Dr. Reeta Rai, Lecturer

Philosophy of teaching and learning:

My personal philosophy of education is based on the concept of, “Learning by Doing” that fosters experiential learning to the students. Teaching and learning should not be confined within the four walls of classroom, rather students should be introduced to stimulating educational opportunities where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Active engagement of students with such opportunities will help them to discover their own potentials which will empower them to apply their learnt knowledge, skills and values in multitude of settings. Especially to a science teacher, teaching and learning of science should be more than playing with facts, figures and concepts. In addition to content knowledge students should be provided with scientific investigative skills that will make them problem solvers at local as well as global contexts.

When it comes to research, an individual should not attempt research just to gain popularity from publications but carryout systematic investigation of a problem and attempt to develop solution to a problem or generate new knowledge. Every educational research should strive for positive changes in the education system and improvement in the educational practices. Likewise, research goals of any scientific research should help humanity and ensure environmental sustainability but not destroy humanity and environment.

Academic/Educational Qualification:

  • Undergoing PhD in Department of Environmental Science and Engineering Kathmandu University, Nepal.
  • M.Sc. in Chemistry from Madras University, India.
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from National Institute of Education, Samtse, Bhutan.
  •  B.Sc.in Biology and Chemistry from Sherubtse College, Kanglung, Bhutan.

Professional experience:

  • Coordinator of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Research Centre (SERC) since August 2019.
  • Head of Department of Science Education (Since December 2017).
  • Lecturer (since July 2013).
  • Teaching Practice Coordinator (July 2012- December 2014).
  • Associate Lecturer (July 2007- June 2013).
  • Teacher, Samtse Middle Secondary School (January 2001- June 2007).
  • Teacher, Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School (October 1999 – December 2000).

Current responsibilities:

  • Coordinator of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Research Centre (SERC) since August 2019.
  • Head of Department of Science Education (Since December 2017).
  • Committee member of the College Management Committee (CMC).
  • Committee member of the College Academic Committee (CAC).
  • Committee member of the College Research Committee (CRC).
  • Committee member of the College HR Selection Committee
  • Programme Committee member for M.Ed. Science, B.Ed Secondary and B.Ed. Primary.
  • Indoor Plant Club coordinator.

Membership in External Bodies:

  • RUB member representative to Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) in Water, ICIMOD, Nepal.
  • Review Committee member of Water Act 2011 and Water Regulations 2014 at National Environment Commission of Bhutan.
  • Member of Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), non-profit organization in Bhutan.
  • Member of Jangsa Animal Saving Trust.
  • Member of Society for Freshwater Science (SFS), non-profit organization in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
  • Member of International Water Association (IWA), the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water wise world.

Publications:

  • Rai, R., Sharma, S., Gurung, D. B., & Sitaula, B. K. (2018). Heavy metal contamination in sediments from vehicle washing: a case study of Olarong Chhu Stream and Paa Chhu River, Bhutan. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 00(00), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2018.1525851
  • Rai, R., Sharma, S., Gurung, D. B., Sitaula, B. K., & Raut, N. (2018). Assessment of environmental impacts of vehicle wash centres at Olakha, Thimphu Bhutan. International Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, 7(1), 1–10.
  • Rai, R., Sharma, S., Gurung, D. B., & Sitaula, B. K. (2016). Potential impacts of discharging vehicle wash wastewater in rivers: a case study in Thimphu and Paro, Bhutan-a review. Bhutan Journal of Research & Development Autumn, 5(2), 36–52.
  • Gyeltshen, K., Rai, R. & Dorji, S. (2015). Culture and change in Lotokuchu Community. In S. Phuntsho (Ed.), Twilight cultures-Tradition and change in four rural communities in Bhutan (pp. 89-129). Thimphu: Shejun.
  • Choeda, Zander, P.O., Penjor, T., Dukpa, D. & Rai, R. (2014). The ICT-Integrated    pedagogy in the colleges of Royal University of Bhutan. Malaysia: SDIWC Publications. ISBN (Print)978-0-9891305-4-7
  • Rai, R & Subramanian, B. (2007). Bio-conjugate derived from DNA-Ag nanoparticles: M.Sc. Dissertation. University of Madras, Chennai, India.

 Current research engagement:

Researcher in Sustainable Natural Resource Management for climate change adaptation in the Himalayan region: A collaborative project among Norway, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan (SUNREM-Himalaya, NORHED Project).

 Awards:

  • Asia Pacific Water Leadership Programme Award Fellow of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and International Centre of Excellence on Water Resources Management (ICE WaRM), Australia, April 8-19, 2018.
  • Best oral presenter at International Conference on Environmental Sciences co-organized by International Science Congress Associations (ISCA) and College of Science and Technology at Rinchending, Phuntsholing Bhutan (8-9 December 2017).
  • fellowship from NORHED Project of Norwegian Government in 2015.
  • Sc. fellowship from DANIDA Project of Denmark in July 2005- July 2007.
  • Silver Medal for distinction in B.Sc., Sherubtse College, 1997.
  • Silver Medal for distinction in B.Sc., Sherubtse College, 1998.

 Research interest:

Chemistry Education, Science Education, STEM Education, Environmental Pollution, Water Resource Management, Wastewater Management, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Email address: reetarai.sce@rub.edu.bt.