I came from little landlock country in the Himalayas called . Before coming to New Zealand in 2022, I was working as a lecturer at . I am an invertebrate enthusiast and has developed sustained passion to study invertebrate taxonomy.聽 My research focuses on areas of systematics, phylogeny, and evolutionary ecology.
PhD research
My PhD research primarily focuses on the phylogeny and phylogeography of well-known and widely distributed camel crickets (Rhaphidophoridae). Globally, the family comprises nine subfamilies, three of which are found in Asia鈥揳ccounting for more than 50% of the global camel cricket diversity. Despite this, the phylogeny and evolutionary history of Asian camel crickets remain significantly underexplored compared to the Mediterranean and Southern Hemisphere lineages. Therefore, in my PhD project 1) I aim to explore camel cricket diversity in Bhutan, through extensive fieldwork in natural caves and forest. This will involve discovery of potentially new species using traditional taxonomy and molecular techniques. 2) Reconstruct the evolutionary relationships and historical biogeographical patterns of Asian camel crickets. By analysing complete mitochondrial genomes, I seek to uncover lineage origin, divergences and dispersal histories that have shaped this group across the Asian continent. 3) I will also investigate population-level genetic structure and gene flow in both cave-dwelling and arboreal camel cricket species. This comparative analysis spans geographically distinct regions including New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and North America, with the goal of understanding intraspecific genetic variation, local adaptation, and the role of geographic isolation in shaping population differentiation. I would also like to examine the evolutionary ecology of alpine New Zealand camel cricket species using ecological niche modelling and genetic analysis to interpret their historical range shifts, ecological tolerances, and responses to past climatic shifts. This will also allow projections of potential distribution changes under future climate scenarios, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of these insects.
Chronogram of Rhaphidophoridae focusing on Asian lineages inferred by Bayesian analysis of 13 protein coding genes calibrated with fossil and secondary calibration points and a relax molecular clock. Calibration (1) fossil Aboilus, (Porphalangopsidae) at approximately 172 Mya and (2) secondary calibration point at 160 Mya as node age of Macropathinae and Aemodogryllinae+Rhaphidophorinae.
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A new species of Rhaphidophora from Bhutan.
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Qualifications
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education - Royal University of Bhutan Samtse College of Education:聽Samtse,聽Samtse,聽BT
Master of Science / Forestery - Forest Research Institute Dehradun:聽Dehradun,聽Uttarakhand,聽IN
Bachelor of Science / Biology - Royal University of Bhutan Sherubtse College:聽Kanglung,聽Trashigang,聽BT
Publications
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