Dr. Hem Baral is an ornithologist who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is an expert on the grassland birds of lowland Nepal. BCN is a member-based conservation organization that works closely with BirdLife International, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), World Pheasant Association, Wetlands International, and Oriental Bird Club. In his job, Hem promotes the protection of native bird species and their habitat. He also teaches young Nepali scientists and participates in ornithological research.

Career Path: Hem earned his master’s degree in avian ecology from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, followed by his doctorate from the University of Amsterdam. He smiles at the idea of having a job that allows him to “twitching” (birding). But even that’s not enough. Hem spends much of his free time out and about with his bird binoculars.