Working to Enact and Enhance Policies in Nepal

During my summer internship at the Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal in Kathmandu, I worked as a Research Assistant and contributed to the organization's mission of enhancing policies in Nepal through research collaboration. The internship focused on three projects under the USAID Biodiversity program, aimed at conserving biodiversity in the face of climate change. My involvement ranged from field trips for sample collection to liaising with USAID representatives and creating project-related videos.​

​This experience demonstrated my aptitude for creative thinking and independent idea generation, as well as my enjoyment in working with geospatial data using tools like Google Earth Pro and Studio. The internship clarified my Biotechnology preferences and informed my future career decisions​

​A significant highlight of my internship was observing the integration of various disciplines in real-world scenarios. The USAID biodiversity projects showcased the practical intersection of laboratory-based research and its impact on public health and policies. For instance, collecting samples from humans, domestic animals, wildlife and processing it in the laboratory contributed to monitoring zoonotic dynamics. Ultimately, all of this will aid in disease outbreak preparedness and health center planning.  This experience resonated with my interdisciplinary background from attending a liberal arts institution.

Internship funded by the Richard G. D'Auteuil '82 and Kimberly A. Labbe '82 Internship Fund​.