I am Thinley Dema, a PhD candidate in Cultural Anthropology at Leiden University. My research focuses on the “Perpetuation of highland heritages in Bhutan”, supervised by Dr. Erik de Maaker and co-supervised by Dr. Jelle JP Wouters.

More information about Thinley Dema

My project explores the complex relationship between environmental change and cultural resilience in the Bhutanese Himalayas. The overarching aim of my project is to preserve both the tangible and intangible heritage of the Bhutanese highlands. Working with a team of experienced researchers, this involves identifying, documenting, and mapping sites and practices of cultural significance to preserve these heritage for the future generations. A key part of the project will be documenting the traditional knowledge practices that for millennia have allowed humans to live with the yaks and earth spirits.

Alongside my doctoral research, I also serve as an Associate Lecturer at Royal Thimphu College, within the Department of Social Science, in the BSc. Environmental Management program (2023-Present). Before that, I worked as a Research Associate at Royal Thimphu College on the project “Symbiotic Indigeneity, Changing Commons, and Sustainable Intelligence in the Bhutan Highlands” under the Himalayan Centre for Environmental Humanities (2022). I was promoted to this position as a Research Assistant on the same project (2022).

My other prior research experiences include an internship at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (2021), where I was involved in field work, data analysis, and report writing; Assistant Research Officer at Royal Thimphu College working on the project “Cities by women: Uncovering the relationship between gender, land-use and livelihood for embedding climate change resilience in Himalayan cities” (2019); Research Associate at Royal Thimphu College working on the project “Interfacing indigenous knowledge, modern science and policy making: Water and Climate Change in the Hindukush Himalayan Region” (2018-2019); and Research intern at Royal Thimphu College working on the project “Ecotourism and Neoliberal Logic” (2017-2018).

Research focus

My research explores the complex relationships between people and their environment in the Himalayan region, focusing on environmental humanities, indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change. I utilize ethnographic methods to understand how communities navigate these interconnected challenges.

Background

I hold an MSc. in Ecology and Environmental Studies from Nalanda University, where my thesis focused on "Ecological narratives and Niche modeling of cordyceps in the highland of Bhutan," and a B.A. in English and Environmental Studies from Royal Thimphu College.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy painting, drawing, crocheting, and sharing Bhutanese folktales on my blog.