From Humble Beginnings to a Promising Future....

Growing up in the rugged mountains of Bhutan, surrounded by the lush forests that define our nation’s beauty and resilience, I was always drawn to nature. What began as childhood curiosity eventually evolved into a calling, a commitment to understand, protect, and speak for the silent witnesses of time: our trees.

My academic journey started at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Forestry. There, I was introduced to the world of forest science, biodiversity, and conservation. But it wasn’t until I discovered dendrochronology: the study of tree rings, that I found the lens through which I could truly view the past, present, and future of our forests.

In 2021, I was honored to rank 1st in the Bhutan Civil Service Examination, a milestone that opened the doors for me to serve my country as a Forestry Officer under the Department of Forests and Park Services. This opportunity allowed me to join the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), where I now lead the Tree-Ring Laboratory. Through my work, I’ve measured and analyzed over 4,000 tree-ring samples, contributing to national reports, such as the Bhutan State of Forest Report 2023, as well as my publications.

Dendrochronology has become more than a field of study for me; it's a way to decode the environmental stories of Bhutan’s landscapes. I’ve led climate risk assessments for the Vanishing Treasures Landscape Project, collaborated with UNEP and EURAC Research, and helped develop forest-based enterprise plans through partnerships with AFoCO. Whether it's studying climate sensitivity in Pinus wallichiana or analyzing habitat challenges of the Himalayan Newt, each project adds depth to my understanding of how forests and communities coexist.

In 2024, I received the Agnese N. Haury Fellowship in Tree-Ring Research from the University of Arizona, further deepening my experience in global dendrochronological research. This journey continued in 2025 with a Graduate Research Assistantship at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, where I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources.

Teaching has also been a cornerstone of my work. At UWIFoRT, I’ve trained certificate course students in forest inventory, GIS, and ecological monitoring. These sessions are more than just classes; they’re my way of passing the torch to the next generation of Bhutanese foresters.

Alongside academic and field research, I’ve proudly contributed to various technical reports, journal articles, and community-driven initiatives focused on sustainability, climate resilience, and value-chain development. I hold certifications in drone operations, conservation law enforcement, and statistical analysis in R, and I serve as Bhutan’s NASA GLOBE Deputy Country Coordinator, mentoring young learners across the country.

Looking back, my journey from the forests of Bhutan to international research labs has been driven by one thing: purpose. A purpose rooted in the belief that Bhutan’s forests are not just national treasures, they are global archives of resilience, history, and wisdom.

As I continue my academic and professional journey, I remain committed to bridging the gap between science and policy, nurturing young minds, and championing the conservation of our fragile ecosystems.

Because from humble beginnings… always comes a promising future.

Chungdu Tshering

Forestry Officer, UWIFoRT

Master's Student, UGA