Baibhav Nepal

“Baibhav Nepal exemplifies an insatiable curiosity and a drive for interdisciplinary learning, consistently embracing challenges and seizing opportunities for growth,” said his nominator.

Baibhav is a data analyst at the Center for Educational Networks and Impacts, where he contributes to a research team comprised of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. Their current project, which focuses on the relationship between the arts and innovation, is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Baibhav started the position in his second year at Virginia Tech. “From the start,” said the nominator, “he seamlessly integrated into our team, working alongside associate directors to build databases and visualize quantitative results. His willingness to learn and take initiative has elevated the team's work.”

The nominator said that Baibhav’s curiosity has helped bring the team together. He asks his teammates insightful questions and listens attentively to their answers, fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding.

“His thoughtful engagement inspires confidence and cohesion within a team,” said the nominator.

Baibhav’s curiosity is complemented by his ambition. He is disciplined and motivated — and while this makes him a skilled independent researcher, he is dedicated to involving his team members in the research process, “producing solutions that elevate the entire group.”

Last summer, Baibhav co-authored a paper for an undergraduate conference at MIT.

“Despite having only six months of experience on the project, Baibhav and his co-author designed and implemented innovative qualitative and quantitative methods, resulting in a paper that was accepted by the conference,” said his nominator. “Their research was presented to an audience of peers and faculty at MIT in fall 2024.”

Baibhav takes an interdisciplinary approach to curiosity. When he seeks to understand a subject, he examines it from all angles and welcomes all perspectives. By embracing a thought process that could seem counter-intuitive to some, he opens the door to new discoveries.

“He consistently enriches every project he undertakes with innovative ideas and a genuine desire to create value for others,” said his nominator.

Baibhav’s work has been used to promote programs, generate reports, provide evidence for academic publications, and support grant proposals.

Baibhav’s curiosity also serves the center’s outreach efforts, as it leads him to deeply engage with individuals visiting Virginia Tech, such as K-12 students and teachers from Title I schools.

“Baibhav embodies the Virginia Tech value that learning is a lifelong process, thriving in diverse environments and making every experience a vibrant learning opportunity,” said his nominator.

Baibhav also works at the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, which he described as one of the highlights of his college career.

Baibhav is a senior majoring in computer science in the College of Engineering. After graduation, he plans on attending graduate school to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science before entering the workforce.

He is passionate about making the most of his educational experiences to prepare him for a successful career. He said, “I want to work in an industry where I can contribute to advancing technology using interdisciplinary approaches, all while possibly helping address societal challenges.”

For asking questions that open doors to new perspectives and possibilities, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Commit to UNWAVERING CURIOSITY to Baibhav Nepal.