Ms. Prerana Gawde l Maritime Heritage Ecology | Best Researcher Award
Stanford University, United States
Author Profile
🌊 Early Academic Pursuits
Ms. Prerana Gawde’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in zoology and animal physiology at the University of Mumbai, India, where she earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees. Her passion for marine biology and ecology led her to pursue an M.Sc. at James Cook University in Australia, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceans at Stanford University, USA, under the guidance of renowned professors Krish Seetah and Larry Crowder. Her extensive academic background reflects a deep commitment to understanding marine ecosystems and the biology of oceanic life.
🌍 Professional Endeavors & Contributions
Ms. Gawde has held key roles at Dakshin Foundation in Bengaluru, India, contributing to research and community science initiatives. Her professional career includes positions as Senior Programme Associate, Senior Research Assistant, and Research Assistant, focusing on marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. Her work highlights her commitment to advancing scientific research and facilitating meaningful engagement between communities and conservation efforts.
🐢 Research Focus & Impact
Ms. Gawde’s research primarily focuses on marine biology, with a strong emphasis on inshore dolphin populations, sustainable fisheries, and the ecology of small schooling fishes in Lakshadweep. Her research on the status of dolphins in Halifax and Cleveland Bays and the role of fishers in fisheries monitoring underscores her focus on community-driven conservation. Her research aims to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and local practices, ensuring sustainable marine ecosystems.
🌟 Conference Presentations & Recognition
Ms. Gawde has shared her research at prestigious conferences, including the European Commission’s DGMARE Fisheries Science Seminar in 2023, where she presented her work on fisheries monitoring in Lakshadweep. She also showcased her findings at The Student Conference on Conservation Science in Bengaluru, 2022, contributing significantly to the scientific community’s understanding of small schooling fish resources in India.
🛠️ Technical Skills & Certifications
Ms. Gawde is a PADI-certified Divemaster and has specialized training in SCUBA equipment repair. Additionally, she holds certifications in First Responder training and React Right, demonstrating her ability to handle emergency situations in the field. Her technical expertise is crucial for both her research and her community service activities.
🏫 Teaching Experience & Mentorship
Her involvement in the United Nations’ Ocean Decade Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme highlights Ms. Gawde’s dedication to mentoring and training the next generation of marine scientists. Her role in this initiative underscores her commitment to educating and empowering young professionals in the field of marine science.
🌱 Legacy & Future Contributions
Ms. Gawde’s legacy is rooted in her efforts to advance marine conservation and empower local communities in India and beyond. Through her continued work and research, she aims to leave a lasting impact on sustainable marine management practices. As she progresses in her career, her future contributions are poised to shape global conversations around ocean conservation and community engagement in scientific endeavors.
📜 Academic Citations
Ms. Gawde’s scholarly contributions have garnered attention within the scientific community. Her work has been presented in several prestigious academic forums and has been instrumental in raising awareness about marine conservation challenges in the Indian subcontinent. Her research continues to inspire and influence conservation strategies, particularly in marine biodiversity monitoring and management.
🤝 Community Engagement & Volunteering
Ms. Gawde has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service, particularly through her volunteering efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. She played an instrumental role in providing medical, food, and transportation relief to stranded fisher communities across India. Furthermore, her involvement with the HelpAge India Foundation and organizing science festivals showcases her passion for fostering education and support within diverse communities.
📖 Top Noted Publications
Marine Environmental Archaeology: The Ecology of Shipwrecks in Mauritius
Authors: Krish Seetah, Svetlana Barteneva, Prerana Gawde, Shameelah A. H. Mamode, Devin Bhunjun, Beenesh A. Motah, Hemanaden Runghen, Rezah M. Badal, Yann von Arnim, Hugues Vitry
Journal: International Journal of Historical Archaeology
Year: 2025
Fish for the Future: Creating participatory and sustainable fisheries governance pathways in the Lakshadweep Islands
Authors: Prerana Gawde
Source: Dakshin Foundation
Year: 2024
A responsible line: A community-based, bottom-up regime of fisheries management, rooted in traditional ecological knowledge, is practised in the pole-and-line tuna fishery of India’s Lakshadweep islands
Authors: Prerana Gawde, Ajithraj R
Journal: Samudra Report – International Collective in Support of Fishworkers
Year: 2022
Valuing a Hidden Octopus Fishery in Lakshadweep
Authors: Prerana Gawde, Fousiya CK
Magazine: The Bastion
Year: 2020