Master of Science (Agriculture) in Agronomy • Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Bio
Chris graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Agriculture. During her undergrad, she volunteered with the National Service Scheme, Government of India’s public service program for the youth under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). Here, she worked among the rural farming population in Uttar Pradesh, India, and witnessed firsthand, farmers' dependency on support schemes, to the point of trade-offs with the environment. Close interactions with farmers and other stakeholders helped in understanding how national policies manifest in local implementation. An internship with India’s Planning Commission gave her a macro-level understanding of the policy landscape surrounding irrigation and subsidies in the agricultural sector. In 2017, Chris was selected by the MYAS for a youth exchange program to China. She was conferred with the national award for Best Volunteer by the Honourable President of India in recognition for her impactful volunteering work.
In 2022, Chris obtained a Master’s degree, specializing in Agronomy, where she developed a mathematical model to simulate rice-weed competition. During this time, Chris collaborated with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Meghalaya, as a visiting scholar to estimate rice yield using hyperspectral vegetative indices. After her Master’s, Chris worked on the capability of Biochar-aided priming of Carbon for its carbon sequestration potential and positive effects on soil functions at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She later went on to work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. Here, she observed that despite good intentions, decision-makers often propose solutions based on what they already know when faced with a complex issue. Sustainability, in all its complexity, depends on multidisciplinary innovators who can translate across silos, and support decision-making to think beyond what is comfortable. She aims to work at the intersection of environment and sustainability, combining managerial mastery with policy prowess.
In her personal time, Chris enjoys exploring new places, listening to music, and playing badminton.