Email: a.r.awasthi@soton.ac.uk
Arjun is a second year PhD researcher in the department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology. He is also the student representative from his department.
Awards
Presidential Academic Scholarship worth $40,000 from The George Washington University
The President of the United States Volunteer Service Award Silver Level
Arjun's research looks at user-end demand for wild animal products sourced from the illegal wildlife trade. Specifically, consumer demand for luxury fashion products made from exotic skins such as crocodiles, alligators, snakes and lizards.
Undertsanding the attitudes, behaviours, intentions, and traits of a consumer of wild animal made products is vital to implement cultural change and lessen the demand for these products.
Arjun studies techniques of neutralisation, narcissism, empathy, and consumer awareness of biodiversity loss and how these factors influence the purchase intention of a consumer.
Arjun has previously demonstrated for PAIR 2010 "The Struggle for Democracy".
With his background in Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, and Public Policy he is comfortable teaching in both Social Sciences and Life Sciences.
Arjun's BA is from The George Washington University (2013) in Psychology and Environmental Studies. He also holds a MA in Public Policy and a MSc in Conservation Biology & Sustainable Development from the University of Maryland College Park (2017).
Prior to joining the University of Southampton Arjun assisted in establishing the first conservation breeding program and center for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. He worked closely with the Indian Government as an employee of the Wildlife Institute of India.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree he was a Zoo Keeper Aide at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Here he worked with several different species of birds specialising on the husbandry and management of large birds such as bustards, emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis.
He has also worked for organisations such as The Jane Gooddall Institue and The Humane Society of the United States.
His passion in life is to do as much as he can for animal welfare and to eventually help create policy that protects animal species the world over.
When he is not researching Arjun enjoys writing, painting, and being in nature.