Bipasyana Dhungana

Bipasyana Dhungana, from Nepal, is a graduate student in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. She is a graduate research assistant in the Biological Engineering Research Laboratory and an American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers award winner.

Why Auburn?

“I completed my master’s in Nepal and wanted to continue my education. I had been following Sushil Adhikari, professor of biosystems engineering and director of the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, for a long time, and we connected on LinkedIn. Dr. Adhikari and his research on energy generation drew me to Auburn.”

Why Engineering?

“I’ve always been curious about engineering — it was a natural inclination for me since I was young. My father worked in engineering, and I shadowed him and found myself drawn to the challenge. I love the labs and the hard work that goes into engineering. I’ve known since high school it was the career path for me.”

Research?

“My research focuses on waste management, specifically waste from greenhouses, including tomato vines and cucumber peels. We use the waste to make biofuels through hydrothermal liquefaction, which can then be as jet fuels or transformed further into other chemicals, including perfumes.”

Future Plans?

“I want to use my laboratory work to help better communities, whether through industry or academia. Auburn has given me great opportunities and connections to pursue options and a platform to use the work for good.”

To learn more about Dhungana, listen to her interview on the award-winning #GINNing Podcast.