Dr. Purna Prasad Chapagai
Lecturer & Head of Department
Department of Sustainable Development
Purna P. Chapagai (PhD) is a lecturer and the Head of the Department of Sustainable Development at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan. Dr. Chapagai completed his BEd in Secondary Science (2000–2004), a master’s in development practice (MDP) in Sustainable Development from TERI University, New Delhi (2010–2012), and PhD in Climate Studies (2022–2025). Dr. Chapagai has contributed to multiple research publications focusing on climate change, food systems, and agricultural practices in Bhutan. He has also co-authored several research work, case studies and book chapters. In addition to his research, Dr. Chapagai supervises undergraduate and postgraduate theses, including B.Sc. Sustainable Development, B.Sc. Environment and Climate Studies, and masters’ dissertations. He has participated in numerous international trainings and workshops, such as the POLLEN Conference in Sweden (2024), Climate Action Training in Kathmandu (2024), and the Right Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship Training in Thailand (2018). Dr. Chapagai is a recipient of several awards, including a Bronze Medal for 10 Years of Civil Service (2014), a Merit Certificate from His Majesty the King of Bhutan for academic excellence in his PhD for the year 2022, and a Silver Medal for 20 Years of Civil Service (2024). His research interests include climate change adaptation, food security, sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and project and environment management.
Ms. Sunita Uroan
Associate Lecturer & Programme Leader
Department of Sustainable Development
Ms. Sunita Uroan is an Associate Lecturer at the College of Natural Resources, Lobesa, under the Department of Sustainable Development. She also serves as the Programme Leader for the B.Sc. in Sustainable Development and is the Advisor of the Earth Guardian Club. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Practice from the College of Natural Resources, Lobesa, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Sherubtse College.
She has worked as a National Consultant with UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank, and various national agencies on initiatives focused on climate resilience, inclusive education, sustainable development, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As a dedicated educator and researcher, her areas of specialization include environmental studies, watershed management, and climate change. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Dr. Rekha Chhetri
Assistant Professor
Department of Sustainable Development
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
Lecturer & Dean of Student Affairs
Department of Sustainable Development
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
Lecturer
Department of Sustainable 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
Lecturer
Department of Sustainable Development
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.
Ms. Serki Wangmo
Lecturer
Department of Sustainable Development
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
Lecturer
Department of Sustainable Development
Mr. Chimmi Dorji is a seasoned educator and scholar whose career in Buddhist studies spans more than two decades across Bhutan’s leading academic institutions. He began his academic journey at Tango Buddhist University, where he completed both his B.A in Madhyamika Buddhism and M.A in Buddhist Philosophy, cultivating a deep foundation in Buddhist thought and scholastic tradition. His professional path started at his alma mater, where he taught from 1998 to 2011, shaping the intellectual development of young monks and scholars. In 2011, he joined Sherubtse College, bringing Buddhist perspectives into a liberal arts environment and engaging students with courses such as Buddhist History, Buddhist Philosophy, and Dzongkha Communication. Since 2019, he has served at the College of Natural Resources, where he continues to inspire students through his thoughtful teaching style, dedication to cultural preservation, and commitment to academic excellence. Known for his calm demeanor, rich knowledge, and passion for teaching, Chimmi Dorji remains a respected figure in Bhutanese higher education.
Ms. Neeta Maya Dahal
Assistant Lecturer
Department of Sustainable Development
Neeta is a passionate educator with a deep commitment to fostering sustainable practices and inspiring future leaders in the field of sustainable development. She joined College of Natural Resources as an Assistant Lecturer in 2024. Currently, she teaches modules such as Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Community Based Natural Resources Management, and Introduction to Sustainable Development.
She is actively involved in student life as the advisor for the Integrity Club, promoting ethical practices and integrity within the college community. Currently, she is serving as the Field Attachment Coordinator for Sustainable Development Department in the college. Neeta also contributed to the academic dialogue on sustainability by serving as a registrar at the International Conference on Climate and Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Development and attending the National Conference on Connecting Researchers and Practitioners in 2025. She attended the ToT for AI in teaching and research, Training on Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Environment, and participated in the EUFSTIAT, Five Professional Development Workshop. Additionally, she served as the facilitator of summer school for the students of Oregon State University held in the College of Natural Resources. Neeta has played a vital role in community projects, including serving as one of the Enumerator Leads for the Kigali Project Amendment. Her dedication to research is highlighted by participation in the Annual Student Research Meets held at the college in 2024, where she presented her thesis, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field. Her research publications focus on “Effect of Individual Factors Contributing to Entrepreneurship Intention among TTI Trainees in Khuruthang, Punakha”, with work published in Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Development from the College of Natural Resources. Neeta completed high school at Daga Central School, where her passion for education and environmental conservation first took root. Her professional journey includes an internship at the Loden Foundation, where she gained hands-on experience in community engagement and sustainable initiatives. She was also a contestant in Bhutan Tendrel for Environment Conservation in 2022, further demonstrating her commitment to environmental advocacy. With a strong passion for teaching and a commitment to sustainable development, Neeta continues to make a significant impact in both academia and the community.