Prakash Bhandari is a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where he is conducting impactful research under the guidance of Dr. Shinae Jang. With an anticipated graduation in 2027, Prakash’s work centers on the design, development, and real-world deployment of wireless sensing systems to monitor the health of bridges—critical infrastructure that demands constant innovation to ensure safety and longevity.
Originally from Nepal, Prakash earned his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Tribhuvan University. Before pursuing his doctoral studies, he worked as a consulting engineer on a tunneling project and served as an assistant lecturer at the Himalaya College of Engineering. His early professional experience provided a strong foundation in structural systems and nurtured his passion for applied research in civil infrastructure.
Since arriving at UConn, Prakash has actively shared his work at key conferences, including the Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC) Annual Conferences in 2023 and 2024 and the ASCE International Conference in Transportation and Development in 2024. His research has earned significant recognition, placing second in both the scientific and public choice categories at the 2024 TIDC Annual Student Poster Contest.
Beyond research, Prakash has embraced leadership through the John Lof Leadership Academy (JLLA). He served as co-chair of a workshop organizing committee and contributed to the Representativity Group, where he worked to foster inclusion and engagement among graduate students. Prakash credits JLLA with helping him build confidence in public speaking, ask better questions, and connect more deeply with his peers and mentors.
Looking forward, Prakash is eager to return to the world of consulting engineering, bringing with him enhanced technical and leadership skills. He encourages other students to get involved beyond the classroom, emphasizing the value of communication, collaboration, and community in shaping a meaningful graduate experience.