Alumni days: Sarkal JYAKHWA (Plant Breeding - ST2AE, 2022, Beauvais)

Why did you choose to study in France?

I chose France for my first year of my masters because France is among the best destinations for study, research and job. To be honest, studying in France gave me many things. First, I get very close French friends who have invited me and my sister in their family and they made us visit beautiful places in France (Lille, Brest). We are still in touch with each other and I hope it will last forever. I am sure I will have an opportunity to invite them to Nepal. Second, I got to learn French culture, tradition and the language. Most importantly, studying in France has been a foundation stone for continuing my academic career. I also met my partner (wife to be) in France.  Altogether, France has given me enduring memories and profound personal growth.

What has been your journey since the end of your studies?

 After studying  in France, I went to Finland for the 2nd year of my masters. After finishing my master studies, I did an internship in  Luke, Finland in a strawberry pre-breeding research. I worked there for 3 months. Then, I returned to Nepal in September 2022 Currently,

 After that, I started applying for a PhD degree and I got selected in a Marie Curie funded project called RootEd. I started my PhD in September 2023. I am living in Estonia pursuing PhD studies at the University of Tartu.

What would you like for the future?

For now, my goal is to successfully complete the PhD degree. And after that I would like to continue doing research in the field of soil ecology. My dream countries would be France and Finland. France and Finland hold a special place in my heart, and I harbor a desire to give back to the academic communities that have nurtured me. Perhaps, an opportunity to work with INRAE, such as in Dijon where my partner is currently pursuing their PhD, would align with my ambitions.