Bibhuti Shah is originally from the southern plains of Nepal and grew up in the capital city, Kathmandu. She is currently a junior at Caldwell University in New Jersey, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Computer Science and Chemistry.

Bibhuti works on campus as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Cell Biology, where she leads two sessions per week to help students master course concepts. She is also a peer advisor for the Academic Success Center, guiding students on academic and career-related matters, facilitating workshops, and providing academic coaching.

Beyond her academics, Bibhuti is deeply involved in campus leadership and volunteer work. She serves as the president of the Honors Program Student E-Board, organizing educational and community-building events. As the vice president for academic affairs in the Student Government Association, she acts as a liaison between students and the Office of Academic Affairs, initiating academic discussions on campus. Additionally, she is the vice president of the Caldwell Astronomy Club, where she co-led the inaugural NASA Space Apps Challenge at Caldwell University.

Let’s get to know Bibhuti!

What inspired you to study Biology?
In my first semester of college, my professor taught us about gene regulation and how advances in biological fields like gene therapy can make it easier to cure diseases. I was fascinated by the ability to modify genes to help treat illnesses. As I learned more, the prospect of drug discovery and the mechanisms of molecular binding deepened my interest in biology. Growing up with parents who had disabilities, I had never imagined that conditions like paralysis could be treated. Studying biology gave me hope that I could help improve people's lives.

What’s a science fact that blew your mind when you first learned it?
A science fact that blew my mind was when I learned that a turtle’s sex was determined by temperature during embryonic development. If the temperature is below the threshold temperature, the eggs hatch predominantly into male turtles, but if the temperature is higher than the threshold temperature, the hatchings are female turtles!

What childhood memory makes you smile?
When I was in kindergarten, even though we had a school bus, during exam week, my mom used to come to pick me up and on the way home, she used to buy me candies!

How do you spend your free time?
I love exploring new places, different art forms, and discovering new music.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
Phi Kappa Phi means an honor as well as a responsibility to me. Getting inducted into this prestigious society today, I got to learn a lot about its history. It reminds me of my own academic journey and accomplishments and what is yet to come. Likewise, it also means giving back to my community and empowering others to give their best in their respective fields. 

What motivates you to work hard?
My mother never had the opportunity to go to school because of personal reasons. I am reminded of how hard my parents have worked to send me to school. I am motivated to work hard so that I can make my parents proud and make a difference in the world.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am very good at remembering birthdays! If you randomly tell me when your birthday is, chances are I will remember it!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Last summer, the Caldwell Astronomy Club was selected to host the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2024 for the first time in Caldwell, New Jersey, making it the sole host in the state. I worked as a local lead alongside the club president. Our goal was to promote “Astronomy for All” and create an inclusive environment for innovation, research, creativity, and problem-solving on a global level. Despite the challenges of planning the event, we successfully hosted 107 participants—the highest on the East Coast and the fourth highest in the United States. Participants traveled from other states to compete, and we saw 16 projects submitted for review. This was the first two-day hackathon at our university, and I was proud to provide a platform not only for my peers but also for students from other universities, colleges, and high schools to showcase their skills.

What is your favorite movie, and why?
My favorite movie is Whisper of the Heart. I love it because the protagonist in the movie feels very authentic, making mistakes along the way but committed to following her dreams and turning them into reality.

What is your favorite holiday, and why?
My favorite holiday is Tihar, also known as Diwali. I love this holiday because it is a time to celebrate with family and friends. During Tihar, we decorate our homes with lights, colorful rangolis, and marigold garlands, creating a festive atmosphere. The five-day festival includes honoring crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, for their cultural and spiritual significance. On the final day, we celebrate our siblings, exchanging gifts and wishing for their well-being. Traditional songs sung by children and young adults add to the festive spirit. This beautiful blend of celebration and culture makes Tihar my favorite holiday.

To learn more about Bibhuti and connect, visit her profile within our online member community here.

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