CV
Education
- Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2023–2027 (expected)
- Advisor: Larissa Larsen
- Committee members: Ana Paula Pimental Walker, Rob Goodspeed
- Cognate Advisor : Sabine Loos
- M.Sc. in Urban Planning, Tribhuvan University, Nepal / Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany, 2012–2015
- B.Arch., Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2007–2012
Work Experience
Team Leader
Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.
Feb 2023 – Dec 2023
Client: MinErgy Privat Limited / SWITCH Asia Program under EU
Project: Baseline Study on Operational Energy Consumption of Buildings in Nepal
- Led project implementation by mobilizing enumerators, training regional supervisors, and reviewing survey instruments to ensure consistency across Nepal’s diverse bio-climatic zones
- Oversaw data collection and maintained quality control protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability of operational energy use data across residential and commercial building types
- Conducted in-depth research analysis and finalized a comprehensive baseline report, generating key evidence to inform national energy-efficient building design guidelines
Project Coordinator
Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.
Jan 2023 – Jun 2023
Client: DT Global International Development UK Ltd
Project: Accelerating Private and Public Investment in Infrastructure Component (APPIIC)
- Conducted a comprehensive review of national and international guidelines to inform the drafting of Environmental and Social Safeguard Guidelines for Nepal’s Investment Board (IBN)
- Collaborated with IBN officials through targeted consultations to align guidelines with institutional needs across the project lifecycle
- Finalized and presented the revised guidelines, incorporating stakeholder feedback into a context-sensitive framework
Project Coordinator / Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist
Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.
Feb 2022 – Oct 2022
Client: DAI – Tayar Nepal / USAID
Project: Housing Construction Support Service Center, Dullu Municipality
- Led the establishment of a service center to streamline permitting and improve technical service delivery
- Delivered technical support through outreach, permit reviews, and distribution of pre-approved designs
- Supported capacity-building by maintaining a public roster of trained professionals and training municipal staff
Project Coordinator / DRR Specialist
Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.
Jun 2021 – Dec 2021
Client: DAI – Tayar Nepal / USAID
- Designed and implemented a DRR strategy integrating bio-engineering and social enterprise in Birendranagar and Dullu
- Delivered targeted capacity-building on urban financing and livelihoods for municipal officers and communities
- Developed training for ward officials to address local livelihood vulnerabilities
Individual Consultant
World Bank Group
Mar 2021 – Oct 2021
- Reviewed revisions to Nepal’s National Building Code (NBC) in the federal governance context
- Assessed institutional readiness and local adaptation challenges related to permit systems
- Provided technical recommendations to promote equitable access to improved construction standards
Project Coordinator
CEMECA–BEAM–RIDEC JV (Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.)
Jan 2020 – Dec 2020
Client: Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), Government of Nepal
- Coordinated Integrated Urban Development Plans (IUDP) for 18 municipalities in eastern Nepal
- Facilitated stakeholder consultations to ensure participatory planning aligned with federal governance
- Led formulation of thematic components including Multi-Sectoral Investment Plans and governance strategies
Strategic Planning Consultant
CEMECA–BEAM–RIDEC JV (Urban Park Pvt. Ltd.)
Feb 2018 – Dec 2019
Client: DUDBC / World Bank
- Led strategic urban planning for four municipalities under the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project
- Assessed financial and institutional capacities and facilitated participatory governance engagement
- Developed infrastructure prioritization frameworks and implemented capacity-building initiatives
CBDRRM Coordinator
Oriental Consultants Global
Dec 2016 – Feb 2018
Client: JICA Nepal and Government of Nepal
- Administered community-based disaster risk management (CBDRRM) in Kathmandu Valley under the ERAKV initiative
- Developed localized DRR implementation plans aligned with the Sendai Framework
- Strengthened municipal resilience by integrating grassroots planning and governance structures
Program Evaluator / Urban Planner
WWF Nepal / USAID
Oct 2016 – Dec 2016
- Evaluated projects on climate change, biodiversity, and livelihoods through a green recovery lens
- Collected and analyzed field data to assess program effectiveness and generate actionable insights
Urban Planner – Individual Consultant
UNDP, Nepal
Aug 2016 – Oct 2016
- Conducted municipal assessments post-2015 earthquake to evaluate National Building Code implementation gaps
- Recommended targeted governance reforms to improve code compliance and resilience
Researcher / Urban Planner
UNDP, IOE & CEPT University
Sep 2015 – Jul 2016
Client: Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Nepal
- Authored Nepal’s national “Re-cluster Manual” to support post-disaster urban rehabilitation
- Manual was adopted as a policy reference by the Ministry of Urban Development and NRA
Urban Planner
DUDBC, Government of Nepal
Jun 2015 – Sep 2015
- Developed a land pooling implementation plan with local government and multi-disciplinary teams
- Led community engagement to build consensus and accelerate project approval
Skills
- Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis
- R, Python, NVivo, Excel
- GIS & Design
- ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign
- Research Methods
- Mixed-methods, survey design, impact evaluation
Publications
Status and Challenges of Reconstruction of Heritage Structures in Nepal After 2015 Gorkha, Nepal Earthquake
Sharma, Keshab, Apil KC, and Bigul Pokharel. (2022). "Status and Challenges of Reconstruction of Heritage Structures in Nepal After 2015 Gorkha, Nepal Earthquake." Heritage & Society, 15(1): 89–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159032X.2022.2126229
Teaching
Awards and Grants
- Center for Global Health Equity Grant, University of Michigan – $5,000 (2025)
- Rackham International Research Award, University of Michigan – $6,500 (2025)
- William A. and Shirley P. Yolles Graduate Fund for Research on Humanitarianism – $2,000 (2025)
Service and Leadership
- General Secretary, 14th Executive Committee, Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), 2021–2023
- Represented SONA at international forums and conventions
- Contributed to the drafting of Nepal’s Urban Act 2023 from a built environment perspective
- Founded SONA’s online magazine, The Built Culture, to promote critical discourse on architecture and planning in Nepal
- Life Member, Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) – #671
- Life Member, Regional & Urban Planners Society of Nepal (RUPSON)
- Contributed to urban policy discussions and development planning initiatives
- Life Member, Nepal Engineers Association – #14348 (“Architect”)
- Registered Architect, Nepal Engineering Council – #1070 (“Architecture”)
- Media contributor on urban and heritage topics in Setopati, Republica, and The Rising Nepal