KU Employment Promotion Program Alumni

Securing a merit-based role as an Environmental Engineer at Kathmandu University was a dream come true, allowing me to serve the department where I had spent five transformative years. Working in the Resource Recovery Research Laboratory, I expanded my undergraduate research, secured external grants, and even hired an intern, creating opportunities for juniors. This role honed my professional skills and deepened my understanding of department management within Nepal’s most supportive academic environment. These experiences were pivotal in earning me a full scholarship for graduate studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada. I hope this program continues to grow, offering diverse opportunities for students with varied aspirations, while fostering collaborations with industries and employers to maximize its impact.

The Kathmandu University Employment Promotion Program was an unexpected opportunity filled with challenges and uncertainties, initially feeling like uncharted territory without rigid structures. Over time, it evolved into a more structured and impactful initiative, making my journey deeply meaningful. What stood out most was viewing the university not as a student but as an active contributor to its ecosystem, gaining a deeper appreciation for its workings and the efforts behind its success. Collaborating with knowledgeable supervisors and colleagues was transformative, and giving back to the institution that shaped me felt incredibly rewarding. This program taught me resilience, adaptability, and confidence in unfamiliar roles—lessons that will guide me forward. I am grateful for this experience and proud to have contributed to an evolving program that empowers graduates, hoping my impact is as lasting as the program’s influence on me.

Working as a researcher under the Kathmandu University Employment Promotion Program, coordinated by AICKU and based in Roshi Rural Municipality, was a transformative experience that extended far beyond the boundaries of my academic field in pharmacy. Engaging in post-disaster surveys, relief efforts, and community interactions allowed me to witness the resilience of rural communities while also contributing meaningfully to their recovery. From participating in interdisciplinary tasks like environmental assessments and budget planning to observing educational challenges in local schools, the role offered invaluable exposure and personal growth. Living in a remote area without modern comforts taught me to adapt, stay grounded, and appreciate the simplicity of rural life. This journey not only deepened my connection with the community but also strengthened my resolve to contribute to long-term development. I am truly grateful to Kathmandu University, AICKU, and Roshi Rural Municipality for this opportunity, and I hope the program continues to grow, incorporating greater collaboration with industry to support future researchers and professionals.

Returning to Kathmandu University this time, not as a student, but as a Researcher at AICKU was a deeply fulfilling transition. Being part of the institution where I once studied offered a unique blend of familiarity, responsibility, and personal growth. My time at the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) provided an enriching space to evolve professionally. I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced mentors, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and engage meaningfully with institutional visitors and stakeholders. These experiences not only enhanced my technical and interpersonal skills but also helped me build lasting professional connections within and beyond the university. Among the many experiences, one that stands out profoundly is the visit to Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality under the Campus to Community initiative. Witnessing the realities of rural Nepal, its challenges, aspirations, and deep need for educational empowerment reminded me why I chose this path. It was humbling, eye-opening, and deeply motivating. I remain grateful to AICKU for the trust, mentorship, and space it gave me to grow and contribute.

After completing my biotechnology degree, I joined the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) through the Kathmandu University Employment Promotion Program, administered by Academia Industry Cooperation, Kathmandu University, where I applied my knowledge to support rural development and health-related research. In this role, I contributed to bridging academia and industry, facilitated collaboration, and gained valuable experience in laboratory work and professional communication, which solidified my commitment to translational health research in Nepal. Building on this foundation, I was honored to receive the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s MemBioMed program at Université Côte d’Azur in France, further advancing my academic and professional journey in the field of biomedical science.

I was stationed at the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) while at Kathmandu University, working under the Kathmandu University Employment Promotion Program facilitated by Academia Industry Cooperation, Kathmandu University. In this capacity, I collaborated with the Air Pollution and Health Research Laboratory concerning research and setup for laboratory purposes, focusing on indoor air pollution, improved cookstoves, and health effects on susceptible rural communities. 

Apart from laboratory work, I got involved with AICKU field visits to rural municipalities, exposing me to first-hand instances of community lifestyles and actual public education and health concerns. Under the Higher Education Bridge Initiative (HEBI), KU’s premier Campus-to-Community program, we sought to link applied academic knowledge with the community’s needs through innovative outreach. These experiences led me to the continuation of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Dynamics specialization) at Clemson University, where my research will focus on sorting of nanoparticles using ultrasonic standing wave fields assisted with lateral airflow, thus impacting precision manipulation technologies for applied biomedical and industrial purposes.

From August 2024 to July 2025, I served as a Researcher under the KU Employment Promotion Program. I was appointed to Roshi Rural Municipality, where I prepared various thematic maps to support flood impact assessment and local planning efforts. In addition to field research, I actively assisted in the Survey, Geospatial, and Remote Sensing labs of the Department of Geomatics Engineering.

I also supported the GE 2023 batch in their surveying projects, including traverse surveying, levelling, and topographical mapping. Following this tenure, I joined the civil service of Nepal as a Survey Officer, continuing my work in the field of geomatics through public service.