Meet Dr. Kibria!

Dr. Abu Kibria is a postdoctoral research associate of Bridging Biodiversity Conservation and Science program at the School of Natural Resources and the Environment of The University of Arizona. By training, he is an Ecological Economist and his research focus is on the ecosystem services and human wellbeing of couple human-natural systems.

How long have you been a postdoc at UArizona?

I have been a postdoc at Arizona since March 2021.

What projects are you working on and with whom? What do you love most about it?

In collaboration with BBCS team, I successfully convened a Webinar on “Global Prosperity in the Face of Climate Change: In Pursuit of a Sustainable Future” in Spring 2022. Drs. Robert Costanza (University College London), Kristie Ebi (University of Washington), and Donald Falk (University of Arizona) gave talks on climate change and global development. I am currently working on a project entitled “Global Prosperity in the Face of Climate Change Needs a New Vision”. GDP growth is often the determinant of the prosperity of a nation, but it does not consider many environmental and social aspects.

"My work seeks to find ways to create a vision that takes economic, social, and environmental growth into account. I find a lot of joy in informing policy-makers about sustainable world development."

What do you enjoy most about being at UArizona?

As a transdisciplinary researcher, I enjoy being surrounded by incredible researchers of different disciplines. Besides the intellectual part, I love the very welcoming community at UArizona. This state has an extraordinary landscape with a variety of cacti, clean blue skies, and beautiful sunsets, which I always miss while traveling.

What resources have been important to your success as a UArizona postdoc?

Arizona’s open-door approach to collaboration and the overall collegial research environment assisted me in producing important research outcomes and developing my skill sets. Postdoctoral Affairs also played an important role by offering support in any aspects of my postdoc and by making me a part of a community. As an international researcher, such inclusiveness is something precious to me.

How has your time as a UArizona postdoc affected your personal and professional growth?

The postdoc period here at UArizona has been a rewarding experience. I have learned new skills to perform high quality research and worked with highly intelligent research teams.

What are your plans for after you complete your postdoc?

I plan to be an academic after my postdoc and to contribute to science and society.