Keshab Simkhada

Major: Environmental Science

Home Country: Kathmandu, Nepal, South Asia

What are you studying at UNI?

As an environmental science major, I am very much interested in air pollution and climate change, and will be working on air quality issues for my thesis. I hope to continue researching air pollution after I receive my degree.

Why did you choose UNI for your graduate education?

Though not a big campus, UNI acts like a big campus. The learning environment and the student-teacher relations is the best part of UNI. The same thing applies to the Cedar Falls area; there are friendly people around, a quiet environment, and enormous cornfields!

Is there anything unusual you have found living in the United States?

I am pretty much comfortable with living in the United States though there is a big difference between back home and here. The weather is unusual and the foods are not spicy. In Nepal, the road traffic drives on the left hand side of the road and the driver sits on the right hand side of the car.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to travel a lot and am an outdoors guy. I had a wonderful time when I went to the Appalachian Trail in Upper Peninsula Michigan (Porcupine Mountain) with UNI Outdoors.

I like to go around to new places, meet new people, and build social networks. I like learning more about different cultures, especially places new and different from my home country.

What campus activities are you involved in?

I am a member of Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB). I keep updated on campus activities and participate whenever possible.

 

Sadiatu Musah

Major: Environmental Health

Home Country: Ghana, West Africa

 

What are you studying at UNI?

I’m in the first year of my graduate program in environmental health. For my thesis, I am interested in researching the herbicide Metolachlor and its biological effects on cells. I would like to continue on to receive my PhD in environmental pollution.

Why did you choose UNI for your graduate education?

I chose UNI because I was impressed with the fact that it said “Students First.” Soon after arriving here, I realized that it was indeed true that students are the first priority. I like my department best because I feel so much at home there.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love reading fiction and enjoy scientific journals as well. I also like sightseeing and look forward to visiting more places around here.

Is there anything unusual you have found living in the United States?

The weather is the most unusual thing I have discovered so far. It is so hot one minute and cold the next. Coming from the tropics where it is so hot all year round, this is really fascinating. I’m getting used to it though! I have had to buy a lot of warm clothing since I came here. I was really excited the first time I saw snow. It was really beautiful and lovely to see everything around covered in white.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have enjoyed my time here so far and I look forward to the next two years of my education. I’m sure I will enjoy myself immensely. I’m so glad I chose UNI!