The College of Science is proud to congratulate Yuba Poudel, a PhD candidate of UNT's Department of Physics, for receiving the Outstanding International Student Award. Each year, UNT's Division of International Affairs recognizes an undergraduate or graduate international student who has contributed to the continued growth of the international and culturally diverse communities at the University of North Texas.

Yuba Poudel, who is from Pokhara, Nepal, has been studying at UNT since 2015 and is currently working with Dr. Arup Neogi on his PhD dissertation entitled, "Enhancing the interaction of incident light in single layer of Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)". Prior to attending UNT, Yuba was working to develop semiconductor fabrication techniques while completing his MS in Physics at the University of Idaho. While seeking a Graduate school position in applied semiconductor physics, Yuba explored the opportunities available at the University of North Texas and made the decision to continue his studies here after being offered a position and scholarship that fit his pursuits.

"You will feel UNT is a home away from home," said Yuba when asked to share his experience with other students who may be considering UNT for their own academic pursuits and research, "You will thrive here." His advice to other international students is to explore all the opportunities available at the University of North Texas, especially the scholarships offered specifically for international and traveling scholars and researchers.

In addition to the Outstanding International Student Award, Yuba has also received numerous publications and recognitions for his work, including the 2018 Research Excellence Award at the SPIE Photonics West Conference. He has been the recipient

of International Education Scholarships from UNT since 2015. Yuba served as President of the Nepalese Student Association at UNT from 2015-16 and has been an active member of the student body by participating in campus events such as the UNT Homecoming Parade, UNT Flag Parade, Great Global Citizens, the International Food Festival, International Education Week, and World Echoes Cultural Night. He has been named a Multicultural Scholar from the Office of Outreach and is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

After receiving his PhD from UNT's Department of Physics, Yuba hopes to continue his research in semiconductors as a postdoctoral researcher or as a process engineer in a semiconductor industry.

If you are an international student interested in learning more about the opportunities available at UNT, please contact the Division of International Affairs to find out how UNT can help you thrive, too.

Congratulations, Yuba!