Welcome! I am a second-year PhD student in the Department of Economics at the University of New Mexico, USA. I am an applied microeconomist (mainly within applied econometrics) studying environmental issues such as water, agriculture, and air quality through the lenses of market/non-market design, as well as development topics including migration, returned migrants, and remittances with a particular focus on South Asia and low- and middle-income economies.

Currently, I am working as a Research Assistant at WANG EconLab, contributing to Tri-CEA project (NSF-funded) and agricultural water users' preference study in the Middle-Rio Grande Basin (partially funded by State of New Mexico Legislative Research Grant). 

I graduated Cum Laude in 2021 from Kathmandu University with a Bachelor's in Economics and Mathematics. After graduation, I worked at Institute for Integrated Development Studies - IIDS as an intern, and then as a pre-doctoral fellow at South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics - SANDEE.

My interest in economics extends beyond research. I also enjoy teaching, thinking about pedagogy, and introducing new ways of approaching economic thinking.

Outside research, I do many things, one of which is traveling. You can visit my Insta for reflections and small musings from my life.

I like to think that I am defined by many things beyond what appears on my CV. In creating this site, I hope to share some of those parts of myself, some of the many things that make up who I am. By putting these different pieces of person-ness online, perhaps you will find something useful. Or a small sense of connection. Maybe even a little joy.

If you have questions, comments, or thoughts, please feel free to say hi! The best way to reach out to me is by email: saryal1@unm.edu