Roha Biotech is innovating alternative packaging to replace environmentally unsustainable styrofoam. We are incubated at IIT Madras, and aim to make a denting impact in the packaging space in the years to come.

My primary role is to work on combating marine wildlife trafficking in India while facilitating sustainable and legal trade in species. I personally undertake this by designing and implementing projects for the protection of marine wildlife and to ensure that trade is not detrimental to the survival of species. A few groups I focus on are, elasmobranchs, sea cucumbers, corals, seahorses, molluscs, horseshoe crabs and seaweed. As a part of the WWF community, all my work aligns with the vision that conservation of wildlife is done through working in harmony with the local communities.

I worked on Central government research projects on seawater quality monitoring under CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography wherein I assisted as a Marine Biologist in the offshore and onshore fieldwork as well as data analysis and research. My core research focus was plankton profiling indicating the health of the ecosystems monitored. Additional to the excellent field skills developed by intensive on-board sailing that I undertook in Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean) for months at a stretch, robust oceanographic data was collected on-board, which resulted in two research publications in Elsevier - Continental Shelf research and Deep sea research.

Working on a marine conservation and education project with Positive Change of Marine life, I conducted a crowdfunding campaign in Kovalam for a plastic-free future in India. I set-up a fundraiser to support the cause, and mitigate the effects through effort, for the communities of Vizhinjam, Kerala. The field-work included generating awareness around open dumping grounds, creating dialogue with the community and providing solutions for the overwhelming problem of plastic waste. This issue was tackled by assisting in the development of a sustainable aquaponic waste management system and installation of segregation bins in the community reducing waste entering the ocean. Additional social involvement with the community during the course of this role included beach clean-ups and waste segregation with the children of SISP (Sebastien Social Involvement Projects), to spread awareness and inspire local community children to uptake marine conservation as a career path and emerge as leaders in the field.

Worked as a marine mammal rehabilitator with hands-on animal care experience with seals at Seal Rescue Ireland. Additionally, conducted awareness and fundraising programs to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic and Eco-bricking workshops with soft plastic.Hands on care included, Flipper tagging of common and grey seal pups, Feeding seals by free feeding and tube feeding. Experienced in giving Intra-muscular and Sub-cutaneous injections to sick animals. Expert rescuer trained for distress calls round the clock.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below water, I worked with Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO, Mauritius) on a community based ‘Barachois’ coastal wetland restoration project in Mahebourg. The internship involved development of the wetland for sustainable ecotourism for the locals. Conducted Marine and terrestrial species survey and installation of descriptive interactive panels in the park. Fundraisers for events and assisting the Project manager with quarterly and annual report writing.