Arati Paudel

Research Topic:

Exploring the Role of Forest Products and Mass Timber in Sustainable AI Data Center Development

Biography:

I am a Ph.D. student in the department of sustainable biomaterials at Virginia Tech, with a strong interest in the connection between forests, people, and sustainable development.

Originally from Nepal, I completed my undergraduate degree in Forestry and worked in exploring women's economic empowerment through forest-based solutions for almost 2 years. I completed my master's degree in Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where my research focused on the human dimensions of mass timber and testing communication strategies to better understand and influence perceptions.

My current research interests explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, mass timber, forest products, and forest economics, with a focus on understanding how emerging infrastructure needs can create opportunities for sustainable forest-based solutions.

Education:

• B.S. Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Foresty, Hetauda, Nepal, 2021
• M.S. Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR, USA. 2026

Advisor: