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Aashra (Asha)

PhD Researcher (Environmental Social Sciences)

University of Minnesota; interdisciplinary research centre

Cohort

3 Himachal Pradesh, India

PhD student at the University of Minnesota working in environmental social sciences. Her work examines Himalayan socio-ecological systems, focusing on how community governance interacts with state-led forestry and restoration programmes. Strongly shaped by her YouCAN education background.

Passion Project

Primary Focus Area

Environmental Justice & Community Engagement; Climate Education & Climate Action

Special Expertise

Environmental governance analysis; participatory mapping; futures thinking; interdisciplinary research

Research-based project exploring how participatory mapping and futures-thinking tools can help Himalayan communities build their own land and restoration plans, enabling more equitable engagement with government forestry programmes.

Communities engaged

Himalayan village communities; youth; elders; community forest groups; policymakers

Pedagogical Style

Participatory, dialogue-based, workshop-driven