Mr. Karma Jamtsho | Ecology | Best Researcher Award
PhD Student at ECU, Perth, Australia
Mr. Karma Jamtsho is a dedicated environmental researcher and PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University, Australia, specializing in sustainable interactions between natural and built environments. His doctoral research focuses on the impact of impervious surfaces on urban riparian plant communities, aiming to promote sustainable urban expansion through the Impact Tipping Point model. With a Master’s degree in Botany from Prince of Songkla University, he brings over a decade of experience in ecological research, environmental education, and field-based conservation across Bhutan, Thailand, and Australia. His professional background includes roles as a Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and Environmental Educator, showcasing his versatility and commitment to environmental sustainability. Proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and plant taxonomy, Mr. Jamtsho combines strong analytical skills with practical field expertise. His international exposure and multidisciplinary approach position him as a promising researcher contributing valuable insights to the field of urban ecology and environmental conservation.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Mr. Karma Jamtsho has a strong academic background in environmental science and botany. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Studies at Edith Cowan University, Australia, where his research focuses on the effects of urban development on riparian plant communities. His work aims to balance sustainable urban growth with the conservation of ecological systems. Prior to this, he earned a Master of Science in Botany from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, where he conducted field-based ecological research in collaboration with the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan. His postgraduate studies have equipped him with advanced knowledge in plant taxonomy, ecosystem management, and environmental impact analysis. This educational foundation, coupled with his practical experience, has enabled him to develop a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental challenges. Mr. Jamtsho’s academic journey reflects his dedication to ecological research and his commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices through scientific inquiry.
Professional Experience 💼
Mr. Karma Jamtsho brings extensive professional experience in environmental research, education, and conservation. Currently serving as a Research Assistant at Edith Cowan University, Australia, he is involved in ecological fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting as part of his doctoral research. He also briefly worked as a Laboratory Technician, supporting scientific investigations through sample preparation and lab-based analyses. Prior to his academic role in Australia, Mr. Jamtsho served as an Environmental Educator under the Ministry of Education in Bhutan for over eight years, where he integrated environmental awareness into school curricula and community programs. His early career included work as a Graduate Student Researcher with the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan and Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, conducting biodiversity assessments and conservation studies. His diverse roles across research, education, and applied ecology demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable environmental practices and have provided him with valuable interdisciplinary and cross-cultural professional experience.
Research Interest 🔬
Mr. Karma Jamtsho’s research interests lie at the intersection of urban ecology, environmental sustainability, and plant biodiversity. He is particularly focused on understanding how urbanization, specifically the spread of impervious surfaces, affects riparian plant communities and ecosystem resilience. His current PhD research at Edith Cowan University explores these impacts through the application of the Impact Tipping Point model, aiming to inform sustainable urban planning that harmonizes development with ecological conservation. He is also deeply interested in the conservation of native plant species, plant taxonomy, and the use of geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing in environmental monitoring and landscape analysis. His earlier work in biodiversity conservation and ecological education in Bhutan further reflects his commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting ecological awareness. Overall, Mr. Jamtsho’s research interests are driven by a desire to contribute scientifically grounded solutions to pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
Research Skill🔎
Mr. Karma Jamtsho possesses a well-rounded set of research skills that support his work in environmental science and urban ecology. He is proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, which he utilizes to analyze spatial patterns and environmental changes in urban and riparian landscapes. His strong background in plant taxonomy and identification enables accurate assessment of biodiversity and ecological health. Mr. Jamtsho is skilled in conducting fieldwork, including ecological surveys, vegetation sampling, and environmental impact assessments. He also has experience in laboratory techniques, gained during his role as a Laboratory Technician at Edith Cowan University, where he contributed to data collection and sample analysis. Additionally, he is adept at data interpretation, statistical analysis, and scientific report writing. His communication and analytical skills further enhance his ability to present findings effectively to academic and non-academic audiences. Collectively, these skills equip him to carry out high-quality, interdisciplinary environmental research.
Award and Honor🏆
Mr. Karma Jamtsho has earned recognition for his dedication to environmental research and education throughout his academic and professional journey. While specific named awards and honors have not been explicitly detailed, his selection for a competitive PhD program at Edith Cowan University reflects academic merit and research potential. His prior acceptance into the Master of Science program in Botany at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, also suggests strong academic performance and international recognition of his capabilities. Additionally, his long tenure as an Environmental Educator under Bhutan’s Ministry of Education highlights the trust placed in him to promote sustainability education at a national level. His involvement in international research collaborations, such as those with Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and institutions in Thailand and Australia, further demonstrates professional acknowledgment of his expertise. These milestones collectively illustrate the respect he has earned within the environmental research community and underscore his potential for future honors in the field.
Conclusion📝
The candidate demonstrates a solid and promising research trajectory with strengths in sustainable ecological research, technical skills, and international experience. Their work aligns well with contemporary global sustainability goals. However, for a Best Researcher Award, which often prioritizes demonstrated impact, publication record, and research leadership, the candidate may currently be more suitable for an Emerging Researcher or Promising Researcher Award rather than a top-tier “Best Researcher” recognition.
If this candidate continues their trajectory—publishing in high-impact journals, leading projects, and securing funding—they will likely be a strong contender for such an award in the near future.
Publications Top Noted📚
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Jamtsho & Sridith, 2015 – 13 citations
Exploring the patterns of alpine vegetation of Eastern Bhutan: a case study from the Merak Himalaya
(SpringerPlus 4, 1–11) -
Jamtsho, Lund, Blake & Van Etten, 2024 – 2 citations
Microplastic pollution in riparian soils of the rapidly growing city of Thimphu, Bhutan
(Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 235 (11), 714) -
Jamtsho & Sridith, 2015 – 1 citation
A note on the anthropogenic impacts on the native vascular plants in the Himalayan Range of Merak, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan
(Thai Journal of Botany 5 (1), 27–33) -
Jamtsho, Lund, Blake & Van Etten, 2025 – 0 citations (as of now)
Urbanisation and specifically impervious cover alter riparian plant communities in a rapidly urbanising landscape in the Himalayas
(Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 128862)