Suraj Upadhaya

Dr. Suraj Upadhaya is an Assistant Professor of Sustainable Systems at Kentucky State University, affiliated with the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He joined KYSU in August 2023, bringing interdisciplinary expertise in socio-ecological systems and sustainable natural resource management.

• Institution: Kentucky State University
• School: School of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Position: Assistant Professor of Sustainable Systems
• Office: Hunter Hall, Suite 129, Frankfort, KY
• Contact: (502) 597-6146 | suraj.upadhaya@kysu.edu

Education:

• Ph.D. in Integrative Conservation of Nature and Forestry, University of Georgia
• M.S. in Forestry, University of Kentucky
• B.S. in Forestry, Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Dr. Upadhaya's research bridges social and natural sciences to address sustainability challenges in both developed and developing countries. His work focuses on the human dimensions of natural resource management, including ecosystem services, land-use change modeling, water conservation, and policy. He emphasizes interdisciplinary methods, combining fieldwork with complex modeling to understand social-ecological systems (SES). His goal is to produce actionable research that supports sustainable development and environmental resilience.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in integrating social science with environmental modeling, particularly in land-use dynamics, climate adaptation, and community-based governance. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Land Use Policy, Agricultural Systems, and Climatic Change, reflecting a commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship.

Scientific Contributions:

• Publishes in top-tier environmental and sustainability journals
• Focus on socio-ecological resilience and sustainability
• Expertise in mixed-methods research and interdisciplinary collaboration

Dr. Upadhaya mentors students and contributes to academic advising in sustainable systems. Though specific grants are not listed, his research program likely involves external funding given the scope of his modeling and fieldwork. He maintains an active research profile through his Google Scholar and personal website www.surajupadhaya.com.

He leads research initiatives that examine feedback loops in social-ecological systems, community adaptation strategies, and sustainable land-use planning. His lab or research group likely involves collaboration with students, local communities, and interdisciplinary teams focused on sustainability science and environmental policy.