Puneet Dwivedi joined the Indian Institute of Forest Management in 2003 to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Management. Before that, he was at the Institute of Engineering and Technology at Devi Ahilya University completing Mechanical Engineering (1999-2003, Silver Medalist). After graduating (Silver Medalist) from the Indian Institute of Forest Management in 2005, he started working at Winrock International India as a Program Associate, where he developed his interest in advanced forestry research and teaching.
In 2006, he started his Ph.D. in Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Florida, a 1862 land-grant University in the United States. In 2010, he started as a postdoctoral research associate at Yale University. In 2012, he did his second postdoc at the University of Illinois. Finally, in 2013, he started a tenure-track faculty position at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. There, he became an Associate Professor with Tenure in 4.5 years, and a full professor in 5.5 years. In August 2024, he began his current position as a Professor and Hilliard Endowed Chair in Sustainable Forestry at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University.
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneetdwivedix/
Q. Tell us about your School and College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. I did my Mechanical Engineering Degree at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Devi Ahilya University. A visit to a nearby protected area profoundly shifted my perspective, sparking a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship. From that point onwards, I started to look for opportunities in the environmental sector, and through a close friend, got some information about IIFM. Since Bhopal was relatively close to Indore, I visited the campus and was sold immediately!
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. I have been fortunate with all the opportunities after graduating from IIFM. I have worked with top-notch forestry professionals and scientists in the world, have contributed to the sector to the best of my knowledge and ability, and am looking forward to some significant engagements in the future. The best part is my students whom I have graduated over the years. Watching them contribute meaningfully across the globe has been deeply fulfilling.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. At IIFM, I remember reading a journal article from Forest Policy and Economics, a leading scientific journal in the world. I thought that I would never be able to publish in this journal. So, when I became an Editor for the same, I was excited beyond any imagination. As an author, I have already published several papers in the journal, and as an Editor, have taken care of about 400 articles. Helping emerging forestry scientists has been a humbling experience.
Q. How has your experience been in your current University? What all areas have you been working here?
A. My research lab at Clemson University focuses on the following topics: Conservation programs and their impacts on ecosystem services, forest fire mitigation through community participation, sustainable bioenergy development, family forest landowners, forest certification, and forest rights. Our lab actively publishes approximately 10 papers annually in leading scientific journals around the world. I am also an Editor for three journals, i.e., Forest Policy & Economics, Trees, Forests, and People, and Nature Scientific Reports.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. Students. Mentoring and advising future forestry professionals and scientists is the best part of my career. Plus, this position also gives you a chance to shape the future of the forestry sector, so that is also a rewarding experience.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. IIFM gave me a good platform to understand the complex dynamics of forest ecosystems and the role of communities in the same. It also prepared me for real-life experiences by attaching me to professional organizations through organizational trainings(now called SI and Project Work/Winter internship). Plus, mentoring from faculty and world-class infrastructure (library, computing lab, etc.) set me up for a successful career in professional life.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
My advice to freshers and recent graduates from IIFM is to look into opportunities in the research sector, as with sincere efforts and consistent work, one can be successful while enjoying a great quality of personal life.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. Dr. Kinsuk Mitra (President of Winrock International India in 2005) advised me to look for higher studies, as he knew that I was interested in undertaking advanced research in the area of forest policy and economics. Since he was a graduate of the University of Florida, I followed him and applied for the Ph.D. program. My experience at the University of Florida was a great one. The university gave me the most prestigious scholarship, so that was a blessing as it not only covered all the expenses, but also provided me with some additional resources for professional development. I learned a lot of advanced skills and used them to undertake some advanced research in the area of sustainable wood-based bioenergy development.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Walking to the dining area from the hostel in the rain during the monsoon season.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The mentorship of Dr. Chinmaya Singh Rathore and Dr. Yogesh Dubey was critical in shaping me as an individual. Plus, all the great teaching, internships, and field trips were inspiring.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. We enjoyed cricket in the hostel. I did not play much, but seeing people trying it was fun. This is especially true as I played cricket till the district level.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Take classes very seriously, and find out what really excites you — something you can see yourself doing for the next 30/35 years. Then, prepare a plan to start fulfilling your career goal. In my case, before I graduated from IIFM, I had already published one paper, and another paper was in review, as I was determined to make a career in research/teaching after one month of starting at IIFM. It helped me a lot in the future, as I customized all things at IIFM and beyond accordingly.
Q. What would be your advice for recent graduates who look to change their sector after working for a couple of years?
A. A second start is perfectly fine. Just make sure that you are taking the right decision by reading relevant literature, talking to professionals and mentors, and, most importantly, it is in the best interest of your family and friends.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. Mostly teaching, meetings with current graduate students, zoom calls with collaborators, writing/editing papers from the lab, and reviewing papers as an Editor.
For family holidays, we like to go to the beach. We are close to some of the world-class beaches, so that is very helpful. If you haven’t visited, I highly recommend Panama City Beach in Panhandle Florida! Lately, I like Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, as there is a lot to do in the city, especially for families with younger kids.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. I mostly spend time reading current affairs. I like gardening and woodworking (small projects). I’ve been married to Richa for 17 years. We have two daughters (Aanya, 14; Esha, 8), so a lot of time on weekends also goes to them for their activities (e.g., football, piano, school events, birthdays, etc.)
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Rashmirathi by Dinkar.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitment towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
A. I have had several IIFM students doing their graduate studies with me. I also helped them in getting positions with other faculty members. I am happy to talk to students who want to pursue higher studies in the area of forest policy and economics.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. Now there are more students and majors. So, I am sure the campus has become more vibrant, leading to more opportunities for networking, synthesis, and creative ideas. IIFM should build upon the same to develop a more resilient workforce that is at the forefront of global environmental challenges and opportunities.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Neeraj Peters (First Batch), Dr. Ajay Sharma (Professor at the University of Georgia)