High Altitude Arachnologist, Wildlife Scientist

Dr. Shazia Quasin is a renowned arachnologist with a specialization in high-altitude spiders of the western Himalayan region. Her pioneering research has been conducted in the ecologically significant zones of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, including the Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. Dr. Quasin holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from Calcutta University and earned her Ph.D. in Wildlife Sciences from the Wildlife Institute of India. Recognized for her contributions to arachnology, she is a recipient of the Fast Track Young Scientist Award from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. She further pursued post doctoral research at the Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune. Her core area of expertise lies in the taxonomy, ecology, and diversity of high altitude spiders, and she has significantly contributed to documenting arachnid diversity in the Himalayan ecosystem. Dr. Quasin has shared her research at multiple national and international platforms to promote the conservation of spiders and other invertebrates’ organisms often overlooked in mainstream conservation. In addition to her scientific work, Dr. Quasin played an integral role in the project titled “Building Partnerships to Support UNESCO’s World Heritage Programme: India,” aimed at strengthening the long-term conservation and management of Natural World Heritage Sites. She successfully coordinated the Go4BioDiv India youth forums during COP10 and COP11, serving as a key liaison between the Wildlife Institute of India, international partners, and participants, while also overseeing event logistics. Passionate about ecological research, science outreach, and public education, Dr. Quasin actively engages in taxonomic studies, conservation awareness initiatives, and education content development. As a freelance science professional, she contributes scientific and analytical expertise to enhance curriculum and educational course modules, bridging the gap between research and public understanding.