Nishant Tiku
Ph.D. Student in Natural Resources
Gund Graduate Fellow
PRONOUNS he/him
- M.S., Australian National University
- B.S. UPES, India
Area(s) of expertise
- artificial glaciers
- GLOF mitigation
- indigenous knowledge systems
- participatory research
- natural resource management
- ecosystem services
BIO
Nishant Tiku is a PhD candidate at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and a Gund Institute graduate fellow. His research focuses on climate adaptation and community-based environmental initiatives in high-altitude regions. Before joining the University of Vermont, he worked in Ladakh, India, where he served as faculty and managed the Ice Stupa Project at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL).
During his time in Ladakh, Nishant contributed to multi-year action research projects aimed at addressing water scarcity, food security, and climate resilience across the Trans-Himalayas and other mountain regions. These efforts were rooted in participatory design and indigenous knowledge systems, and carried out in collaboration with universities, NGOs, and government agencies. In addition, he contributed to disaster mitigation efforts focused on reducing risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
At UVM, Nishant is interested in exploring how traditional ecological knowledge can be integrated with modern technologies to inform policy and support communities facing environmental challenges. He is passionate about the topics of participatory research, climate justice, and sustainable development.
Bio
Nishant Tiku is a PhD candidate at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and a Gund Institute graduate fellow. His research focuses on climate adaptation and community-based environmental initiatives in high-altitude regions. Before joining the University of Vermont, he worked in Ladakh, India, where he served as faculty and managed the Ice Stupa Project at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL).
During his time in Ladakh, Nishant contributed to multi-year action research projects aimed at addressing water scarcity, food security, and climate resilience across the Trans-Himalayas and other mountain regions. These efforts were rooted in participatory design and indigenous knowledge systems, and carried out in collaboration with universities, NGOs, and government agencies. In addition, he contributed to disaster mitigation efforts focused on reducing risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
At UVM, Nishant is interested in exploring how traditional ecological knowledge can be integrated with modern technologies to inform policy and support communities facing environmental challenges. He is passionate about the topics of participatory research, climate justice, and sustainable development.
Advisor: Bindu Panikkar