When I boarded that plane from Nepal to the United States, my heart was filled with dreams bigger than the mountains back home. I was embarking on a master's degree in engineering, ready to immerse myself in rigorous academics, contribute meaningfully to research, and gain the kind of high-quality education that would shape my future. What I didn't anticipate was how profoundly this journey would test my mental resilience and ultimately transform my understanding of myself and my place in the world. Leaving my parents for the first time was perhaps the most emotionally challenging aspect of this transition. I have a deep relationship with my family, and the physical distance felt like severing a part of my identity. Every video call home reminded me of the comfort and security I had left behind. Yet I knew that enduring this separation was necessary—a sacrifice for the knowledge and opportunities that lay ahead. This belief in the value of education and personal growth became the foundation that would carry me through the darkest moments of my journey. The isolation hit me harder than I expected. There were very few people from my country around me, and suddenly I found myself navigating not just a new academic environment, but an entirely different cultural landscape. Simple interactions that once felt natural—making friends, understanding social cues, even grocery shopping—became complex challenges that drained my mental energy. I remember standing in the university cafeteria, watching groups of students laugh and connect effortlessly, while I struggled to find my place in conversations that referenced cultural touchstones I didn't share. The financial pressure added another layer of stress to my daily existence. As an international student with limited resources, every dollar mattered. My daily commute to the university became a two-hour odyssey by bus. The bus routes in Jackson were unreliable, and the journey itself was often uncomfortable and sometimes frightening. I encountered people from all walks of life, some friendly, others unpredictable, and I learned to stay alert and protective of myself during these long rides. These daily challenges felt overwhelming at times, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision in coming so far from home. The mental toll of this transition began affecting my daily life. Concentration became difficult when my mind was constantly processing the stress of cultural adaptation, financial worry, and loneliness. There were days when I struggled to focus during lectures, when research tasks that should have excited me felt insurmountable. I watched my classmates navigate their studies with what seemed like ease, while I fought an internal battle just to maintain my academic standing. But something within me refused to surrender. Perhaps it was the memory of my parents' sacrifices, the weight of their expectations, or simply my own stubborn determination, but I kept pushing forward. My goal was bigger than the temporary discomfort, bigger than the daily struggles that seemed to pile up like the homework on my desk. I began to understand that this hardship wasn't just an obstacle to overcome—it was actively shaping me into someone stronger and more resilient. This experience fundamentally changed my beliefs about strength and vulnerability. I learned that acknowledging mental health struggles isn't a sign of weakness but rather a crucial step toward healing and growth. I became more empathetic toward others facing similar challenges, recognizing that everyone carries invisible burdens. My relationships, both with my friends and family, deepened as I learned to communicate my struggles honestly and seek support when needed. Professionally, this journey has influenced my career aspirations in unexpected ways. While I remain passionate about engineering, I now see the value in creating inclusive environments for students and addressing mental health in academic settings. My research interests have expanded to include how technology can bridge cultural gaps and support student wellbeing. I want to be part of solutions that make the transition easier for future students like myself. Today, I stand mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger than when I first arrived. The challenges that once seemed overwhelming have become proof of my resilience. My mental health journey taught me that growth often comes disguised as hardship, and that the goals worth pursuing are often the ones that demand we become better versions of ourselves. This experience didn't just shape my academic career—it transformed my understanding of what it means to be truly strong, truly adaptable, and truly human.

Some dreams are born from privilege, others from perseverance. Mine emerged from the rubble of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, where I first questioned why so much devastation had occurred—and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. That day marked the beginning of my journey toward civil and geotechnical engineering, not just as a career, but as a calling to build safer, more resilient communities in disaster-prone regions. I am Richa Pokhrel, a master’s student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Jackson State University, and a proud woman in STEM who has chosen to walk a path that is not always easy—but always necessary. With a 4.0 GPA, multiple journal publications, and on going research in slope stability and nature-based solutions, I am proof that when women are given the tools, they build more than infrastructure—they build hope. Why am I worth the dreams I aspire to achieve? Because I have already begun living them. During my undergraduate years at Tribhuvan University, I immersed myself in research and outreach despite limited resources. My commitment was further demonstrated during my time as a research assistant at Geoinfra Research Institute, where I contributed to projects on landslide vulnerability, slope hazard assessment, and machine learning applications in geotechnical engineering. I have presented at national and international conferences, volunteered at academic societies, and taken on leadership roles—all while navigating the expectations placed on women in technical fields. My current research focuses on the behaviour of Yazoo clay under cyclic wetting and drying, and how vetiver grass—a natural and sustainable plant—can mitigate shrink-swell behaviour. This work not only advances geotechnical science but also addresses real-world challenges in climate resilience, sustainability, and marginalized community safety. Recently, I led a team that won first place in the Geo-Video Competition at Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 and placed third in the SWANA 2025 Student Design Competition—affirming that impact-driven innovation starts with intention. Beyond technical expertise, I bring compassion, commitment, and a vision to uplift other women through education and leadership. I aspire to become a professor and establish a geotechnical research center—one that fosters a culture of inquiry and empowers young women to lead in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented. I have faced challenges—financial, societal, and institutional—but never allowed them to become excuses. Instead, they became fuel for my ambition. The This Woman’s Worth Scholarship represents more than financial support; it symbolizes recognition of the power of women to transform communities through knowledge, persistence, and purpose. I am not only dreaming—I am doing. I am not only aspiring—I am advancing. And I am worth the dreams I chase because I am committed to making those dreams count for something far greater than myself.

Growing up in Nepal, I witnessed first-hand how natural disasters can reshape not just landscapes, but entire lives and communities. On April 25, 2015, when I was 16 years old, a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. As I watched buildings crumble and communities struggle to recover, this devastating event became a pivotal moment that would shape my educational journey and career aspirations in STEM. The aftermath of the Gorkha earthquake exposed me to both adversity and inspiration. In a country where infrastructure was already challenging, the earthquake magnified these difficulties. Yet, it also awakened in me an urgent desire to understand how we could build safer, more resilient communities. This experience led me to pursue civil engineering, specifically focusing on geotechnical engineering and natural hazard mitigation. As an international student from Nepal, my educational journey has been marked by significant financial and cultural challenges. Coming from a developing nation to pursue advanced studies in the United States requires immense financial resources. International students face higher tuition rates and limited funding opportunities, while also managing the costs of living far from home. Additionally, adapting to a new educational system and culture while maintaining academic excellence has required tremendous dedication and resilience. Despite these challenges, my passion for STEM has only grown stronger. During my undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University, I maintained strong academic performance while actively engaging in research projects. My interest in geotechnical engineering deepened through my volunteer work with the Nepal Geotechnical Society and my role as a Research Assistant at the Geoinfra Research Institute. These experiences allowed me to work on critical projects like developing frameworks for predicting slope stability using machine learning – work that directly connects to my goal of preventing future earthquake-related disasters. Currently, as a graduate student at Jackson State University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, I am pursuing advanced research in geotechnical engineering, focusing on areas such as soil stability, bioengineering, and landslide hazards. My drive comes from knowing that every concept I master and every research project I complete brings me closer to my goal of making communities safer from natural disasters. The Whiddon Memorial Scholarship would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey. As an international student, I face significant financial constraints. This scholarship would help cover educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and research rather than financial concerns. It would enable me to participate in additional professional development opportunities, purchase necessary technical software, and potentially present my research at conferences – all of which are vital for my growth as a STEM professional. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to become a professor of geotechnical engineering and establish a research center. I want to inspire the next generation of engineers, particularly in developing nations where research opportunities are limited. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in my vision of using STEM education to create positive change in vulnerable communities. The adversity I faced during the Gorkha earthquake showed me the critical importance of engineering in saving lives and protecting communities. Every challenge I've overcome since then – from navigating international education to adapting to a new country – has strengthened my resolve to excel in STEM. With the support of the Whiddon Memorial Scholarship, I can continue working toward my goal of using engineering to create a safer, more resilient world for communities facing natural hazards.

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.