Afasana Pandey

Ms. Afsana Pandey completed her Bachelor of Science in Botany from Birendra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the ethnopharmacological values and host tree relationships of orchid species in the Gundrahi Dhakaha Buffer Zone Community Forest, Nawalpur, Nepal. Her research interests include orchid diversity, taxonomy, ethnobotany, conservation biology, and Himalayan plant ecology. She has participated in field-based research involving orchid diversity assessment, ethnomedicinal plant studies, palynological investigations, and biodiversity conservation activities. Through her involvement in research and conservation projects, she has gained experience in field surveys, plant identification, ecological data collection, and community-based conservation initiatives. She is a recipient of the Idea Wild Equipment Support Grant (2025) and the Orchid Conservation Grant from the New Hampshire Orchid Society (2026). Her published works include studies on orchid ethnobotany, orchid trade potential, and palynology of ornamental plants. She aims to further contribute to the understanding and conservation of Nepal's orchid diversity and Himalayan flora through research and scientific collaboration.