Mahesh Prasad Awasthi | Environmental Science | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Mahesh Prasad Awasthi | Environmental Science | Young Researcher Award

Teaching Assistant at Far Western University, Nepal

Professional Profile

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Summary

Mahesh Prasad Awasthi, is an emerging environmental scientist and geospatial researcher. Currently serving as a Teaching Assistant at the Central Department of General Science, Far Western University, Nepal, he also contributes as a GIS specialist and researcher for the Api Saipal Development Forum. Mahesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating geospatial technologies and environmental science to address critical societal and ecological challenges in the Himalayan region.

Educational Details

Mahesh holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Environmental Science from the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, where his thesis focused on flood susceptibility modeling and water quality assessment. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Science at Far Western University, with a thesis on landslide susceptibility modeling. His academic journey began with +2 Science from Kanchan Vidya Mandir Samudayik College and School Leaving Certificate (S.L.C.) from Galeshwor Secondary School, Baitadi.

Professional Experience

Mahesh has over five years of multidisciplinary experience in environmental science, disaster risk reduction, and geoinformatics. He currently teaches at Far Western University and previously worked as a Field Enumerator for Nepal’s National Climate Change Survey. Additionally, he serves as a part-time Program Coordinator and GIS Specialist at the Api Saipal Development Forum and held the role of Program Officer for Environment and DRR at Lakshya Training and Research Center. He has also interned with ENPHO and NEEDS Nepal on urban resilience and waste management projects.

Research Interest

His research interests include Environmental Geoinformatics (GIS/RS/Modeling), Hydrogeochemistry, Aquatic Ecology, Wetland Conservation, Disaster Risk Management, and Climate Change. He emphasizes the application of multivariate statistical tools, digital elevation models, and hydrological modeling techniques to support data-driven environmental planning and conservation in Nepal’s fragile ecosystems. Mahesh is passionate about empowering communities and young researchers through the intersection of science, technology, and policy.

Author Metrics

Mahesh has co-authored and authored over 16 peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as Environmental Earth Science, Water Practice and Technology, Water, Scientific World, and Sustainable Water Resources Management. His work has been cited across multiple domains involving geospatial modeling, climate change vulnerability, hydrochemical assessment, and bioindicators. His profiles are accessible on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID.

Awards and Honors

Mahesh has received several competitive research grants and awards for his pioneering work in environmental assessment and community-based climate adaptation. In 2022, he was awarded a thesis grant by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, followed by principal investigator-led projects in 2023, 2024, and 2025 funded by institutions like the Nepal National Social Welfare Association and Ministry of Social Development. These grants supported impactful research on climate resilience, water vulnerability, and local adaptation strategies in Western Nepal.

Publication Top Notes

1. An Assessment of Seasonal Water Quality in Phewa Lake, Nepal, by Integrating Geochemical Indices and Statistical Techniques: A Sustainable Approach

  • Authors: R. Timalsina, S. Acharya, B. Đurin, M. P. Awasthi, R. R. Pant, G. R. Joshi, et al.

  • Journal: Water, Vol. 17(2), Article 238, 2025

  • Citations: 9

  • Summary: This study evaluates the seasonal variation in water quality of Phewa Lake using a blend of geochemical indices and statistical tools. It provides actionable insights into the lake’s ecological status, highlighting potential pollution sources and proposing sustainable water management strategies.

2. Hydro-chemical Characteristics of Biring and Tangting Rivers (Nepal) and Evaluation of Water Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes

  • Authors: N. Basnet, S. Sitaula, R. Bohara, S. Bhattarai, S. Rawal, M. P. Uprety, M. P. Awasthi, et al.

  • Journal: Environmental Research, Vol. 261, Article 119697, 2024

  • Citations: 8

  • Summary: This research analyzes hydro-chemical properties of the Biring and Tangting Rivers, assessing their suitability for drinking and irrigation. It identifies key contaminants, highlights seasonal influences, and recommends interventions to ensure safe water use.

3. Evaluating the Major Sources of Surface Water Quality in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal

  • Authors: S. Tiwari, B. Timalsina, S. Sitaula, M. P. Awasthi, A. Mahat, R. R. Pant

  • Journal: Himalayan Biodiversity, pp. 29–38, 2023

  • Citations: 8

  • Summary: This paper identifies and analyzes the primary anthropogenic and natural contributors to surface water pollution in Pokhara. The findings serve as a policy guide for improving urban water resource management and safeguarding biodiversity.

4. Mapping and Analyzing Temporal Variability of Spectral Indices in the Lowland Region of Far Western Nepal

  • Author: M. P. Awasthi

  • Journal: Water Practice and Technology, Vol. 18(11), pp. 2971–2988, 2023

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary: This study leverages satellite-derived spectral indices to monitor environmental variability and land cover change in Far Western Nepal. The findings emphasize the role of remote sensing in early warning systems and environmental planning.

5. Water Balance Estimation and Runoff Simulation of Chameliya Watershed, Nepal

  • Authors: J. Nepal, R. R. Pant, S. Shrestha, S. Paudel, K. Bishwakarma, M. P. Awasthi, et al.

  • Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences, Vol. 83(3), Article 117, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary: Focusing on the Chameliya Watershed, this research employs hydrological modeling to estimate water balance and simulate runoff. The outcomes aid in flood risk management, irrigation planning, and climate resilience in the Himalayan foothills.

Conclusion

Mr. Mahesh Prasad Awasthi exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Young Researcher Award in Environmental Science. His track record reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, community-oriented practice, and innovation in geospatial methods. He is already influencing environmental monitoring and climate resilience planning in Nepal, and with continued support, he is poised to make even broader regional and international contributions.

Md. Ataur Rahman – Aquatic Biodiversity – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Md. Ataur Rahman distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Aquatic Biodiversity. As a Research Associate at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Bio-Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, I was involved in a project titled “Sustainable development of indigenous fisheries in Baors of southwestern Bangladesh through multiple-functions for ensuring food security,” funded by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council. The goal of the project was to establish food security by improving indigenous fish production and upgrading the livelihoods of the fisher community through sustainable management of Baors fisheries in Bangladesh

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a Master of Science in Fisheries Management (2018) from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.91 out of 4.00. His thesis focused on the management of Barred spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton, 1822) in the Gajner Beel wetland ecosystem, employing length-based indicators and fisheries reference points. Prior to his master’s degree, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (2016) from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.52 out of 4.00. His undergraduate thesis investigated the growth pattern and condition index of Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819) in the Baronoi River, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

 

Research Experience

Under the guidance of Dr. Md. Abdus Samad and Md. Habibur Rahman, I played a key role in planning, executing, and evaluating various aspects of the research initiative. My responsibilities included conducting independent studies with approval from the principal investigator, developing and testing approaches relevant to the research scope, and proficiently analyzing and organizing collected data. Additionally, I actively contributed to increasing public awareness through seminars, workshops, and field schools, and I participated in the dissemination of project results through publications in collaboration with the principal investigator.

Conference

  1. Population parameters of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake, Southwestern Bangladesh
    Presented by M.A. Samad, M.A. Rahman, M.S. Islam, M.S.E. Mahfuj, M.H. Rahman, and M.Y. Hossain at the Fisheries Society of Bangladesh 2nd Biennial Conference on December 25-26, 2021.
  2. Management of Barred spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton, 1822) in the Gajner Beel, wetland ecosystem using length-based indicators and fisheries references point
    Presented by M.A. Rahman, M.A. Sultana, and M.Y. Hossain at the 8th International Conference on Agriculture, Animal Science, and Rural Development, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey, on December 24-25, 2021.
  3. Stock assessment of three different unit stocks of Hilsha shad Tenualosa ilisha in Bangladesh through length-based model
    Presented by M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, M.A. Rahman, M.R. Hasan, Z. Mawa, M.A. Rahman, S. Tanjin, M.A. Bashar, A. Nima, M.A. Alam, and Y. Mahmud at the Fisheries Society of Bangladesh Biennial Conference on December 27-28, 2019.
  4. Sustainable management of small indigenous fishes in the Padma River considering the emerging climate change
    Presented by M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, and M.A. Rahman at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.
  5. Life-history traits of long whisker catfish Mystus gulio (Siluriformes: Bagriddae) of the coastal water of southern Bangladesh
    Presented by O. Rahman, M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, M.A. Rahman, M.R. Hasan, and Z. Mawa at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.
  6. Seasonal (dry- and wet-season) variations of fish diversity, water quality, and phytoplankton abundance in two wetland ecosystems, northwestern Bangladesh
    Presented by S. Khatune, M.A.S. Jewel, M.A. Islam, and M.A. Rahman at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.

 

📝🔬Publications📝🔬