Nepal Development Research Institute

Alumni

Ms. Manisha Rayamajhi - Senior Admin and Finance Officer

Ms. Manisha Rayamajhi, Senior Admin and Finance Officer

Mr. Anjan Silwal - Senior Admin and Finance Assistant

Mr. Silwal was born and raised in Lalitpur, Godawari, Nepal. He is a passionate and highly professional development worker with over 5 years of experience in non-governmental organizations. He has extensive experience in Finance, Administration, and Procurement. With a degree in Business Studies, this conscientious and hardworking young man seeks to leverage strong management skills and expertise. His area of expertise are Financial/Procurement Management, Administration/Logistic Management, and Project Management

Ms. Ashma Aryal - Outreach and Communication Officer

Ashma Aryal a cheerful, and positive individual with over five years of work experience in the field of outreach and communications. She has completed her Master’s in Economics from Tribhuvan University and Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Kathmandu University. Throughout her career, Ashma has demonstrated a genuine passion for connecting with people and spreading positive messages. Her cheerful and positive personality creates an inviting atmosphere, making her an effective communicator. In her role as an Outreach and Communication Officer, Ashma has consistently excelled in developing and implementing successful outreach strategies. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Aryal maintains a strong commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in outreach and communication. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, ensuring that her work remains innovative and impactful. Overall her communication skills, coupled with her dedication to outreach and communication, make her ideal for driving successful initiatives and fostering meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

Ms. Anjana Lamichhane - Research Associate (Economics)

Ms. Anjana Lamichhane, an accomplished economist with a Master's degree in Economics from Tribhuvan University Nepal, serves as a Research Associate in NDRI's Economics and Health program. She is associated with the Cancer Research UK Fund- Tobacco Control Program, which aims to influence tobacco control policies through evidence-based advocacy. As a researcher/economic analyst, Anjana plays an essential role in researching the adverse effects of tobacco on both public health and the national economy, assessing the effectiveness of tobacco tax, and advocating government to implement effective tobacco control policies. Her commitment to this vital cause is evident in her contributions to the program, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact on society. Through her work, Anjana Lamichhane continues to make efforts to improve public health and promote a thriving economy. Research Interest: Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Stability, Tax Policy Evaluation and Impact Assessment, Political economy of Taxation, Public Policy Evaluation and Health economics. Professional Experience: July 2022 - Present: Research Associate at Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), Nepal February 2021: July 2022: Research Assistant at Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), Nepal April 2019- January 2021: Communication and Outreach Assistant at Environment, Conservation and Training Centre...

Mr. Kamal Chaulagain - Research Associate (Public Health)

Kamal Chaulagain holds a Master of Public Health from Patan Academy of Health Sciences with an additional Masters in Sociology from Tribhuvan University. With over seven years of professional experience, Kamal has demonstrated expertise in community outreach, research, and grassroots campaigns. He currently serves as a Research Associate at the Nepal Development Research Institute, focusing on tobacco control. Kamal's past roles include technical officer roles with an emphasis on disease surveillance for COVID-19, strengthening health systems, and promoting maternal and child health. He has also taught public health subjects at the Nepal Institute of Health Sciences. Kamal's impressive academic credentials are supplemented by training from prestigious institutions. His research contributions in the field of public health are notable, with multiple publications focusing on issues pertinent to Nepal, ranging from tobacco's health impacts to adolescent health and other public health disciplines. He possesses diverse skills in statistical tools making him proficient in data analysis and research methodology. Kamal is a dedicated professional aiming to make significant contributions to the realm of public health in Nepal. Research Interests Social Determinants of Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Maternal and Child Health, Adolescent Health, Health System and Governance, Health Policy, Social...

Ms. Divya Laxmi Subedi - Research Associate (Water Resources)

Divya Laxmi Subedi Ms. Divya Laxmi Subedi holds a Joint Master’s degree in Erasmus Mundus programme “Hydroinformatics and Water Management (EuroAQUAE)”. She completed her Master’s degree from Brandenburg University of Technology (Germany), Newcastle University (United Kingdom), Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Spain) and University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (France). She completed her Bachelor’s degree in “Civil Engineering with specialization in Hydropower” from Kathmandu University (Nepal). She is a part of NDRI’s Water and Climate program as a Research Associate. She is associated with the Global Challenges Researchers Fund- GCRF’s Tomorrow’s Cities Project as a water/climate change analyst. Her works focus on understanding the impacts of climate change on future rainfall extreme events with implications for urban flood risk. Prior to working in NDRI, she worked as an intern at Deltares (the Netherlands). At Deltares, she performed her Master’s thesis on testing a python based hydrological and sediment model on Koshi catchment of Nepal. She also worked as a summer intern in École Polythecnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland). Additionally, she has worked as a teaching faculty and a civil engineer in infrastructure and hydropower development sector before pursuing her Master’s degree. Research Interest:...

Ms. Rojina Haiju - Research Associate

Ms. Rojina Haiju is a research associate under Water and Climate Program at Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI). She holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) from Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln) Cologne, Germany. She studied Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Engineering from Kathmandu University Dhulikhel, Nepal. She is a part of Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Tomorrow’s Cities Project as a Climate Change analyst. She mainly works on the analysis of historical extreme events, and studying the future possible rainfall extreme events as impacts of climate change and the implications on future flood risks. She has more than two years of work experience in the field of Climate Change, Water Resources and Energy. Throughout her professional journey, she played an important role in assisting and coordinating a regional event and conducted field research in rural districts of Nepal, engaging with youths to promote water and environmental management. For over two years at NDRI, Ms. Haiju has contributed in coordinating national and international events. She also has presented her research findings at both national and international forums and has been involved in the publication of book chapter, co-authored journal article. Furthermore, she collaborates closely with...

Ms. Sunita Magar - Research Associate (Applied Geology)

Sunita Magar Ms. Sunita Magar is currently working as a Research Associate at Nepal Development Research Institute’s Disaster Management and Water and Climate program. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Geology from Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University. She completed her undergraduate program from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Ghantaghar, Kathmandu. She worked as a student assistant in the Bagmati Monitoring Project from 2015 to 2022 A.D., a collaborative project between the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and Tribhuvan University. Prior to joining NDRI, Sunita Magar worked as a Geologist/Hydrogeologist at Nir Drilling and Construction Pvt. Ltd. Also, she was employed as a television presenter for science program “Today’s Science” in Nepal Television. Research Interest Disaster risk reduction and management, hazard mapping, hydrogeology, water quality and climate change, geographic information system and remote sensing. Awards and Grants • Master’s degree thesis grant, Centre of Research for Environment, Energy and Water (CREEW) 2021. • Mitra Bahadur Rai Memorial Scholarship 2019. • Outstanding Young Researcher Presentation Award at 9th Nepal Geological Congress in 2018. Publications Iqbal, M., Bhattarai, T. N., Heinzel, C., Tuladhar, S. Magar, S. & Raila,...

Ms. Salisha Raila - Research Associate (Economics)

Salisha Raila an economist with a Master's degree in Economics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal and graduate of Bachelor's in Business Administration from Shanker Dev Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal. She has remained Tribhuvan University Topper in the third semester of BBA. Similarly, She has worked as an Operational Assistant at Nepal SBI Bank Ltd. from July 2019 to june 2023. She has a publication 'Financial Factors Affecting Foreign Direct Investment Flows into Nepal' which is available at https://doi.org/10.3126/rcab.v2i1.57641.

Ms. Akriti Sharma - Research Associate (Engineering Geology)

Akriti Sharma has earned a Master’s degree in Engineering Geology from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. She has more than two years of experience working as an engineering geologist, focusing on geological studies and environmental challenges. Her passion lies in conducting research on disaster risk reduction and the impacts of climate change. Currently, she is engaged as a Research Associate at the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), contributing to projects aimed at sustainable development and resilience building.

Ms. Srijana Poudel - Research Associate (Hydrogeology)

Srijana Poudel is currently working as a research associate at Nepal Development Research Institute in Disaster Risk Management and Water and Climate program. She holds a master’s degree in Hydrogeology from Tribhuvan University and also been pursuing another master’s degree in Geo-informatics from Nepal Open University(NOU). She completed her undergraduate program from Tri-Chandra multiple campus. She worked as a GIS expert/Geologist in ADMC Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Rajdevi Engineering Consultant Pvt. Ltd., and assist hazard analysis in different packages of National Land Use Projects(NLUP). Research Interest: Hazard analysis, Disaster risk management, Climate change, Landslide Susceptibility mapping and Springwater management Publications: Poudel S. and Ghimire S., “Estimation of Shear Wave Structure and Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio at Different Sites in Kathmandu Valley” in Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, China in 2019. Vol 7, No. 5 (2019) PP 300-308. DOI: 10.4236/gep.2019.75022

Mr. Parashar Khadka - Research Associate (Public Health)

Mr. Parashar Khadka is a dedicated public health researcher currently serving as a Research Associate at the Health-Education-Environment Program at NDRI since February 2025. He holds a Master’s degree in public health (MPH) with a specialization in Global Health from the University of Washington, Seattle, United States (2022-2024), which he completed with a full scholarship through the Cardiometabolic Research and Training Program (CMRTP), funded by the Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, U.S. In addition, he earned a Master’s degree in Rural Development (MARD) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, in 2022, and an undergraduate degree in Public Health from Nobel College, Pokhara University, in 2016. Mr. Khadka brings over five years of experience in cardiovascular disease (NCD) research, having previously worked as a Senior Research Assistant on the Nepal Pioneer Worksite Intervention Study at Dhulikhel Hospital – Kathmandu University Hospital. This project, funded by Yale and Harvard Universities, focused on preventing diabetes and hypertension in workplace settings from 2017 to 2022. His areas of expertise include project management, planning, coordinating project activities, translational implementation science research, data management and analysis, and monitoring and evaluation. During his MPH practicum, he served as a monitoring and evaluation trainee...

Ms. Utasaha Gartaula - Senior Research Assistant

Ms. Utasaha Gartaula is a dynamic and dedicated public health professional, holding an undergraduate degree from Karnali College of Health Sciences (Purbanchal University). With a genuine passion for research, she serves as a Senior Research Assistant at Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI). One of Utasaha's defining characteristics is her unyielding enthusiasm and boundless motivation. As a public health graduate, Ms. Gartaula's focus area for her career development has been to be a researcher such that she can identify the gaps between policies and communities and support for the evidence- based development. She believes, research is the foot of the progressing society. Her goal aligns towards identifying the challenges and issues of the society. Research Interest: Mental health, Sexual and Reproductive health, Water and Sanitation Hygiene, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Livelihood, Nutrition Professional Experience: Research Intern (April 2023- August 2023) Phase Nepal Field Researcher (November 2022- February 2023) Heifer International Nepal Honors and Awards Excellent Student Award- 2021 Karnali College of Health Sciences

Ms. Samyang Nembang - Research Intern

Ms. Samyang Nembang, Research Intern

Ms. Monica Maharjan - Research Associate

Current affiliation: Murdoch University, Australia Past affiliation: NDRI Research Associate (Water and Climate) 20 August 2017- 24 January 2020 Bio: Monica Maharjan holds M.Sc. degree in Interdisciplinary Water Resources Management from Pokhara University. She is also a graduate of Master of Climate Change from the Australian National University. She served as a Visiting Faculty at Nepal Engineering College – Centre for Postgraduate Studies (nec-CPS) for iWRM Program and has past experiences in national- and regional-level research as a Research Associate, Consultant, Program Officer, and Field Research Officer and Coordinator. Currently, she is studying electric mobility transition in Nepal for her PhD research.

Ms. Karishma Bhandari - Research Intern

Karishma Bhandari is a passionate and driven public health student currently studying Bachelor of Public Health at Central Department of Public Health, IOM. Her journey in public health has been shaped by deep sense of social responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. She believes that public health is not just a field of study but a calling to create a healthier, more equitable world for all. She is often engaged in health advocacy, staying updated on the latest public health developments, and collaborating with like-minded individuals to address pressing health issues.

Ms. Swostika Thapaliya - Research Intern

Swostika Thapaliya 22, is a final year undergraduate student of Public Health in Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine. She is affiliated to a non-governmental organization, YUWA as its General Secretary. She has been working for young people's SRHR and Comprehensive Sexuality Education for more than three years and has been actively engaged in national and international level advocacy processes. She is committed to promoting social change, gender equality, and youth participation in health and development. She likes travelling and finds solace in poetry.

Mr. Upendra Saud - Research Intern

Mr. Upendra Saud is a final year undergraduate student of Public Health in Kathmandu Multiple College Pvt. Ltd (Purbanchal University). He currently serves as a Research Intern at the Nepal Development Research Institute, focusing Tobacco control. As a public health student, Mr. Saud focus area for his career development has been to be a researcher can identify the gaps between policies and communities and support for the evidence- based development. He wants to identify the challenges and issues of the society. Research Interest: General Health Service Readiness, Nutrition, Mental Health, Water and Sanitation Hygiene, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Livelihood, Professional Experience: 3 month Volunteer in ENDTB 2024, Dengue control program.

Ms. Subekshya Basnet - Research Intern

Ms. Subekshya Basnet is a dynamic and dedicated public health professional, final year student of Kathmandu Multiple College Pvt. ltd (Purbanchal University). With a genuine passion for research, she serves as a Research intern at Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI). As a public health student, Ms. Basnet focus area for her career development has been to be a researcher such that she can identify the gaps between policies and communities and support for the evidence- based development. She believes, research is the foot of the progressing society. Her goal aligns towards identifying the challenges and issues of the society. Research Interest: Nutrition, Mental Health, Water and Sanitation Hygiene, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Livelihood, Professional Experience: 3 month Volunteer in ENDTB 2024, Dengue control program.

Ms. Bipashwi Nepal - Research Intern (Economics)

Bipashwi is a rising sophomore at Smith College and plans to double major in Architecture and Quantitative Economics. She enjoys going to nature and eating great meals. She currently works as an office intern at Smith College's Office of Alumnae Relations and Development, having previously worked as a content writer, project manager, and trainer for several organizations. At NDRI, she hopes to apply her theoretical knowledge into hands-on learning and is excited about the opportunities that awaits her.

Ms. Prapti Shrestha - Research Intern

Ms. Prapti Shrestha currently serves as a research intern at the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), where she is involved in the policy research related to hemp production for the textile industry. She is part of the Economic Development Program Team. As a third-year Kathmandu University Bachelor of Business Management and Legislative Law (BBM-LLB) student, she brings a strong academic background and a passion for policy research to her work. Ms. Prapti exhibits a strong interest in economic viability, environmental sustainability, and developmental policies—all of which are essential to her work on the feasibility study of hemp farming in Nepal. The analysis of hemp's potential as a sustainable raw material for Nepal's textile industry, taking into account both industrial applications and legislative frameworks, is the main goal of this study. Her research aims to bridge policy and practice, resulting in evidence-based recommendations for future hemp policy in Nepal. Prapti's background includes employment as Secretary for Amnesty International Kathmandu University Youth Network, where she worked on human rights advocacy and youth education projects, in addition to her academic and research endeavors. She has also been involved in a research of foreign employees and their family members living conditions while...

Mr. Anuj Dhakal - Research Assistant (Agriculture)

Anuj Dhakal is a young researcher from Lamjung. He is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) in Livelihood and Food Security Program. Cumulatively, he is engaged in policy research and drafting a 20 years master plan of NDRI with the team. He holds an Undergraduate degree in Agriculture Science from Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus. He worked as a research intern at National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center (Gene Bank), where he focused on characterization, conservation and utilization of landraces. His major research interests include Value Chain Analysis, Social Capital, Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS), Ecosystem services and Productivity.

Dr. rer. nat. Pallav Kumar Shrestha - Research Associate

Pallav Kumar Shrestha is a postdoctoral scientist in Computational Hydrology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Germany (https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=43697). He holds a PhD degree in Hydrology (2025) from University of Potsdam. Prior to his PhD, he served as Water Resources Specialist and Developer in AIT, Thailand, up to 2017. He holds MSc degree in Water Resources Engineering (2013) from Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University. Pallav has more than a decade long experience in hydrological modeling, model development, and deployment of systems for monitoring and forecasting hydrological extremes. At UFZ, Pallav is one of the active developers of the mesoscale hydrological model, mHM. Pallav specializes in improved representation of reservoirs and small catchments in large-scale modeling applications. He particularly focuses on the scalability of hydrologic simulations i.e., achieving consistent model output across 1 km to 100 km grid resolution, which has been largely overlooked by many contemporary hydrological models.

Ms. Muna Thapa - Research Assistant (Livelihoods and Food Security)

Muna Thapa is a young agricultural researcher from Syangja, Nepal, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science from Far Western University. She began her career as an intern at the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP)–PIU Dadeldhura, where she studied the growth and yield performance of potato varieties with and without straw mulch. Her work deepened her understanding of sustainable crop management and farmer engagement through field demonstrations and surveys. Currently, she works as a Research Assistant at the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) under the Australian Aid-funded project “Empowering Farmers in Chainpur, Sankhuwasabha, for Direct Export and Sustainable Production of Large Cardamom.” Her research interests include agricultural value chain analysis, market system development, farm profitability, climate-resilient farming, and participatory research to strengthen the productivity, profitability, and resilience of smallholder farmers while promoting the sustainability of Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Bishista Wagle - Student Intern (Economics, Mathematics and Statistics)

Bishista Wagle is an undergraduate student at Brown University studying Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. He is enthusiastic about using quantitative tools to better understand socioeconomic phenomena. As student intern at NDRI, he is working on budget analysis under supervision of the Economic Development team and on household data analysis of the ECONOGENESIS project under supervision of the Water and Climate team.