an Mbabaram Traditional Custodian of north Queensland, Australia. Gerry has a BSc/Botany and has recently completed a Master of Philosophy (Medical and Molecular Sciences). Gerald manages the Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre (TIEC) at the Australian Tropical Herbarium (ATH), James Cook University, Cairns. Gerry’s current work as a Senior Ethnobotanist entails travelling to Indigenous communities to engage and foster relationships, and to record and document traditional plant knowledge. Gerry also acts as a bridge between Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge and Western Science to bring researchers and other organisations to partner with traditional owner groups in collaborative research. Gerry is also actively mentoring the next generation of indigenous ethnobotanists through the Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre at the Australian Tropical Herbarium.

Professor Vishwambhar Prasad Sati

Mizoram University

Dr. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati holds both Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) and PhD degrees and is currently serving as Senior Professor of Geography and Resource Management and Dean of the School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management at Mizoram University, Central University located in Aizawl. With more than three decades of teaching and research experience, he has made significant contributions to higher education institutions in India and abroad. He has successfully supervised over 15 PhD scholars, published over 170 research papers, authored 40 books, and presented in more than 55 countries. Professor Sati has received numerous national and international awards and fellowships from reputed scientific organisations, including PIFI Fellow, TWAS–CAS Fellow, INSA Visiting Scientist, ICSSR General Fellow, and Visiting Professor.

Thambiliya GS Lahiru Prakash

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka.

Thambiliya Godage Supun Lahiru is a Co-opted Member of the Human–Elephant Coexistence Sub-committee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) recognised as the third-oldest non-governmental organisation of its kind in the world. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Agribusiness Management and a Master of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management. He has been actively engaged as a volunteer environmental activist and freelance environmental journalist. His work has received both national and international recognition, including the United Nations Climate Change: Learn Champions of 2020, an honour awarded by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). His research interests encompass wildlife conservation and management, human–wildlife conflict, and nature-based tourism. His scholarly publications address topics such as human–elephant conflict, illegal trade of wild Asian elephants, and visitor experiences. He is currently a PhD candidate at the College of Forestry, Guangxi University, China.

Mr. Jigme Thinley

M.Sc. Student, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan.

Mr Jigme Thinley is a Senior Forestry Officer with the Department of Forests and Park Services and an M.Sc. candidate in Conservation Biology at the College of Natural Resources (2024–2026), Royal University of Bhutan. He is currently with the Mongar Forest Division (2020–present). His thesis investigates mammal use of Biological Corridor Seven, facing infrastructure and climate challenges, integrating camera traps, sign surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) and human–wildlife conflict surveys. The current study is a part of his thesis. His interests include wildlife, modelling and connectivity studies.

Dr. Marcy Jan Souza

Associate Dean, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, USA.

Dr. Souza earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and completed her veterinary degree at North Carolina State University. Following graduation, she practised in a small animal and exotic pet private practice before joining the University of Tennessee, where she completed a residency in Avian and Zoological Medicine along with a Master of Public Health. Since 2008, Dr. Souza has served as an assistant professor with a focus on public health, including overseeing the veterinary concentration of the MPH program and serving on numerous public health-related committees. In 2022, Dr. Souza moved into the role of Associate Dean for Outreach and Global Engagement. In this role, she has developed international collaborations and study abroad programs, organised continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and oversaw Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) and Veterinary Social Work (VSW), both outreach programs of the college.

Professor Jyoti B Dutta

Assam Veterinary & Fishery University.

Dr. Jyoti Buragohain Dutta is a Professor at the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary & Fishery University. She is actively involved in teaching, diagnosis, control, and prevention of infectious diseases affecting animals and birds, including domestic and wildlife species, with a strong emphasis on the One Health approach. Her current professional work focuses on the diagnosis of rabies in animals, along with strategies for its control and prevention

Dr. Rinchen Tshering

Veterinarian, Royal Civil Service, Bhutan

Dr. Rinchen Tshering is a veterinarian at the District Veterinary Hospital in Punakha under the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. His work is centred at the critical intersection of animal health, national food security, and public health, with a specific focus on managing emerging infectious diseases and building resilient food systems. Looking forward, he is eager to explore the application of genomics and molecular biology as transformative tools to advance animal welfare, enhance public health outcomes, and secure the future of sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Tenzin Wangchuk

National Veterinary Hospital, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan.

Dr. Tenzin Wangchuk is a veterinary surgeon with over 13 years of practical field experience in clinical veterinary services. He currently serves at the National Veterinary Hospital, Thimphu, where his work focuses on small animal surgery, orthopaedic procedures, anaesthesia, emergency case management, diagnostic imaging, and animal welfare. He holds a master’s degree in veterinary surgery and Radiology, with specialisation in orthopaedic and soft-tissue surgery as well as clinical radiological interpretation. Dr. Wangchuk played a key role in Bhutan’s nationwide dog population management programme and proudly contributed as a surgeon and trainer to achieving 100% sterilization and vaccination of free-roaming dogs. He is a Fleming Fund Professional Fellow, actively engaged in national antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and strategy development. His professional interests include evidence-based veterinary medicine, antimicrobial stewardship, animal welfare, and strengthening One Health–oriented veterinary public health systems.

Keynote: Professor Peter Groot Koerkamp

Wageningen University and Research, Agricultural Biosystems Engineering group.

Peter Groot Koerkamp is a Professor and Managing Chair holder in the Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Group at Wageningen University & Research (formerly the Farm Technology Group), where he leads a large academic team comprising more than 20 staff members and over 40 PhD candidates. His areas of expertise include agricultural and biosystems engineering, agricultural systems, animal and plant production systems, environmental engineering and technology, and the design of sustainable production systems. He has extensive experience in manure and nutrient management, gaseous emissions from farming systems, design methodologies, and regenerative agriculture. Professor Groot Koerkamp has successfully supervised 21 PhD graduates, manages major scientific research projects, and has served as Chairman of both the Dutch and European associations of agricultural engineers.

Professor Jelle J P Wouters

Director of Research & Development, Royal Thimphu College.

Jelle J. P. Wouters is an Anthropology Professor and Director of Research and Development at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan. He holds an MPhil (Distinction) in Anthropology from Oxford University and a PhD from North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. Before joining Royal Thimphu College in 2015, he taught at Sikkim Central University and was visiting faculty at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen under the German Research Foundation’s Excellence Initiative. He also serves as Co-Lead of the Himalayan Environmental Humanities Working Group of the Himalayan University Consortium. He has authored or edited eleven books, including In the Shadows of Naga Insurgency (OUP, 2018), Vernacular Politics in Northeast India (OUP, 2022), Subaltern Studies 2.0 (Chicago, 2023), The Routledge Handbook of Highland Asia (Routledge, 2023), Storying Multipolar Climes (Routledge, 2023), and Himalayan Climes and Multispecies Encounters (Routledge, 2024). His research focuses on the affective, spiritual, experiential, terrestrial, and relational dimensions of climate change in Bhutan and the Himalayas, multispecies ethics and justice, and human and more-than-human migration.

Professor Ujang Tinggi

Griffith University, Australia

Dr. Ujang Tinggi is the Acting Chief Chemist of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Queensland Health, Australia. His research interests are in the field of analytical inorganic chemistry, and his areas of expertise include trace element analysis, elemental speciation, metabolism and bioavailability, nutrition and food quality, chemical toxicology and health risk assessment. He has published widely in these areas. Over the years, Dr Tinggi provides training programs and workshops related to chemical analyses in foods and method development for scientists from Southeast Asia and Pacific countries. His Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory provides analytical services to various national and international agencies for chemical analyses in food, soil, water and biological materials for health risk assessment and compliance with standards and regulations. Dr Tinggi is also actively involved with collaborative research projects at the Griffith University, Australia.

Mr. Thinley Gyeltshen

Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer, Agriculture Research and Development Centre

Mr. Thinley Gyeltshen is currently serving as Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Wengkhar, Mongar, under the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, India, and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. His professional work focuses on both research and development of agricultural socio-economic activities, with emphasis on enterprise development, value-chain analysis, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. He is the lead researcher of the mushroom development program at ARDC Wengkhar. His research interests include economic analysis of agricultural enterprises to support evidence-based decision-making, particularly in response to the growing demand from financial institutions for investment appraisal in loan-supported agribusiness initiatives.

Dr. Graham Ambridge

Operations Manager - Designer/Project Developer, YA￾CHATDAC, Australia.

Graham Ambridge is a results-driven professional operating at the intersection of project management, design, education, and skilled trades. With extensive experience across construction, mining, workforce development, and business growth, he delivers strategic outcomes grounded in practical industry expertise and informed by strong cultural awareness and integrity.

Throughout his career, Graham has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within complex and high-performance environments. He navigates diverse stakeholder landscapes with professionalism and respect, ensuring operational delivery aligns not only with commercial objectives, but also with ethical standards, community expectations, and workforce wellbeing.

Graham’s leadership approach is underpinned by accountability, inclusivity, and a deep respect for cultural perspectives within the industries he serves. Graham recognises that sustainable success is built on trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement — particularly across diverse teams, regional communities, and industry sectors where collaboration and shared responsibility are critical.

By integrating academic and technical trade expertise with strategic oversight, he bridges the gap between site-level execution and executive-level decision-making. This dual capability enables him to strengthen systems, elevate workforce capability, and deliver projects that balance performance, safety, and long-term social and economic value.

Graham’s professional ethos is defined by resilience, cultural intelligence, and principled leadership — ensuring that growth, innovation, and commercial success are achieved with integrity and lasting impact.

Mr. Phurba Tamang

Associate Lecturer, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan.

Phurba Tamang is an Associate Lecturer and Programme Leader in the department of Diploma in Civil Engineering Programme at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College. He hold a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, with specialization in Solid Waste Management, Water Quality Management, Air Quality Management, and Waste-to-Energy technologies, particularly biomass. At Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, he leads the Civil Engineering Programme and contribute to advancing sustainable infrastructure development. His key contributions include developing a Timber Engineering course through the APPEAR project to promote eco-friendly construction practices in Bhutan and implementing community-based organic waste management solutions under the BTFEC project, which emphasizes local engagement and practical interventions. His work focuses on addressing pressing environmental challenges, improving resource efficiency in the built environment, and supporting Bhutan’s vision for resilient and sustainable growth.

Suzannw Enid Thompson

Academy of Technology, Sciences and Engineering, James Cook University.

Suzanne Thompson is an Aboriginal leader and cultural knowledge holder with over 30 years of experience across government, community, and industry. Proud of her ancestral bloodlines, she brings together Aboriginal cultural knowledge, and contemporary innovation to advance Indigenous self-determination, economic empowerment, and nature-based economies. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Yambangku Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation (YACHATDAC). She works to redefine social enterprise and culturally appropriate trading models that support transparent, ethical, and sustainable outcomes for Indigenous communities. Suzanne holds leadership appointments, including First Nations Integrity Member of the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee / Carbon Abatement Integrity Committee, and member of the First Nations Advisory Committee for the Future Drought Fund. She also represents Australasia on the International Rangelands Congress Continuing Committee. She was awarded a Fellowship of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) for her leadership in sharing Aboriginal cultural knowledge across disciplines. She is currently leading initiatives in Indigenous land management, carbon farming, and First Foods and Medicines, and establishing the Turraburra Research Institute, an “On Country” research partnership with Queensland University of Technology and key stakeholders.

Mr. Sonam Dorji

Assistant Environment Officer, Department of Water, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan

Mr. Sonam Dorji is an Assistant Environment Officer at Water Resources Management Division (WRMD), Department of Water (DoW) under Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR). He graduated with BSc. Environment and Climate Studies from College of Natural Resources (CNR) in 2025. He is passionate about Water Resources Management and the use of advanced tools such as GIS and hydraulic modeling software to address real-world hazards. He is also passionate about Water Resources Management and the use of advanced tools such as GIS and hydraulic modeling software to address real-world hazards due to changing climate

Dr. MD Shiyan Sadik

Lecturer, North South University.

MD Shiyan Sadik is a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science & Management at North South University, Bangladesh. Trained in Economic Development at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, and in Economics at the University of Dhaka, his work bridges environmental economics, climate policy, and sustainable development. His research interests include green budgeting, climate diplomacy, blue economy, climate migration, and environmental governance. Shiyan is actively involved in policy research and consultancy. Beyond academia, he is a dedicated educator and mentor, committed to student engagement, youth advocacy, and public outreach on sustainability issues. His work emphasizes translating research into policy-relevant insights and empowering the next generation to address climate and development challenges

Dr Nguyen Thi Phan Thu

University of Economics and Business- Vietnam National University

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phan Thu, Ph.D. is a lecturer at the Faculty of Development Economics, VNU University of Economics and Business (UEB), with nearly a decade of experience in higher education. She has a strong and diverse international academic background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in international economics in Beijing in 2012, followed by a master’s degree in financial economics Analysis from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom, in 2014. She completed her Ph.D. in Finance and Banking and specialises in Economic Statistics, Economic Research Methods, and Creative Thinking. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, she is actively involved in mentoring student startups and providing consultancy support for business operations. Her primary research interests focus on economic statistics and the application of quantitative and research methodologies to two-sided markets, particularly within the broader context of digital transformation.

Mr. Sangay Thinley

Chief Economic Development and Marketing Officer, DAMC, MoAL.

Sangay Thinley is the Chief Economic Development and Marketing Officer with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan. He holds a Master’s degree in International Development with a specialisation in Rural Development from Nagoya University, Japan. With extensive experience in local economic development, agricultural marketing, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)–based policy research, he has played a key role in advancing community-based agri-business and tourism initiatives in Bhutan. He is the founder and initiator of several rural and eco-tourism ventures in Chhukha District, and is recognised for introducing the process innovation of “Aggregator Networks” for Agricultural Marketing. Aggregator Network to strengthen farmer–market linkages. His professional interests include community-based tourism, community-based organisations (CBOs), agri-marketing innovation, agri-tourism, rural entrepreneurship, and developing international market linkages for Bhutanese agricultural products.

Professor Mohammad Taj Udin

Bangladesh Agricultural University

Professor Mohammad Taj Udin is a senior academic and researcher in the field of Agricultural Economics at Bangladesh Agricultural University. He has extensive teaching experience across core areas of economics and agricultural economics and has played a key role in mentoring and supervising PhD, MS, and MBA students. His academic work focuses on agricultural production economics, farm management, and applied economic analysis, contributing to capacity building and evidence-based decision-making in the agricultural sector.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Dhakal

Senior Economist

Chandra Shekhar Dhakal is an economist, researcher, Executive Director at EconSphere Consulting Firm, and Vice Chair of the Evaluation Association of Bhutan. He consults for UNDP, the World Bank, ADB, ADBI, UNICEF, and RGoB. From 2006 to 2014, he was Senior Finance Officer at Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance. He has taught economics at the University of Hawaii (USA) and Royal Thimphu College and has conducted research published in international journals. As Interim Economist at UNDP Bhutan (2021-2023), he led the development of policy documents, including Bhutan’s Public Debt Policy 2023 and the 13th Five-Year Plan. He is also a skilled Monitoring and Evaluation facilitator, training and evaluating projects across Bhutan. Chandra holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (USA), and a master’s degree in international and development economics from the Australian National University. His research covers macroeconomics, development, agriculture, Finance and Banking, and environment

Professor Sunanda Bharti

Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Dr. Sunanda Bharti is a Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, India where she has been teaching law for 22 years. She has several published works in Intellectual Property Laws, Jurisprudence around foetal personality and rights, Mediation, contemporary socio-legal issues of relevance and the interface of ethics with all laws. Having been invited to the Oxford Summer School on Animal Ethics twice, first in 2024 and then recently in August 2025, her latest area of interest includes animal law and its interface with intellectual property. Sunanda received the ‘Top 100 Legal Falcons’ Global Award in Dubai LexTalk World Conference in April 2021 for making an impactful contribution through her writings in IP Law. She successfully represented the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, in an International Project –RISHII (Resources for Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions in India) funded by the European Commission under the ERASMUS Scheme. Sunanda is also a Certified Professional Mediator from the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) and has done pioneering research work on ‘Legal Personality of Unborn/Foetus’

Professor Velan Nirmala

Department of Economics, Pondicherry University

Dr. Velan Nirmala served as Professor in the Department of Economics at Pondicherry University for 35 years. She held several academic leadership roles, including Department Chair, Academic Council Member, Court Member, College Inspection Committee Member, DDE Course Coordinator, and Board of Studies Chairperson/Member. She has supervised 16 Ph.D., 39 M.Phil., and 79 M.A. dissertations, presented 135 papers at national and international conferences, and published 84 research papers/chapters and three books. She also completed two ICSSR-funded research projects. During her tenure as Head, she organized 10 conferences, workshops, and symposia, and served on the editorial boards of three Indian journals. Her academic engagements include visits to 23 countries, supported by organizations such as the World Bank and the International Association for Feminist Economists. She is a life member of several national and international professional associations. Most recently, she served as Director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at GITAM University, Bengaluru.