ALEENA THOMAS

Experience

• 

  Kerala Veterinary & Animal Science University, Wayanad

  Jun 2018 - Jun 2018

  Intern

  • Trained in DNA isolation from biological samples like blood using the kit method.• Experienced in polymerase chain reaction for the amplification of DNA segments.• Skilled in agarose gel electrophoresis including the gel preparation and geldocumentation.• Proficient in instruments like gel doc, Nanodrop for analyzing purity and quantity ofDNA samples, Thermocycler and Centrifuge

• 

  TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute

  Aug 2019 - Oct 2019

  Trainee

  -Worked on source apportionment studies for Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh which includes preparation of emission inventory for the major pollutants PM10, PM2.5, NOx, SO2, and CO from various sectors. - Presented on secondary air pollution which is a growing risk factor in India, its formation and effects from a chemist point of view in front of the whole institute -Skilled in Google Earth Pro for mapping

• 

  CAbC- MSSRF

  Jan 2020 - Jun 2020

  Research Intern

  • Framed key research questions, analyzed rice productivity and weather data of Wayanad district to study impacts of climate change on rice productivity.•Worked on a project titled ‘carbon sequestration in soils and biodiversity of coffee plantations of Wayanad district’.• Completed a project ‘nutritional analysis of traditional rice varieties of Wayanad’.• Surveyed farmers of every panchayath of Wayanad district.• Collected secondary data, conducted literature searches, and prepared presentationsfor various projects. Show less

• 

  Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi

  Oct 2020 - Nov 2020

  Research Intern

  • Worked on tracking environmental compliance of coal based thermal power plants of India based on new environmental norms.• Involved in secondary data collection and analysis.• Wrote an article focusing on the need for climate change studies for Down to Earth -India's No.1 environment and science fortnightly magazine

• 

  Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi

  Jul 2021 - Dec 2021

  Designated Fellow of cohort 3.0 C4Y water champions youth fellowship

  Awarded the certificate of excellence as ‘Best Fellow’.Worked on capacity building and action research for the Project “Making Ganga basin cities water sensitive”, a three year initiative by NMCG and CSE.Involved in secondary research, case study development, blog, factsheet and report writing.Prepared a short film which advocates the need for rainwater harvesting.Extensive chronological research on policies related to Water sensitive urban design and planning in the Ganga basin cities.Developed concept plans for storm water harvesting structures in parks of Patna Show less

• 

  Seminar für Ländliche Entwicklung / Centre for Rural Development

  Jun 2022 - Dec 2022

  Key Roles and ResponsibilitiesResearch: Conducted field research which includes focus group discussions, transect walks, farm visits in Brandenburg, Germany and Indian states of Andhra Pradesh(Anantapur district) and Karnataka (Hassan and Chitradurga district) to understand the climate change adaptation strategies among farmers, carried out extensive secondary research on existing polices in agriculture and water sector.Research Coordination: Coordinated the entire research in Karnataka which includes mapping, contacting and engaging with stakeholders from micro (farmers), meso (NGOs, FPO,SHG, district level executives) and macro levels(state level executives). Project Management: Engaged with key stakeholders in research and coordination of the project, organized regular team meetings, prepared research itinerary for the time period in India.Outreach and knowledge management: Presented the research project with the team at Centre for Rural development, Berlin at the meeting SLE-India delegation –GIZ. Assisted the project team in writing inception report, preparing presentations, workshop, and guidelines for field survey. Show less

  • Researcher

    Sept 2022 - Dec 2022

  • Researcher

    Jun 2022 - Sept 2022
• 

  Vasudha Foundation India

  Feb 2023 - now

  Policy Officer -Climate

  • Accounted greenhouse gas emissions for the state of Kerala, Odisha and districts of Tamil Nadu for 2005-2021 ( AFOLU, Energy, IPPU, Waste)using IPCC methodology.• Conducted secondary research, created insightful PowerPoint presentations and reports for high level government meetings.• Facilitated data collection, conducted stakeholder consultations and assessed feasibility for project implementation across diverse locations, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala.•Comprehensive decarbonization plans for the agriculture and waste sectors in Nilgiris district, and Rajapalayam local planning area aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Show less