Swopnil Shrestha

In 2024, I was honored with the Valedictorian Award for the Grade 12 NEB +2 Science curriculum at Premier. It wasn’t just about scoring the highest, but about staying focused, pushing through tough moments, and having the right support along the way. Walking up to receive the award was surreal, but also a reminder of how much teamwork played a role in getting me there. All those long study sessions and balancing life’s demands led to this moment, but it also motivated me to keep challenging myself and inspire others along the way.

As part of a STEM initiative, my team and I developed a prototype designed to tackle the growing issue of light pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, an area densely populated and increasingly affected by this overlooked environmental concern. Our project aimed to raise awareness about the invisible yet significant consequences of light pollution on the environment and human health.

The prototype featured motion and object sensors, enabling an automated lighting system that activated only when an object was nearby. Additionally, it demonstrated how various wavelengths of light can be utilized effectively during different times of the day. For instance, incorporating red-wavelength lighting at night promotes soothing and restful sleep, showcasing potential health benefits. This project highlighted the importance of sustainable and adaptive lighting systems as a means to reduce light pollution while enhancing environmental and human well-being.

Motivated by Nepal’s untapped reserves of coal, gold, and metallic minerals, I led a STEM initiative to develop a mobile-controlled rover designed for hazardous terrains. This project sought to shed light on the vast opportunities within Nepal’s mining sector and demonstrate how technology can facilitate exploration in challenging environments.

The rover was equipped with a live camera feed for real-time visuals, proximity sensors to navigate obstacles, and a steady body architecture for stability on uneven surfaces. Its integrated lighting system ensured functionality even in low-visibility conditions, making it an ideal solution for accessing and analyzing inaccessible mining areas. This initiative was recognized for its vision and dedication, earning a visit from the Robotics Association of Nepal, which commended the project’s potential to revolutionize mining exploration in the country. It stands as a testament to how innovative technology can pave the way for sustainable resource development in Nepal.

In Grade 11, I spearheaded a self-funded STEM initiative to address irrigation inefficiencies in Nepal, a country rich in fertile yet underutilized land. This innovative project featured an automated irrigation system with soil moisture-detecting sensors, ensuring precise and resource-efficient watering for sustainable farming.



The project also included the design and construction of a smart greenhouse with innovative architecture to maximize plant growth. By leveraging customizable light spectrums, the greenhouse optimized photosynthesis by adjusting wavelengths to suit different growth stages of plants. Additionally, light sensors automated the regulation of light intensity, adapting to environmental conditions for peak efficiency.



This initiative garnered widespread acclaim from visitors, culminating in a special visit from the President of the Biotechnology Society, who recognized its potential to transform agricultural practices in Nepal. The project stands as a testament to how technology-driven solutions can revolutionize traditional farming and contribute to sustainable development.

As a member of the Science Awareness Club, I had the opportunity to engage junior students in science through interactive and educational demonstrations. One of the most memorable projects I led was a hands-on experiment that showcased the phenomenon of polar and non-polar dissolution. The goal was to demonstrate a fundamental concept of chemistry in a way that was both visually compelling and easy to understand for younger students, encouraging them to explore the world of science. The experiment itself was simple yet powerful: I used water (a polar solvent) and oil (a non-polar substance) to show how the two substances do not mix, perfectly illustrating the principle that "like dissolves like."
Over 100 junior students attended the session, and their enthusiasm was evident from the many questions they asked and the excitement they expressed after the experiment. Several students came up to me afterward, eager to learn more about other scientific phenomena and ask how they could conduct similar experiments at home. The success of this experiment was incredibly fulfilling. It sparked an interest in science among the students and reinforced my belief in the importance of making science accessible and fun.