Leeladarshini Sujeeun

I recently graduated from the Forest Conservation program at the University of Toronto. I worked with my supervisor Sean Thomas to do exciting new research in ecological restoration using biochar, particularly with invasive plants.

For my undergraduate thesis project, I had the amazing opportunity to investigate the potential of biochar to control the worst invasive plant (Psidium cattleianum) in the tropical paradise island Mauritius, where I was born and raised. I aim to pursue this avenue well into the future in an attempt to restore native tropical forests that have been degraded by invasive plants. I am also interested in the application of biochar as a means to mitigate climate change and restore highly acidic mining sites.

I aim to gain enough experience in the management and restoration of forest ecosystems to be able to establish a forest conservation foundation in Mauritius in the future. Together with locals and conservation scientists, we can protect the remaining endemic flora and fauna that are on the brink of extinction.

December 2015