Samir Nepal

Samir Nepal is an experienced disaster management practitioner with a strong foundation in civil and earthquake engineering, now expanding his focus toward research in disaster science and hazards. He recently completed his graduate degree in Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas (UNT), building on his prior academic background, which includes a master’s in earthquake engineering and a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Nepal.

His professional journey spans over a decade, combining technical expertise with humanitarian service. From 2016 to 2023, he served as a Civil Engineer and Emergency Preparedness & Response Officer at the United Nations World Food Programme in Nepal, where he led seismic-resilient infrastructure projects and supported community-based disaster resilience initiatives. He has also worked with Good Neighbors International and in the private engineering sector, managing large-scale hydropower and infrastructure projects.

In academia, he contributed as a research and teaching assistant at UNT. His research has focused on risk communication, place attachment in recovery, and the preparedness of humanitarian aid workers—earning recognition through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. He actively participates in professional networks such as the International Association of Emergency Managers and Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure and holds leadership roles in Rotary and other community organizations.

He is committed to continuing research that quantifies resilience and supports international disaster response and recovery efforts. With a unique blend of academic insight and field-based experience, he bridges the gap between research and practice in emergency management and disaster risk reduction, working toward sustainable, community-centered solutions for disaster-prone regions worldwide.