ÃÛÌÒTV
Arjun is a final-year PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology at the ÃÛÌÒTV. His interdisciplinary research examines consumer psychology, luxury fashion, and the illegal wildlife trade, with a particular focus on demand reduction strategies for exotic skins. Beyond his academic work, he has experience in wildlife conservation, policy analysis, and sustainability research
Research
Research groups
Research interests
- Consumer Attitudes and Behaviours
- The Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Animal Welfare and Species Justice
- Ethical Luxury FashionÂ
Current research
Arjun’s research focuses on consumer demand for luxury fashion products derived from wild animals, particularly those sourced from the illegal wildlife trade. His work examines the attitudes, behaviours, psychological traits, and decision-making processes of consumers who purchase exotic skins, made from crocodiles, alligators, snakes, and lizards.
By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, Arjun explores how techniques of neutralisation, narcissism, empathy, and consumer awareness of biodiversity loss shape purchasing intentions. His research also intersects with policy analysis, investigating regulatory responses to the illegal reptile trade and assessing the effectiveness of demand-reduction strategies within the luxury fashion industry.
Beyond consumer psychology and conservation criminology, Arjun is interested in the broader implications of generative artificial intelligence in higher education, as well as participatory decision-making in environmental governance. His interdisciplinary expertise spans luxury brand sustainability, wildlife trade policy, and emerging technologies, contributing to a deeper understanding of human behaviour in complex socio-environmental contexts.
Publications
Teaching
Arjun has taught across multiple disciplines, demonstrating in the Departments of Political Science and International Relations, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology, Biology, and Social Statistics & Demography.
He has delivered guest lectures on a range of topics, including:
- The Climate Crisis: A Threat to Democracy (Politics)
- Challenges for Wildlife Conservation (Marine Conservation & Policy)
- Animal Welfare and Luxury Fashion (Winchester School of Art)
With an academic background spanning Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, and Public Policy, Arjun is comfortable teaching across both the Social Sciences and Life Sciences. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to engage students in discussions on conservation, sustainability, consumer behaviour, politics, and policy-making.
Biography
Arjun holds a BA in Psychology and Environmental Studies from The George Washington University (2013) and an MA in Public Policy alongside an MSc in Conservation Biology & Sustainable Development from the University of Maryland, College Park (2017).
Before joining the ÃÛÌÒTV, Arjun played a key role in establishing the first conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. As an employee of the Wildlife Institute of India, he collaborated closely with the Indian government to develop strategies for species recovery.
His early experiences in wildlife conservation include working as a Zoo Keeper Aide at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where he specialised in the husbandry and management of large bird species, including bustards, emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis. He has also contributed to the work of organisations such as The Jane Goodall Institute and The Humane Society of the United States.
Arjun’s research interests span consumer demand for wild animal products, wildlife trade policy, luxury fashion sustainability, and the intersection of emerging technologies with conservation and higher education. His passion lies in advancing animal welfare and contributing to policy that safeguards species worldwide.
Outside of research, Arjun enjoys writing, painting, and spending time in nature.