Apprentices

Ira Kayastha

Jr. Social Media Analyst

Ira Kayastha

Jr. Social Media Analyst

Ira Kayastha, a Junior Social Media Analyst on the Social Media and Communication team, bringing curiosity, creativity, and a data-driven mindset to every project. She is passionate about connecting with audiences online, and supporting day-to-day content planning, tracks engagement across platforms.

Palasha Tuladhar

Jr. Research Analyst

Palasha Tuladhar

Jr. Research Analyst

Palasha recently earned her master's degree in International Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh. Previously, she worked with trainees and workers from 19 different countries as an International Program Assistant at the YMCA of the Rockies. Additionally, in her role as an Enrollment Coordinator at Literacy Pittsburgh, she managed citizenship classes and directly assisted refugees and migrants from diverse backgrounds. This hands-on experience and her background in research has provided her with invaluable insight into the complexities of migration.

Mohan Khanal

Jr. Research Analyst

Mohan Khanal

Jr. Research Analyst

Mohan Khanal is a Kathmandu-based researcher and lecturer with a strong academic foundation in economics and an interest in using data to inform public policy. He holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Tribhuvan University, where he focused on microeconomics, public economics, and development issues, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kathmandu University. Mohan’s research spans diverse themes such as tobacco control, inclusive education, vocational training, and social protection. He has worked on several interdisciplinary projects that involved field coordination, survey design, interviews, and policy reporting. His motivation lies in understanding how economic tools can improve lives—especially in developing country contexts. Alongside research, Mohan teaches undergraduate economics courses, including behevioral economics and econometrics to students from business backgrounds. He also facilitates R for Data Science course. Outside of work, Mohan enjoys playing the keyboard and guitar, participating in futsal matches, and following test cricket with enthusiasm.

Aakriti Kafle

Jr. Research Analyst

Aakriti Kafle

Jr. Research Analyst

Ms. Aakriti Kafle is an enthusiastic Agricultural Economics student with experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Her research interests focus on inclusive agricultural development, evidence-based policy making, and linking grassroots data with broader development goals. She has conducted research supported by the USAID Livestock Systems Innovation Lab (LSIL) grant, exploring opportunities and barriers for women’s participation in the dairy value chain in Nawalparasi East district. In addition, she has contributed to impact assessments of SwissContact’s agricultural interventions across various districts in Koshi Province. She is also a published researcher, with her work focused on agricultural value chains and crop management practices. She is passionate about addressing socioeconomic issues, gender equity, social inclusion, and economic prosperity through evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and inclusive development.

Subin Adhikari

Jr. Research Assistant

Subin Adhikari

Jr. Research Assistant

Subin Adhikari is an economics enthusiast currently pursuing an MA in Economics. He previously worked as a Sub-Editor at The Kathmandu Post, where he covered economic issues.

Shakshyam Kafle

Jr. Research Assistant

Shakshyam Kafle

Jr. Research Assistant

Shakshyam Kafle is a civil engineer with a passion for sustainable infrastructure, urban water management, and transportation systems. A graduate of Pulchowk Campus, he has conducted research on waste management in Kathmandu. Shakshyam brings hands-on experience in field engineering and has contributed to the detailed design of key transportation projects. With a strong foundation in environmental and transportation engineering, he is committed to building resilient infrastructure through global collaboration, research, and lifelong learning.

Om Khadka

Jr. Research Assistant

Om Khadka

Jr. Research Assistant

Om Khadka is currently pursuing his Master’s in Data Analytics at Islington College, Kathmandu (affiliated with London Metropolitan University, UK). With a background in Computing and hands-on experience in web development and data research, he’s passionate about using technology to improve governance and public services. At IIDS, Om works with the Digital Unit, where he supports research on digital transformation, AI, and how data can drive smarter, more inclusive policies in Nepal. Outside of work, he enjoys playing football, following tech trends, and exploring new ideas in public policy.

Simran Sherchan

Jr. Operation Assistant

Simran Sherchan

Jr. Operation Assistant

Simran Sherchan is a Junior Operations Assistant at the Institute for Integrated development Studies (IIDS). With prior experience at Google (Astreya) in asset and inventory management and at E-Bizz Solutions Pty. Ltd. in student admissions and client services, she brings a versatile skill set and a people-focused approach to operations. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Outside of work, Simran enjoys exploring health and wellness, staying active, and finding balance through mindful living.

Anjali Sapkota

Jr. Research Assistant

Anjali Sapkota

Jr. Research Assistant

Anjali Sapkota is a Computer Engineering graduate with a growing portfolio in data science, analytics, and AI. She has contributed to educational and environmental research through the development of a climate data analysis project focused on Nepal. She is interested in problem-solving and applying data analysis and research to meaningful, real-world challenges.

Shriju Thapa

Jr. Research Assistant

Shriju Thapa

Jr. Research Assistant

Shriju Thapa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and has been working in the education sector since 2021. She brings experience in curriculum development, program management, and research support, with strong skills in data analysis and documentation. Her interests lie in advancing education and community-based learning.

Karan Mahato

Jr. Research Assistant

Karan Mahato

Jr. Research Assistant

Karan Mahato is a recent graduate from DePauw University, Indiana, USA with a double major in Economics and Anthropology and a minor in Political Science. He has conducted a wide range of research, from analyzing trade patterns in the SAARC region to exploring urban development in Kathmandu and the effects of the U.S.-China trade conflict on Vietnam. With experience in policy research, he is passionate about evidence-based policymaking that addresses development challenges. Karan aims to contribute his analytical skills and learn from the IIDS’s expertise while furthering his long-term goal of engaging in inclusive economic development and policymaking in Nepal.

Amesh Pandey

Jr. Research Assistant

Amesh Pandey

Jr. Research Assistant

Amesh Pandey is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Business Administration. He previously worked on Nepal’s energy transition and hydropower strategy as a Summer Intern at IIDS. He has also studied at Kathmandu University School of Management and at Palacký University in Olomouc, Czechia, where he focused on European political history, World War II, and the Soviet era. His current interests lie in development economics, international trade, energy, and geopolitics.

Aadya Maya Aryal

Jr. Research Assistant

Aadya Maya Aryal

Jr. Research Assistant

Aadya recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in International Social and Public Policy & Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has gained hands-on experience in policy research in both Kathmandu and London, particularly in the fields of youth unemployment, education, and democracy. She is deeply passionate about bettering the institutions and systems that shape people’s lives in Nepal.

Apprentices

Apprentices

Ira Kayastha

Palasha Tuladhar

Mohan Khanal

Aakriti Kafle

Subin Adhikari

Shakshyam Kafle

Om Khadka

Simran Sherchan

Anjali Sapkota

Shriju Thapa

Karan Mahato

Amesh Pandey

Aadya Maya Aryal

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