V. Shubhalaxmi
Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi has been head of the Conservation Education Centre of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHSIndia) for three years, and has been associated with the BNHS for 17 years.
Dr. Shubhalaxmi began as an administrative assistant and advanced to the position of education officer while completing her master’s degree and PhD in lepidoptery at Bombay University. She was a Fulbright-Nehru Environmental Leadership Program Fellow in 2003 and has progressed in the field of conservation education and entomology through the design and implementation of numerous projects and programs. Dr. Shubhalaxmi has conducted distance learning programs, as well as several camps and workshops. She has developed manuals for teachers and students, and has published several articles and many scientific papers. She is currently writing a field guide to moths and insects of India. With her experience in education and training, Dr. Shubhalaxmi has established a strong support network of volunteers within her organization.
During her Humphrey year, she will investigate the concepts, design, and management of nature education centers in the U.S. Along with visiting a variety of education facilities, she will take part in museum studies courses in exhibition development. She will also take management, education, and communication classes to enhance her leadership skills.