Meet Our Team
Sonam Darjay
Energy & Data Science Researcher
LEAD
Prior to joining the Center, Mr. Sonam was with the Electricity Regulatory Authority. Holding an MBA from the University of Canberra, Australia, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of Science and Technology, Bhutan, and an Advanced Diploma of Applied Environmental Management from the TAFE Sydney, Australia. He is passionate in renewable energy, clean tech, machine learning and data science.
Phub Dorji
Financial Analyst/Researcher
Business Strategy
With over a decade of experience in Accounting and Finance, Mr. Phub has worked his way up from Internal Auditor to Accounts Manager and Finance Manager at Bhutan Telecom. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Sherubtse College, Bhutan. He is also trained in IFRS and SAP ERP system.
Rinchen Yoezer
Culture Researcher
Cultural Heritage & Community
Lopen Rinchen has a deep passion in research related to history, culture, tradition and social anthropology. Prior to joining CFR, he worked as Cultural Officer at Dharma Arts and Craft Center. He was also a Dzongkha Lecturer at Thimphu Desi High School and Research Officer, Royal Advisory Council. He has BA and MA in Buddhist Studies.
Dorji Gyaltshen
Clean Tech Researcher
Data & Technology Solutions
Mr. Dorji has over a decade of experience in Program & Projects related to Biogas in Bhutan. He completed his Bachelors Degree from the College of Veterinary and Animal Science in Kerala, India, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension from the University of Reading, UK.
Kuenzang Pelden
Adm. Assistant Cum Data Processor
Business Strategy
Kuenzang is a highly skilled digital marketing expert specializing in digital marketing and search engine optimization. She has over 3 years of experience at a reputable digital marketing firm in Bhutan. She helps with administrative and logistic arrangements for our consultants.
Tshering Penjor
Culture and Buddhist Studies Researcher
Culture Heritage and Community
Acharaya Tshering Penjor holds Master’s Degree in Buddhist Philosophy from the Central University of Tibetan Studies in India. He worked as Sr. Lecturer at the College of Language and Culture Studies at Trongsa for five years before aspiring to work as Buddhist Studies Researcher.
Meet Our Domestic and International Experts
Dr. Yangchen
Public Health Consultant and Researcher
Policy & Governance
Dr. Yangchen has over two decades of experience working at various levels of health care in the country, especially working in a JDWHR Hospital and Medical University of Bhutan (KBUMSB). She has led the Country level Stroke Care Improvement Implementation Research project in three national referral hospitals in collaboration with WHO-SEARO and CMC, Ludhiana, India. She is also the national resource person for NCDs.
Duminda Jayaranjan
Research & Engineering Consultant
Business Strategy
Dr. Duminda earned his Doctor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and a Master of Engineering in Environmental Water Resources & Management from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Mr. Duminda currently serves as the Associate Dean at the International College of Siam University in Thailand. He comes with extensive field experience as an academician, researcher, and consultant.
Ewunate Assaye Kassaw
Machine Learning and AI Consultant
Data & Technology Solutions
Mr. Ewunate from Ethiopia is currently pursuing his PhD at IIT, Delhi. He holds Bachelor and Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Instrumentation Engineering. Ewunate brings his vast experience in advanced bio-signal processing, bio-robotics, instrumentation design/implementation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and many more.
Ms. Tenzin Wangmo
Assistant Community Researcher
Culture Heritage and Community
Ms. Tenzin completed her Bachelors Degree in Bhutanese and Himalayan Studies, College of Language and Culture Studies, Royal University of Bhutan. She brings in rich experiences working at various community organization and NGOs. Ms. Tenzin is a linguistically skilled individual, well-versed in diverse cultural practices and local traditions, having been born and raised in an environment deeply rooted in rich cultural heritage and customs.
Obakemi Funsho Idowu
Economic Consultant
Data & Technology Solutions
Dr. Funsho obtained his Master’s and PhD degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria. Currently, he teaches economics and social sciences at the University of Ilorin. He has wide teaching and research experience, and has authored multiple journal articles in the field of transport infrastructure, economic growth, political business cycle, human capital formation, government expenditure, private investment, and fiscal discipline.
Taofeeq Sholagberu Abdulkadir
Water Resources & Environmental Consultant
Data & Technology Solutions
Dr. Abdulkadir is an Associate Professor at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. His research interests include water resources and environmental modeling, GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning. His technical proficiency spans hydrological modeling, hydro-informatics, artificial intelligence applications and geospatial analysis. He has led critical projects including construction of bio-factory reservoirs, road rehabilitation, and bioretention systems for stormwater treatment. His 50+ scholarly publications demonstrate pioneering work in soil erosion modeling, stormwater management, water resources engineering and agro-wastes based circular water economy. Dr. Abdulkadir bridges fieldwork with cutting-edge analytics to address climate resilience and water security challenges.