Manoj Dubey

Manoj was raised in a small town in rural India. Childhood exposure to surrounding forests and local saw mills inspired his current career path in forestry.

While in India Manoj got his BSc in Forestry and an MSc in Wood Science and Technology. He achieved Distinction in his MSc in Forest Industries Technology while on a Commonwealth Scholarship to the UK in 2004.

He is currently in Christchurch on a New Zealand Development Scholarship, pursuing a PhD in Forestry from Canterbury University. Manoj finishes his degree at the end of this year. If possible, he is interested in returning to India to work in the state forest sector or the wood industry. His ultimate career goal is to apply his knowledge of wood processing technology to a research career in the utilisation of wood products.

Manoj’s dissertation explores ways to improve the wood properties and production processes of radiata pine. This could make New Zealand wood exports more desirable to the Indian market.

Manoj joined Asia:NZ’s Young Leaders Network in search of a platform to meet other young leaders and share views. He considers it a great way of potentially returning to India yet remaining connected to New Zealand.

Outside academia Manoj enjoys a passion for cricket, which he follows regularly. He lives in Christchurch with his wife and five-year-old daughter.