Prof. Desai is an ecologist with a keen interest in geomorphology. She is now retired after a distinguished career spanning multiple renowned Indian institutions and universities. Some of her major interests lie in the areas of ecology and environment related issues, specifically tribal habitat and ecology. She is known for her specialization in the socio-cultural ecology of the tribal people in the hill areas of West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim. She has coordinated several research projects sponsored by national and international bodies. Till date, she has over 70 technical publications and several books to her name.