I was born and raised in the hills of Nepal, where farming wasn't just an occupation but the rhythm of daily life. The seasons decided when we worked, rested, and celebrated, and the rains - or their absence - could change everything for our community. Watching my family and neighbours adapt to these shifts instilled in me a respect for resilience and a curiosity about the soil beneath our feet and the climate above our heads.
That curiosity eventually carried me across the world. I first stepped into the vast grain belt of Western Australia, then to Toowoomba in Queensland, and later back to Perth, which I now proudly call home. Each place taught me something new, not just about agriculture but about myself - how to listen carefully, learn quickly, and honour local knowledge.
The best parts of my journey have always been the human moments: early mornings in the paddock, where first light brings both challenge and hope; conversations around kitchen tables, where data and research meet lived experience; and the quiet pride when a farmer begins to see technology and information not as an outsider's tool but as something that truly serves them.
Through these journeys - geographical, professional, and personal - I've learned that growth is never a solo endeavour. Family, mentors, and growers have all left their mark on me, shaping not only how I approach research but also how I try to show up as a friend, partner, and parent. Perth is now home, but the echoes of Nepal's hills are always with me.