I am a Ph.D. student in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering (CCEE) of the University of New Mexico. I grew up in Nepal, a beautiful and culturally diverse country surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. I spent most of my life in the capital of Nepal, i.e., Kathmandu, which is rich in its traditional practices and is filled with ancient temples and communities that value education and hard work. Navigating through Kathmandu’s busy road and bustling market, I realized a lot of work needed to be done on the transportation system to improve its accessibility, mobility, and safety.
These experiences and the intensified affinity towards engineering led me to pursue Civil Engineering. So, I joined the Western Region Campus, Tribhuvan University, where I completed my undergraduate. During my undergraduate year, I gained a strong foundation in transportation.
Likewise, my research interest is in Transportation Safety, Sustainable Transportation, Safety and Human Factors, Data Analysis, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The research question that has captivated my interest is, “How can we develop and implement a sustainable transportation system in developing countries for better accessibility and economic betterment?” This research question has driven my aspiration to solve the issues of transportation faced by communities in Nepal and other similar regions.
Besides my academic and professional pursuits, I am deeply interested in physical fitness, playing sports, and exploring nature. Being born in a naturally inclined country like Nepal, I am very connected to nature, and it has always been a way for me to disconnect from my academic rigors. Furthermore, I feel that nature is where you find the answers to all your questions. These hobbies keep me active as well as deeply align with my interest in sustainable transportation, i.e., preserving nature and the environment.
Being a part of RUTA-HC Lab has been one of my most significant life opportunities. I am very excited about learning and collaborating with like-minded people who share the same passions as me in the field of transportation. In the RUTA-HC Lab, I aim to research my interest areas further and contribute to the ongoing project. My ultimate aspiration with RUTA-HC is to develop an effective way to create a sustainable and efficient transportation system to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life.
In summary, my academic background, passion, expertise, and research interest sum up who I am and what I aspire to achieve in the future. I am very excited to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to the RUTA-HC lab, where I aim to make a long-lasting contribution to the field of transportation.