STUDENT SUCCESS
Student Innovator: Suresh Niraula
Published March 2016
Graduate student Suresh Niraula is among 13 NDSU students selected to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University in Berkeley, California.
The initiative challenges college students to address social issues with practical, innovative solutions. Each participant develops a new, specific and measurable plan to address the societal need they have identified. Only about 1,000 students around the country are invited to the conference.
Program: Doctoral, environmental and conservation science
Hometown: Itahari-5, Nepal
His project: An energy solution for his home country of Nepal that involves using bio-briquettes. They’re made from agricultural and forest residue and can be used for cooking, heating and lighting, while also helping to generate income for low-income groups.
Effect on society: “I hope it will improve the living standards, significantly reduce indoor air pollution fatalities and make the marginalized communities of Nepal economically and environmentally sustainable.”
Next steps: “First, I plan to conduct a baseline survey on income, gender equality and energy use. Second, I’ll organize a training for interested groups. We’ll focus on bio-briquette making, resource management, marketing and finances. The group will start making bio-briquettes for their own use. Lastly, I will help secure low-interest financing so that interested low-income groups can start mass producing the affordable, low-emission, ecofriendly bio-briquettes.”
