Students from SoCS at UPES Collaborate with Wildlife Institute of India for Field Research at Kuno National Park

Students from UPES with the team from the Wildlife Institute of India during their field research at Kuno National Park.

In a world increasingly threatened by climate change and biodiversity loss, conservation efforts must move beyond textbooks. At UPES, we believe that real learning happens in the real world, and our students recently brought this belief to life through a remarkable field research project at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Five students from the HERE Technologies Centre of Excellence at the School of Computer Science (SoCS), UPES Dehradun, undertook a 10-day research project at Kuno National Park from 26 April to 5 May 2025. Organised in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the initiative represents a significant leap forward in experiential learning at the intersection of geospatial technology and wildlife conservation.

A Classroom Without Walls

Guided by researchers from WII and supported by forest department staff, the students engaged in structured ecological data collection along designated 2-kilometre transects. Their days began with treks through wild terrain and ended with evening data reviews, filled with observation, analysis, and reflection.

Equipped with GPS tools, mobile apps, and notebooks, they tracked herbivore sightings, logged behavioural patterns, and recorded spatial coordinates. Every 400 metres, they examined vegetation plots, documenting species richness, tree cover, ground litter, and the structural diversity of herbs and shrubs.

But this wasn’t just a data collection exercise. The students actively participated in data cleaning, summarisation, and mapping, contributing to habitat density models and resource availability assessments. They explored ecological classification systems, honed their spatial reasoning, and experienced the intricacies of ecological fieldwork, firsthand.

Tech Meets Terrain

This project aligns perfectly with the vision of the HERE Technologies Centre of Excellence at UPES, established in collaboration with HERE Technologies to offer hands-on exposure to GIS, location-based services, and spatial intelligence.

Using a mobile ecological survey app, the students logged data in real time, maintaining consistency and traceability across datasets. The integration of GPS-based mapping, topographic alignment, and terrain navigation gave them practical experience in how technology is revolutionising conservation efforts on the ground.

Beyond Research: Lessons in Empathy and Teamwork

What truly set this experience apart was the spirit of collaboration. Working alongside local field teams and forest department staff, the students gained deep insight into the human side of conservation, its challenges, nuances, and the empathy it demands.

They learnt that solving ecological problems requires more than technical skill, it takes patience, adaptability, and teamwork across disciplines. This wasn’t just a computer science project; it was a living lesson in sustainability and stewardship. 

Student Voices: What the Experience Meant

Raghav Gandhi, BTech CSE – Data Science (2022–2026), shared,
“The project helped me see the real-world impact of data beyond the screen. Logging ecological data, understanding species behaviour, and interacting with forest staff has given me a broader view of how tech can aid sustainability.”

Advik Bhatt, BTech CSE – Data Science (2022–2026), said,
“It was incredible to see how the algorithms we study in class relate to what we observed on the field. This opportunity made me more confident about pursuing data-driven roles that contribute to the planet.”

Abhishek Bhaguna, BTech CSE – Data Science (2022–2026), added,
“From plotting vegetation data to working with GIS tools, every moment at Kuno felt purposeful. I now understand how even small data points contribute to big conservation decisions.”

Aryan Yadav, BTech CSE – CCVT (2022–2026), reflected,
“Being in the wild, away from screens, and actually using location intelligence tools on terrain changed how I view computer science. It's not just about coding, it’s about solving real-world problems.”

Shruti Pandey, BTech CSE – CCVT (2022–2026), said,
“This project gave me clarity. Conservation technology is where I want to be. It was empowering to apply what we’ve learned in a real conservation setting, and know it’s making a difference.”

Institutional Support and Real-World Impact

UPES ensured full logistical and financial support for the students, covering travel, local transport, accommodation, and meals. A daily government-sanctioned honorarium was also facilitated. But the real takeaway was far more valuable: hands-on exposure to wildlife monitoring protocols, field engagement with experts, and a close understanding of how conservation projects operate.

Professor Vijayshekhar Chellaboina, Dean of the School of Computer Science, reflected on the initiative:
“At UPES, we believe that technology and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. Our students’ participation in this field research project not only demonstrates their technical capabilities but also their growing awareness of conservation imperatives. By embedding real-world ecological challenges into our academic framework, we aim to produce graduates who are not just industry-ready, but also planet-conscious. Initiatives like these reflect our strength in blending computer science with environmental impact, and I am immensely proud of our students for setting a remarkable example.” 

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A Step Towards Future-Ready Education

As the demand for data-driven environmental solutions grows, universities have a pivotal role in preparing professionals who can bridge technology with purpose. This field research at Kuno National Park is not just an academic exercise, it’s a reflection of UPES’s commitment to nurturing environmentally conscious technologists.

By offering students transformative learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, UPES continues to create a dynamic, relevant, and impactful educational experience.

This isn’t just a story about five students and a national park. It’s part of a larger vision, where technology, research, and sustainability come together to shape a better world.