I am a global change biologist with a special focus on insects. While much of my current research is focused on ecological modelling or big data analysis, I have strong fieldwork experience in the tropics. Before joining Monash University, I completed a short postdoctoral position at the University of Adelaide with Professor Phill Cassey. Earlier, I completed a two-year postdoc with Professor Aletta Bonn at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). In May 2022, I completed my PhD at the University of Queensland with Professor Richard Fuller and Emeritus Professor Meron Zalucki. Below, I discuss in detail my research experiences in different career stages.
I am originally from a tiny village in Bangladesh. I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka. During this time, I conducted field trips to assess the variation in butterfly diversity across Bangladesh. For example, I surveyed three urban green spaces in Dhaka over a period of three years. I recorded 137 species of butterflies from one of the most populous and polluted cities, many of which are nationally threatened [Chowdhury et al., Oriental Insects; Chowdhury et al., Journal of Urban Ecology].
In 2018, I moved to Australia to begin my PhD under the supervision of Professors Richard Fuller and Meron Zalucki at the University of Queensland. I worked on insect migration and conservation. I identified that globally, hundreds of butterfly species show evidence of migratory movement [Chowdhury et al., Biological Reviews] and the migration peaks at lower latitudes [Chowdhury et al., Ecology Letters]. I assessed the range expansion of the tawny coster butterfly, identifying that this butterfly naturally expanded in Australia at about ~135 km/year [Chowdhury et al., Diversity & Distributions]. I revealed that 76% of insect species are inadequately represented in the global protected area system [Chowdhury et al., One Earth].
I completed a two-year postdoctoral position at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) with Professor Aletta Bonn. Here, I analysed the status of biodiversity in Germany in direct collaboration with nature conservation societies. In one project, I found that more than 50% of German carabid beetles have declined significantly over the last 36 years [Chowdhury et al., in review].
My second postdoc was with Professor Phill Cassey at the University of Adelaide. In this position, I synthesised and analysed the status of wildlife crime in Australia. I only had the opportunity to work with Phill for four months, after which I moved to Monash to start this position.
In addition to these projects, I led several initiatives in citizen science and biodiversity conservation. For example, I identified the potential of social media biodiversity records in reducing the global biodiversity shortfall [Chowdhury et al., BioScience] and improving conservation assessments [Chowdhury et al., Conservation Biology]. I applied this approach to identify the most important conservation areas for Bangladeshi animals, a method that can be widely applied to other countries, especially those lacking comprehensive biodiversity databases [Chowdhury et al., One Earth]. We also developed a methodology to extract biodiversity data from Facebook [Chowdhury et al., Conservation Biology].
I extensively worked on limiting the scientific barriers for non-native English speakers and science-policy research. For example, in collaboration with Dr Tatsuya Amano (University of Queensland), we conducted a global assessment of the manifold issues non-native English speakers face [Amano et al., PLoS Biology; Amano et al., in review]. In another research project, I am working with Professor Laura López-Hoffman (University of Arizona) on the bias in global treaties regarding migratory species.
While conducting research in these diverse settings, I have developed a rich understanding of the cultural, ecological, scientific, and societal dimensions of diversity. I am committed to advancing global knowledge and innovation in our interconnected world.
What about when I am not doing research? I am an amateur photographer [Flickr]; I like photographing insects or landscapes. I also enjoy playing cricket during the weekends or going to the gym 3-4 days/week. Besides, I regularly watch movies or TV series.
