Curci Foundation Two-Year Fellowship, Kenny Endowed Fellowship, and UW Fellow for Academic Excellence 

PhD in Pathobiology

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I am an international student from Kathmandu, Nepal and started my journey in the U.S. about seven years ago to pursue my undergraduate degree in biochemistry at North Central College. I got my first research experience working with Dr. Gregory Ruthig during summers in undergrad when I researched the synergistic effects of amphibian pathogens in Mink frogs. Upon graduation, I worked in Dr. Karen Visick’s lab at Loyola University Chicago where I investigated the roles of fifty c-di-GMP modulating genes in controlling Vibrio fischeri motility. While these experiences laid a strong foundation for a career in research, taught me to be detail oriented and to value curiosity, it also made me question the direction of my life; I yearned for work that would impact not just science, but also people. In my search, I came across Dr. Jonathan Li’s translational research on reservoirs, pathogenesis and cure of HIV-1 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where I worked for the past two years. Working with a brilliant team of scientists there solidified my career goals of working in translational research, and prepared me for a graduate degree. Navigating this journey as an international student from Kathmandu moving to Chicago, Boston and now Seattle, I have learned the value of adaptability and being open to new possibilities, qualities that are key in scientific research.

Why did you decide to attend the UW for graduate school?

I chose the Pathobiology Graduate Program in the Department of Global Health at the UW for its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, which is essential in global health research. Most of the faculty that I have interacted with have active collaborations with different institutes nationwide and globally. The program unites my background in translational research with my future goals in global health equity, so I am really excited to be here! I am confident that I will find the resources here to grow into a scientist capable of bridging research gaps, and fostering a global scientific community.

What are your research interests and career goals?

I want to study globally relevant diseases, particularly those with a heavy burden in resource-limited settings like Nepal, where I am from. Some of the topics I'm interested in pursuing in grad school are infectious diseases and immunology. My first rotation is with Dr. Thomas Hawn, whose lab focuses on the innate immune system in relation to tuberculosis and other infections, with an overall goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Did your award influence your decision to attend the UW?

I am honored to be a recipient of the Kenny Endowed Fellowship, UW Fellow for Academic Excellence, and a Curci Foundation Two-Year Fellowship. These awards definitely influenced my decision to attend the UW since it reflected the university’s commitment to award the potential in students like me. Receiving the Curci Ph.D. scholarship is also a tremendous honor, as it recognizes my scientific training and motivates me to carve my own path as a Ph.D. student interested in pursuing research in infectious diseases and/or immunology with a global health perspective. As an international student from Nepal, this award holds a special significance because I struggled with navigating the academic landscape in the U.S. when I first moved here, as I often felt out of place. This recognition strengthens my sense of belonging and reassures me that my hard work, perseverance and persistence are acknowledged.

When you aren't studying, where is your favorite place to hangout in Seattle?

I love walking around the Drumheller Fountain on campus, which on a good day gives the most breathtaking view of Mt.Rainier!