Nupur's previous experience includes working on themes like sea turtle ecology and hatchery management, ecotourism and coral reef ecology. Formerly, she was Project Manager of the Area-based Management & Coral Reef workstream of the Marine Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, India (WCS India) and Research Assistant at Dakshin Foundation.

We spoke with Nupur about her work, the learnings and challenges on her journey, and more.

What sparked your interest in conservation?

Growing up surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Northern India, combined with an interest in zoology, motivated me to pursue conservation studies. This passion culminated in my master’s dissertation, for which I compared hatching success and hatchling fitness between in situ and ex-situ sea turtle conservation measures, igniting a lasting interest in turtle ecology and conservation.

Through my studies, I also realised that conservation extends beyond a single species or habitat; it encompasses social, economic, political and many other vital elements- an ever-evolving challenge that continues to captivate my intellect.

What drew you to pursue sea turtle ecology for your PhD?

Sea turtle research and conservation has defined my career, becoming my ‘comfort zone’. However, the field of ecological research is vast, and I was eager to expand my scientific and analytical skills.

Fortunately, my PhD focuses on the spatial ecology of turtles -an area in which I had no prior experience- opening a whole new world of ecological and statistical concepts that can be applied to study other migratory species.

What have been some of the learnings and challenges on your professional journey so far?

As a natural scientist, one of the key lessons- and challenges -has been staying informed about disciplines beyond ecology. Focusing solely on ecological research can be limiting, especially in the diverse field of conservation sciences, which is a melting pot of many disciplines!

Another important lesson was the need for effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including policymakers, local communities and fellow scientists. Such collaborations can provide a holistic perspective, optimise resource use and improve outcomes.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a life in conservation?

While the photos may look pretty, real life seldom is. Like any profession, conservation can be tough, but adaptability, a willingness to develop new skills, and staying updated on the latest studies in the field can help overcome many challenges. Equally important is finding ‘your tribe’ or building a network of supportive and inspirational peers and seniors. A healthy and supportive work environment can do wonders for your productivity, professional growth, and well-being.

What plans next? How do you envision contributing to the field?

My plan for the next few years is to refine my academic skills through the PhD while exploring new research questions in sea turtle spatial ecology. My research focuses on the interactions between sea turtles and their habitats, providing interesting insights into their behaviour. I am excited to share my findings over the next few years and contribute to sea turtle ecology in the Indian Ocean.