Shabnam Koirala, Ph.D. Student Social and Cultural Studies Major: B.A., Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College / M.A., Education, UC Berkeley Career Plans: To work with grassroots level development projects in South Asia and eventually start my own development organization Home: Kathmandu, Nepal

"There is a culture of sharing within SCS that makes the process of graduate schooling--both academically and socially--more enjoyable and comfortable, and less competitive and stressful. "

My background:
I am an international student of Nepali/Iranian background. I am interested in the relationship between education and socioeconomic development, and more specifically in sustainable development projects in South Asia, particularly in Nepal. I have been involved with several non-governmental organizations in Nepal that use education and literacy attainment to raise awareness of important social issues such as women's involvement in local governance, and health and sanitation. As part of this work, I have conducted research with EKTA-Nepal, an organization that seeks to provide rural Nepali women with educational opportunities and tools that enable them to take leadership positions within their patriarchal communities, and to create and implement solutions to local social problems.

What I like most about my program:
The SCS program offers a fascinating and impressive blend of interests, research projects, and people--students, faculty and staff--from widely diverse backgrounds. The program has given me the opportunity and the flexibility to draw on the expertise not only of those within the GSE, but also elsewhere on campus, and made it possible for me to take classes on development issues offered in other departments. Most importantly, there is a culture of sharing within SCS that makes the process of graduate schooling--both academically and socially--more enjoyable and comfortable, and less competitive and stressful.

My current research:
I am actively involved with the Center for Popular Education and Participatory Research (CPEPR). This center has provided a strong focus for my graduate school career, and allowed me to investigate more deeply how underrepresented groups can bring about social change using their own knowledge and experiences. CPEPR and its members have not only enriched my academic and intellectual graduate school experience--but have also become a wonderful social network. I am also conducting ethnographic research on the issue of "brain-drain" with various Nepali professionals currently working in Silicon Valley.

My relationship with my advisor:
My advisor, Professor John Hurst, has been one of my strongest sources of support from the beginning of my graduate school career. His experiences and knowledge of educational developments in various international contexts have inspired my own research interests. He has also been extremely knowledgeable on a host of non-academic issues that are of practical concern to graduate students: financial aid, relevant academic courses and requirements, and exciting places to visit in the Bay Area. The best part about our relationship is that it is very informal and comfortable.

My impressions of the Bay Area:
I love Berkeley. It's very convenient to get around even without a car. There is a wide array of international cuisine available. I also like the fact that there are many South Asian stores in the area so that my favorite foods don't have to be shipped from Nepal. Overall, it's a very comfortable place to live.

 

 

Resumé — Publications — Projects — Other Interests