Jackson state university | United States
Author Profile
Scopus
Orcid
Early Academic Pursuits
Sunil Bista's academic journey began with a strong foundation in the sciences. He completed his secondary education at Kalika Higher Secondary School in 2009 and pursued higher secondary studies at V.S. Niketan College, Nepal, graduating in 2011. He then earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Pokhara University, Nepal, in 2015. His keen interest in water resource management led him to obtain a Master of Science in Hydropower Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, in 2021. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Jackson State University, USA, starting in 2023.
Professional Endeavors
Sunil's professional career is marked by diverse roles in engineering and research. He began as a Civil Engineer at the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Ministry of Urban Development, Nepal, from April 2016 to July 2021. He then worked as a Hydropower Engineer at Innovative Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal, from September 2021 to February 2022. From April 2022 to August 2023, he served as a researcher at the Centre for Disaster Studies, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University. Currently, he is a Graduate Research Assistant under Dr. Rocky Talchabhadel at Jackson State University.
Contributions and Research Focus
Sunil has made significant contributions in hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling, climate projection and scenario analysis, and flood inundation mapping. His research has focused on improving water resource management and understanding the impacts of climate change on hydropower potential and irrigation. His notable publications include studies on satellite-based precipitation estimates for irrigation water management and integrated modeling for assessing climate change impacts on water resources in the Himalayas.
Accolades and Recognition
Sunil's excellence in research and academia has been recognized through various awards and grants. These include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M) Travel Grant, the AGU-Chapman 2024 Travel Grant, and the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) Travel Grant. Additionally, he has received the Energize Nepal Research Grant for his Master's thesis and a scholarship as a Graduate Research Assistant at Jackson State University.
Impact and Influence
Sunil's work has had a substantial impact on water resource management and climate resilience. His involvement in international research collaborations, such as with Tomorrow's Cities under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), underscores his influence in addressing global water and climate challenges. His training sessions for government officials and students on hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Sunil Bista's legacy is defined by his contributions to hydrology and water resource management, as well as his dedication to education and training. As he continues his PhD studies, his future contributions are expected to further advance the understanding and management of water resources in the context of climate change. His ongoing research and collaboration with international institutions will likely yield innovative solutions for sustainable water management and climate adaptation.
Notable Publications
Hydrologic applicability of satellite-based precipitation estimates for irrigation water management in the data-scarce region 2024
Integrated modeling for assessing climate change impacts on water resources and hydropower potential in the Himalayas 2024 (1)
Effects of source digital elevation models in assessment of gross runoff-river hydropower potential: A case study of West Rapti Basin, Nepal 2021