TXST doctoral student awarded prestigious fellowship for conservation research

Pema Khandu, a third-year doctoral student in aquatic resources and integrative biology at Texas State University, has been awarded a fellowship from the WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program. The Fellowships provide financial support for students working on a master's or doctoral degree in conservation or related fields.

Khandu’s research focuses on conserving the white-bellied heron, a critically endangered species in the Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu river basins of Bhutan. There are an estimated 60 individual birds left in the wild, and, while the species occurs in neighboring countries, Bhutan is the last stronghold. Khandu’s dissertation examines nest predation, roost site selection, and habitat assessment in hopes of gathering insights into the preservation of this species and broader biodiversity conservation efforts.

As an international student, he hopes this fellowship will provide him with essential training and mentorship to become a successful researcher in wildlife ecology and conservation, as well as an opportunity to collaborate globally with like-minded people.

Clay Green, Ph.D., Khandu’s research advisor, hosts an Avian Ecology Lab that Khandu joined in Spring 2022.

“Pema's research is very important in increasing our understanding of the threats impacting the species and exploring potential suitable habitat where birds may remain today undetected and/or suitable habitat where captive raised birds could be released into,” Green said. “He is committed to conducting research in his native country, and upon graduation, he would like to return to Bhutan in the hopes of serving as faculty at a Bhutanese university to educate students and conduct research on conserving the incredible biodiversity of Bhutan.”

Khandu’s interest in pursuing a Ph.D. was sparked by his culture and experiences with nature, including being lost in the jungle as a child.

“Our cultural reverence for nature, rooted in Buddhist philosophy and wisdom passed down from our ancestors, taught me the importance of living in harmony with the environment,” Khandu said.

He vividly recalled experiences that deepened his connection to nature, such as visiting national parks in Thailand and Bhutan, and attending courses at TXST, which solidified his commitment to conservation biology and wildlife ecology.

"Earning my Ph.D. from a highly reputed university like Texas State alongside this fellowship will give me the credibility I need to influence policy change and make a difference," Khandu said.

Khandu previously completed a bachelor of science in life sciences from Sherubtse College, under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), followed by a postgraduate diploma in biology from Samtse College of Education (RUB). Later, he pursued a master of science in wildlife biology at the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand.

Currently, Khandu is serving as a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature heron specialist group. 

Khandu’s awards and accolades also include:

• Wildlife Conservation Network Scholarship
• Conservation Nation’s Conservationist Grant
• Graduate College Scholarship at Texas State University
• Thailand’s Education Hub Scholarship

The EFN Fellowship is designed to develop a fundamental mass of outstanding and well-trained scientists, experts, and practitioners involved in conservation education, research, and leadership. Applicants for the EFN Fellowship may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year. The application process is highly competitive, with hundreds of submissions in each category.

Khandu advises future applicants to be prepared, persistent, and learn from application errors by refining responses and enhancing research proposals.

"If you are not successful on your first attempt, try again and again," Khandu said. “I was selected only on my third attempt, and I am truly proud of this accomplishment.”