Faculty Profiles

Dr. Purna P. Chapagai is a Lecturer and Head of the Department of Sustainable Development at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan. He holds a PhD in Climate Studies, an MDP in Sustainable Development from TERI University, and a BEd in Secondary Science. A published researcher in climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Chapagai actively supervises undergraduate and master's dissertations. His contributions have been recognized with a Merit Certificate from His Majesty the King of Bhutan for academic excellence and 10- and 20-Year Civil Service Medals.

Ms. Sunita Uroan is an Associate Lecturer and Programme Leader for the B.Sc. in Sustainable Development at the College of Natural Resources, Lobesa, where she also advises the Earth Guardian Club. She holds a Master’s in Development Practice from CNR and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from Sherubtse College. A former National Consultant for UNDP, UNICEF, and the World Bank, her work and research focus on climate resilience, watershed management, environmental impact assessment, and community empowerment.

Dr. Rekha Chhetri is an Assistant Professor at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan where she has taught since 1998. She received her degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in India, Master of Science in Soils and Environmental Pollution from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, and her PhD in Agriculture from Khon Kaen University in Thailand. Her research interests are in the areas of sustainable farming, climate-smart agriculture, organic agriculture sustainable livelihoods, seed systems, women and food security,  soil-plant nutrient relationships, leaf litter nutrient dynamics and forest soils. Currently, she has been exploring the new areas of study around the changing practices around food traditions in Bhutan.

Dr. Tandin Gyeltshen is a Lecturer and the current Dean of Student Affairs at the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan, based in Punakha. He holds a PhD in Agriculture from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and postgraduate degrees in English Literature and Dzongkha. With over two decades of diverse experience in academia, administration, and development work, Dr. Tandin has served in multiple leadership roles, including Head of Department, Programme Leader for the BSc in Sustainable Development, and Coordinator for International Students and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. He currently teaches modules on Dzongkha Communication, Bhutanese Society and Culture, Academic and Analytical Skills, Public Policy, and Entrepreneurship Development.

Dr. Tshotsho is a Lecturer at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science (2020–2024) and has been serving at CNR since 2017. His teaching responsibilities include courses such as Fundamentals of Economics, Agribusiness and Marketing, and Development Economics. He has contributed to several research and consultancy projects, including serving as Course Director for group management and marketing training under MoAL, funded by the EU-TCP in 2019. His research publications focus on agricultural development and farmers’ cooperatives in Bhutan, with works published in the Bhutanese Journal of Agriculture and the Centre for Sustainable Mountain Agriculture.

Mr. Tashi Dendup is a faculty member at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, where he teaches and conducts research in Entrepreneurial Economics, Development Economics, and Agricultural Economics. With expertise in social science research methods and statistical analysis, he is proficient in data analytics using R, SPSS, and JASP. Driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications, his work focuses on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agricultural practices in Bhutan. Through his research and teaching, he strives to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful economic and social transformation in Bhutan.

Mrs. Serki Wangmo joined the College of Natural Resources (CNR) as Assistant Lecturer in 2015. Since her recruitment to the college, she has contributed in various capacities in teaching and supervising the research projects. Besides, she has shouldered additional responsibilities such as the Seminar coordinator, Programme Leader of the BSc Sustainable Development and membership in committees. She has also worked in some of the research projects as co-principal investigator. She is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Sustainable Development in the College.

Mr. Chimmi Dorji is a seasoned educator in Buddhist studies with over two decades of experience across Bhutan’s leading academic institutions. He earned his B.A. in Madhyamika Buddhism and M.A. in Buddhist Philosophy from Tango Buddhist University, where he began his teaching career (1998–2011). After teaching Buddhist philosophy, history, and Dzongkha at Sherubtse College, he joined the College of Natural Resources in 2019. Respected for his calm demeanor and dedication to cultural preservation, he remains a key figure in higher education.

Miss. Neeta is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sustainable Development at the College of Natural Resources, where she joined in 2024 after earning her B.Sc. in Sustainable Development from the same institution. She teaches modules on sustainable infrastructure, natural resource management, and introductory sustainability while serving as the department's Field Attachment Coordinator and Advisor for the Integrity Club. Beyond teaching, Neeta actively contributes to academic and community initiatives—including serving as registrar for an international conference on climate resilience, facilitating summer programs for international students, leading field enumeration work, and publishing research on entrepreneurial intent.