Leadership Team
The leadership positions mentioned here are fully voluntary and unpaid. The individuals holding the following positions are engaged in other institutions as full-time employees (unless otherwise stated).
Dr. Saroj Sah
Chairperson
Dr. Saroj Sah
Chairperson
Dr. Saroj Kumar Sah, originally from Sarlahi, Nepal, obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Mississippi State University, USA, with a specialization in Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Physiology. His research focuses on identifying and characterizing genes and their metabolic functions, particularly in enhancing plant resilience under various abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and UV radiation. During his postdoctoral tenure at The Pennsylvania State University, he concentrated on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms governing cell identity in xylem cells, specifically during the differentiation of fiber and pith cells in Arabidopsis thaliana. Currently working at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Dr. Sah employs a multidisciplinary approach encompassing molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology to unravel the intricate regulatory network controlling lipid metabolism, homeostasis, and storage.
Dr. Sah is well-versed in diverse areas, including plant tissue cultures, genetic transformation, genome editing, proteomics, and bioinformatics. His significant contributions to the scientific community are evident through the publication of over 20 research articles in prestigious journals, along with 4 book chapters, 2 proceedings, and 5 articles in popular press outlets.
In addition to his research pursuits, Dr. Sah serves as the President of Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation USA, and he also holds the position of Principal Investigator and member at Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), Nepal. Furthermore, Dr. Sah contributes as an editor and reviewer for several reputable plant journals.
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. Ritu Pokhrel
Secretary
Dr. Ritu Pokhrel
Secretary
Dr. Ritu Pokhrel Dahal, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, currently resides in New Jersey, where she is dedicated to the field of medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking the commencement of her medical journey. Presently, she is engaged in her Pediatrics residency at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, where her commitment to the holistic care of young patients is paramount.
In addition to her clinical endeavors, Dr. Pokhrel Dahal passionately advocates for patient health and nutrition, emphasizing preventive care strategies as essential pillars of wellness. Her advocacy extends to her role on the editorial team at Ehealthy Info, where she contributes her expertise to disseminate valuable health information.
Dr. Pokhrel Dahalis involved as a research intern at the Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), Nepal. Furthermore, she finds fulfillment in her involvement with voluntary organizations such as the American Red Cross, where she selflessly dedicates her time and expertise to support humanitarian efforts.
In her moments of leisure, Dr. P finds joy in exploration, whether through her travels to new destinations, experimenting with culinary creations in the kitchen, or expressing herself through the art of dance.
Mr. Laxman Ghimire
Treasurer
Mr. Laxman Ghimire
Treasurer
Mr. Laxman Ghimire, a California-licensed CPA and dedicated advocate for the Nepalese community, focuses his expertise on small business and the nonprofit sector. Originally from Gulmi, Nepal, Laxman now resides in Los Angeles, California. With a Master's Degree in Business Studies from Tribhuvan University and a Graduate Certificate in Accounting from California State University, Los Angeles, he brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to his work.
Laxman has extensive experience serving small businesses, non-profits, and large corporations, specializing in accounting, tax, and financial analysis and planning. His unwavering commitment to fostering financial stability, sustainability, and transparency, while preserving Nepalese culture, is evident in his tireless community efforts. Guided by principles of service, integrity, and compassion, his leadership leaves a lasting and positive impact on all those he serves.
Dr. Bishnu Joshi
Team Member
Dr. Bishnu Joshi
Team Member
Dr. Joshi is a native of Bajhang, Far Western Nepal. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in India. Following his graduation in 2015, he joined the Ph.D. program in chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. He is currently working on the development of macrophages as cell-based imaging and drug delivery tools, and the concomitant effects of functionalization on macrophage biology. Dr. Joshi did his PhD in Chemistry with a multidisciplinary skillset in the field of medicinal chemistry, cell-based drug delivery, & organic synthesis while simultaneously working to start a start-up pharmaceutical to make generic drugs and herbal-based medicine in Nepal. Dr. Joshi is an ardent proponent of the upliftment of rural Nepal via quality education and youth entrepreneurship.
Ms. Binisha Shrestha
Team Member
Ms. Binisha Shrestha
Team Member
Binisha Shrestha is an Entrepreneur/blogger/activist- Return to Nepal Initiative. With a background in film and communications, she’s always been a storyteller driven by a need to understand and influence the audience. She is a relentless problem solver with unquenchable curiosity who can’t help but analyze and try to improve everything she sees. She believes that technology can revolutionize how people learn, communicate and create. She’s passionate about shaping products and services that help people focus on what they do best: be human. After living in USA for almost a decade she moved back to Nepal a year ago. She was born and raised in Lalitpur, Nepal.