My research is attempting to quantify the benefits provided by the mountains to the people, as perceived by the people themselves, to show policy makers why they need to be protected.

So, I protect the pulse by shedding light on its importance to people by drawing up science-backed evidence on how they help in the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Being connected to greenery and nature gives me a lot of joy, so I enjoy the open spaces and greenery inside the ICIMOD complex. All the flowers, trees, grass and shrubs inside the office premises provide much motivation and creativity to me in my work, while also fostering relationships with my colleagues when we sit down outside and discuss ideas and our work. The joy I find in nature is one of the reasons why I’ve dedicated my career to the field of environmental sciences in the first place. ICIMOD’s working environment is simply beautiful, and I love it.

Two things I really enjoy are playing my guitar, and writing short stories and poems. Recently, I’ve been trying to combine these interests together to write songs, but let’s just say its a work in progress.

I have completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies in a joint programme as an Erasmus Mundus scholar. This inter-university Master’s programme allowed me to study in Aalborg University, Denmark; the Technical University of Harburg, Hamburg; Aveiro University (Portugal); Autonomous University of Barcelona; and Mahidol University, Thailand; and to diversify my knowledge in a range of subjects such as global change, multi-criteria analysis, environmental justice, circular economy, life cycle assessment, waste management, food-water-energy nexus, business sustainability and resource efficiency. Prior to my Master’s studies, I had completed a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Kathmandu University and worked for almost two years in Nepal’s Rural Access Programme as a Graduate Engineer. That work took me to different parts of Nepal including Humla, Mugu, Parbat and Kathmandu districts.

The diverse knowledge and researching abilities I’ve learned in my Master’s programme complements the quantiative base I have as a civil engineer and I have been using these qualifications to take my responsibilities at ICIMOD in the right direction.