Growing up in Nepal, I experienced firsthand how natural disasters can reshape not just landscapes, but also life trajectories. On April 25, 2015, when I was 16 years old, the devastating Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake struck Nepal, forever changing my perspective on life and my professional aspirations. As I witnessed the widespread destruction and loss of life, I found myself grappling with questions about earthquake mechanisms and, more importantly, how we could better protect our communities from such catastrophic events. This traumatic experience became the catalyst for my journey into civil engineering, specifically geotechnical engineering. The earthquake revealed the vulnerability of our infrastructure and the critical need for expertise in soil mechanics and earthquake engineering. Despite the limited academic environment in Nepal, where research opportunities are scare and theoretical learning often takes precedence over practical application, I completed my undergraduate studies at Kantipur Engineering College with unwavering determination. As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education presented its own set of challenges. Without any family precedent to follow, I had to forge my own path, learning to balance academic excellence with professional growth opportunities. I actively sought out research experiences and volunteering opportunities, which led me to work with the Nepal Geotechnical Society and later as a Research Assistant at the Geoinfra Research Institute. These experiences not only enhanced my technical skills but also helped me develop a deeper understanding of how geotechnical engineering can contribute to disaster mitigation. Currently, as a Graduate Research Assistant at Jackson State University's Geotechnical Engineering Lab, I am building upon my previous experiences while adapting to a new educational system and culture. The transition to studying in the United States has presented its own challenges, from adjusting to different teaching methodologies to overcoming language barriers. However, these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to excel and contribute meaningfully to my field. My research focuses on critical areas such as soil stabilization, bioengineering, and landslide hazards. Through my studies and research, I aim to develop innovative solutions that can help communities better prepare for and withstand natural disasters. My work on projects like the "Development of a Framework for the Prediction of Slope Stability Using Machine Learning Paradigms" demonstrates my commitment to combining traditional geotechnical engineering principles with modern technological approaches. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to become a professor and establish a research center dedicated to geotechnical engineering. I want to create opportunities for future generations of engineers, particularly those who, like me, come from backgrounds where research opportunities are limited. By fostering a culture of research and innovation, I hope to contribute to the development of more resilient infrastructure and better disaster preparedness strategies, not just in Nepal but globally. The Edwards-Maxwell Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals, allowing me to focus more intensively on my research and academic pursuits. Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient world for communities vulnerable to natural disasters.

As a young girl growing up in Nepal, my dreams were shaped by the majestic Himalayan landscapes surrounding me. Like many children, I cycled through various aspirations – becoming a doctor, a teacher, or even an artist. However, a pivotal moment on April 25, 2015, forever changed my perspective and crystallized my life's purpose. I was just sixteen when the devastating Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake struck Nepal, transforming not only our physical landscape but also my understanding of what I wanted to contribute to the world. Standing amidst the aftermath of the earthquake, watching helplessly as buildings crumbled and communities struggled to recover, I found myself asking questions that would define my future path. Why did some structures collapse while others remained standing? Could we have predicted such devastation? These questions weren't just academic curiosities – they were deeply personal, rooted in the reality of seeing my community face nature's raw power. This experience ignited a passion that would guide me toward civil engineering, particularly geotechnical engineering. This devastating earthquake helped me discover a calling that combined my natural curiosity about the earth with a profound desire to protect communities from natural disasters. This wasn't just about building structures; it was about understanding the very foundation upon which we build our lives. My journey led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Kantipur Engineering College in Nepal, where I discovered my deep fascination with soil mechanics, engineering geology, and foundation engineering. Each course reinforced my conviction that I had found my true calling. My involvement with the Nepal Geotechnical Society and work at the Geoinfra Research Institute further cemented this path, allowing me to contribute to projects that directly impact community safety. Now, as a graduate student at Jackson State University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, I'm continuing to build upon that foundation. My research focuses on geotechnical engineering and natural hazard mitigation – areas that directly connect to that sixteen-year-old girl's questions about preventing earthquake damage. While my childhood self might not have imagined working with soil samples and analyzing ground stability, I've found profound satisfaction in this specialized field that combines engineering precision with humanitarian impact. Looking back, I realize that while my specific career aspirations may have evolved from my childhood dreams, the core motivation remains unchanged – the desire to help and protect others. Whether it was wanting to be a doctor to heal people or my current path as a geotechnical engineer working to prevent disaster-related casualties, the fundamental drive to make a positive difference has remained constant. My journey from Nepal to Mississippi represents not just a geographical transition but an evolution of my dreams into something more focused and impactful. Today, I'm working toward becoming a professor and researcher in geotechnical engineering, with plans to establish a research center dedicated to inspiring young minds in this field. The path I'm on today is unquestionably where I belong. That devastating earthquake, while tragic, helped me find my true calling – one that allows me to protect communities from similar disasters in the future. Through civil engineering, I've found a way to transform my childhood empathy into practical solutions that can save lives and infrastructure. This scholarship would help me continue this journey, bringing me closer to my goal of becoming a leader in geotechnical engineering and inspiring the next generation of engineers who, like me, want to make the world a safer place.

To me, a legacy is the lasting impact that a person leaves on the world. It's about the values, knowledge, and positive change that we impart to others, which continues to resonate long after we are gone. I believe a meaningful legacy comes from dedicating our lives to something greater than ourselves. It's using our talents and passions to uplift others and make the world a bit better than we found it. Legacy isn't about personal glory, but rather empowering and inspiring people to reach their full potential. My upbringing in Nepal has profoundly impacted my path in life and what I view as my purpose. Growing up, I witnessed my father's tireless dedication as a governmental public servant, working to support our family singlehandedly. From him, I learned the importance of hard work, resilience, and serving the greater good - values that continue to guide me today. When I was 16, I experienced first-hand the devastating impacts of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal. Seeing the suffering and destruction inflicted by this disaster crystalized my resolve to pursue a career in civil engineering, specializing in geotechnical engineering, to develop solutions that can help mitigate such catastrophes and save lives. My upbringing instilled a deep sense of social responsibility in me, which drives me to utilize my education and skills for the benefit of society. Pursuing graduate studies in the United States is enabling me to gain expertise at the forefront of geotechnical engineering, equipping me with knowledge and tools to tackle challenges like earthquakes, landslides and infrastructure vulnerabilities. At the same time, I aim to break the cycle of limited research opportunities in Nepal by becoming a professor and establishing a research center to engage students in the geotechnical field. My goal is to foster a thriving culture of innovation, encourage more young people, especially women, to pursue research and create a legacy of expanded possibilities. The Dr. Samuel Attoh Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me continue this journey and work towards a legacy of positive impact. Dr. Attoh dedicated his life to academia and uplifting students - values that deeply resonate with me. His legacy inspires me to use my graduate training to become a pioneering researcher and educator, who can make significant contributions to the field of geotechnical engineering while opening up new opportunities for the next generation. I hope to honor his memory by applying my knowledge and passion to save lives, strengthen communities, and empower aspiring engineers to dream big. With the support of this scholarship, I will strive to build a legacy that combines technical innovation with social good, breaking cycles of limitation and creating ripples of change in Nepal and beyond. This is what legacy means to me - utilizing the opportunities I have been given to open doors for others and leave the world a little bit better than I found it.

The ground beneath my feet trembled violently as I clung to a doorframe, watching in horror as buildings crumbled around me. This was the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, a moment that would forever change my life and career path. As the dust settled and the true extent of the devastation became clear, I found my purpose: to address geotechnical challenges and build safer, more resilient infrastructure. Today, my fascination with machine learning (ML) technology stems from its transformative potential in civil engineering, especially in geotechnical applications. ML enables us to handle complex datasets, allowing for more efficient solutions to problems that were once laborious. For instance, landslide susceptibility mapping, which traditionally relied on deterministic models, can now be conducted using advanced algorithms like Random Forest and Support Vector Machines, significantly improving the accuracy of predictions. At the Geo-Infra Research Institute, I worked on a project developing a machine learning framework for slope stability prediction. We leveraged supervised learning techniques, including Decision Trees and Neural Networks, to assess the stability of slopes by integrating various geotechnical parameters such as soil properties, slope angles, and rainfall data. This work demonstrated how machine learning models could outperform traditional methods by identifying patterns and relationships in data that were previously overlooked. Currently, as a graduate research assistant at Jackson State University, I am further honing my skills in applying ML algorithms to geotechnical challenges. These techniques offer a more nuanced understanding of complex systems like soil classification, slope stability and liquefaction, helping mitigate risks from natural disasters. Machine learning has the potential to revolutionize civil engineering by offering more efficient, data-driven solutions to critical problems. By leveraging such technologies, I aim to contribute to a safer world where women in technology lead the way in tackling geotechnical and infrastructural challenges, ultimately improving communities and saving lives. As I reflect on that fateful day in Nepal, I'm inspired by how far we've come and excited about the future. The fusion of ML and geotechnical engineering isn't just a technological advancement; it's a beacon of hope for building more resilient societies. It's this potential for positive global impact that continues to drive my work, reminding me that with every line of code and every model we train, we're one step closer to a world where earthquakes like the one I experienced become less devastating.