Researcher · University of Leeds
I’m Prahelika, a climate change and social development researcher exploring how communities live with, respond to, and imagine a changing climate.
My doctoral research brings ethnographic and creative methods to the riverine communities of Majuli Island, Assam, India.
Based in Leeds, UK · Rooted in Assam, India
01 / Research
I work at the intersection of climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and social inclusion.
With over six years of experience across India, the UK, and international climate fora, my work connects field research with policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. I am particularly interested in the everyday experiences and knowledge of people living with environmental change.
Current doctoral project
An ethnographic and creative exploration of Majuli Island, India. Working with flood-affected communities, I explore climate adaptation and community resilience through participatory, community-based research.
School of Geography, University of Leeds
Funded by an ESRC White Rose DTP 1+3 Studentship
Ethnography, qualitative inquiry, participatory and creative research.
Gender equality, social inclusion, and community voices in climate action.
02 / Experience
Research, teaching, advocacy,
and international collaboration.
2023 — Present
University of Leeds · School of Geography
Leading ESRC-funded research with flood-affected communities in Majuli, Assam. Teaching undergraduate geography and facilitating training on climate activism and modelling for the Priestley Climate Scholars programme.
Represented Leeds at UNFCCC COP30 and the Bonn Climate Conference; co-facilitated an official Action for Climate Empowerment Dialogue and Technical Workshop, and contributed to the ACE Gallery.
2024 — 2025
Priestley Centre for Climate Futures · University of Leeds
Liaised with the international Scientific Advisory Committee, coordinated planning and conference communications, and supported programme delivery for an international climate-scenarios research conference.
November 2020 — January 2021
Centre for the Sustainable Use of Natural and Social Resources · India
Produced research-based articles and analytical reports supporting advocacy for human rights, democratic governance, and environmental sustainability.
2019 — 2020
Delhi Greens · India
Compiled a city-wide inventory of Delhi’s wetlands and waterbodies to inform monitoring and restoration.
June — July 2018
NE Greens, Delhi Greens · India
Wrote about environmental and development issues in Assam to support public awareness of sustainable development.
03 / Selected writing
On floods, place, and the possibilities
of climate action.
2025 · Commentary
Prahelika Deka
Priestley Centre for Climate Futures blog
2024 · Journal article
P. Deka, G. Chowdhury & A. K. Saha
Human Ecology, pp. 1–18
Research featured by Al Jazeera in 2025.
2023 · Journal article
Prahelika Deka
Focus on Geography, 66, pp. 1–11
Further work in revision (2026) includes a collaborative study of everyday disasters in Majuli, India and Demak, Indonesia. Conference presentations include ISISA (2026), the Royal Geographical Society (2025), Anticipation (2024), and the British Sociological Association (2023).
04 / Education & recognition
University of Leeds, UK
University of Leeds, UK · First Class with Distinction
Dissertation on climate futures and arts activism.
Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
UGC NET with Junior Research Fellowship in Geography.
Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi
05 / Beyond research
Collaboration and public engagement run through my work.
I have served as a postgraduate researcher representative at Leeds University Union and within the Social Justice, Cities and Citizenship research cluster (2024–2026), co-organised the School of Geography PGR Conference in 2024 and 2025, and joined the University of Leeds Climate Week as an expert panellist.
I review for Children’s Geographies. My volunteering has included education with Umeed – A Drop of Hope, climate-awareness fundraising with the Kalamora Foundation, and sanitation and waste-management awareness with the National Service Scheme.
Assamese (native) · English (fluent) · Hindi (fluent) · Bengali (intermediate)
Let’s connect
For research collaborations, speaking, or a shared interest
in climate, communities, and social change.