Core Team

Dr. (Ms.) Rashneh N. Pardiwala is an Ecologist from the University of Edinburgh having specialized in the field of Climate Change. She has been recognized as a ‘Social Entrepreneur for Change’ and has been awarded numerous fellowships including the Ashoka Fellowship, Asia Society Fellowship and Ford Fellowship to study at Columbia University. Rashneh serves on the board of foundations and educational institutions as a subject expert to help develop curriculum and award scholarships to students.

Mrs. Kitayun (Katy) Rustom, began her career as a school teacher at the J. B. Petit School for Girls and spearheaded the Dahanu Taluka Environmental Welfare Association (DTEWA) for 15 years. Katy serves on several government appointed committees and bodies. In 2005, she was awarded the Ashoka Fellowship. She undertakes teacher training workshops and has authored several books and learning materials for environmental education. Katy currently also heads the Education Services at CERE.

Janjri graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an MSc. in Environmental Protection and Management and has over 15 years of experience working in the non-profit and development sector. Her interests centre on climate change science, corporate sustainability & urban solutions to environmental issues. She has worked with several organisations on carbon reporting, disclosures, and strategy. Janjri loves to teach and has been a regular guest lecturer at St. Xavier’s college in Mumbai. She has co-authored several books related to environmental education. Janjri has also attended DISHA a UK-India program on leadership and is a LEAD India fellow.

Bhagyesh brings along the expertise from Computer Science and Sustainability. He has a Master degree in computer science and has also gained research experiences in 'Design for Sustainability' from the University of Liverpool, UK and National Tsinghua University, Taiwan. His expertise includes GHG accounting, Data analysis, sustainability-tool development.

Shabnam Sikandar has a Masters in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University, CA, USA with a 12-year career in engineering in US and India. Her interests in the social aspects of engineering led her to work in the areas of Sustainable Energy. Shabnam leads the Swtich on Solar program at CERE.

Devangana holds a graduate degree in Zoology from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad and completed her Master’s in Environment Science and Technology from IEER, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune. Studying and working on various subjects, she has developed a keen interest in ecological sustainability, lake assessment, wildlife conservation, environmental awareness and education and rural sustainability.

With skillsets such as science communication, research and content development, and project management, Shweta comes with an experience of five years in the field of environmental education and awareness. She works on the Urban Afforestation Project (UAP) at CERE. She's a wildlife enthusiast and has a keen interest in wildlife conservation and nature education.

Kopal has previous work experience in the field of waste and sustainability, specifically working on projects related to E-waste, Single Use Plastic and Bio-Medical Waste. Her major responsibilities included research and data analysis. Kopal holds a master's degree in Environment and Development from Ambedkar University Delhi and a bachelor's degree in Science from St. Stephen's College.

Anjana is a keen researcher with the ability to use statistical packages. Having completed MA in Environmental Economics from Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Anjana seeks to contribute to a more sustainable future. Her interest lies primarily in the inter-linkages between ecosystems and the economy with focus on carbon foot-printing, urban biodiversity and impact assessments.

Kailas is a graduate of Physics and has pursued a Master's in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. He has experience working on Data Analysis, Climate Policy, Climate Finance and Renewable Energy. As a student of Social Science, he is interested in studying social and economic impacts of climate change. He has also cleared UGC-NET in Sociology.

Sahil has a graduate degree in Business Administration from Indraprastha University, Delhi and has completed a Master's degree in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. He has a worked in Supply Chain Management for over 3.5 years and has over 4.5 years of experience in the field of Data Analytics. His areas of expertise are Climate Science, GHG Emissions as well as social adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Having a Post-Graduation in Mycology and Plant Pathology from D. G. Ruparel College, Mumbai, Solomon is a Botanist, perusing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening. He has worked as a Chief Cultivation Officer at a Hydroponic Farm and a Project Co-ordination for a Horticulture Organization. He is currently engaged in CERE’s Urban Afforestation Projects (UAP) and Biodiversity Gardens.

Deepali has a background in online advertising, working at ad agencies in India and Hong Kong. She has an M.Com from Mumbai University and brings her years of experience in advertising and data analysis to strengthen and expand CERE’s digital presence and communications.

Ankita has graduated in the field of commerce from HR College. She has passed CA Final (Group 2) and has 4 years of experience, post her articleship of 3 years, in the field of accounts and taxation.

Avanti Mehta has a degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine, USA and has trained in Captive Breeding Endangered Species at the Durell Conservation Learning Center, Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, UK. She has had vast experience as a naturalist and in planning and working at large zoos for the conservation of wildlife.