A partnership between the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the CSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering allowing exceptional AIT students to earn two graduate degrees in two years has produced the first three graduates of the program.
While this agreement was formalized in 2021, the relationship between the universities dates back to AIT’s establishment in 1959 led by civil engineering giant, the late Professor Maury Albertson. Today, Emeritus Dean and Professor David McLean serves on the Board of Trustees at AIT.
“CSU was instrumental in the founding of the Asian Institute of Technology, and we have a long history of faculty collaborations in teaching and research. The students completing the new dual-degree program build on that rich legacy, gaining very meaningful international experiences and friendships at both institutions,” said McLean.
McLean was joined by CEE Professor and Department Head Charles Shackelford in developing the dual graduate program in water resources and geotechnical engineering.
“All three of these students exemplify the highest qualities of aptitude, performance, and character that we had hoped this program would recruit. Their success is indicative of what we desire to achieve with this dual MS degree program with AIT, and we look forward to continued success both for these three graduates in their personal careers as well as those who will matriculate in the program in the future,” said Shackelford.
Kasun Sahabandu graduated in August 2023 with an emphasis in hydraulics engineering. Sahabandu is from Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka and now works as a computational hydraulics engineer at Hydrau Tech in Fort Collins. “CSU and AIT have two of the best water programs in the world,” said Sahabandu. “This program allowed me to explore my interest in computational hydraulics and become an expert in a unique area of civil engineering.” Sahabandu was advised by Professor Karan Venayagamoorthy.
Wangmo Ghalley will graduate in December 2023 with an emphasis in water resources, specifically researching hydrologic alterations due to hydropowerdam operations and climate change. Ghalley is originally from Bhutan and will begin her engineering career at Mott MacDonald in Lakewood shortly after graduation. “I was drawn to this dual degree program by the unique opportunity to pursue degrees from two distinguished universities and earn two different master’s degrees,” said Ghalley, who was advised by Professors Jeff Niemann and Rob Ettema.
Avalokita Tuladhar will graduate in December 2023 with an emphasis in water resources. Tuladhar is from Kathmandu City, Nepal and will join Atkins as a water resource engineer in Denver. Tuladhar said, “Two years, two degrees, two incredible universities – it’s the mix that got me hooked on starting this program. I’ve learned a ton, grown personally, and explored diverse cultures. It’s been a fantastic all-around experience.” Tuladhar is advised by Associate Professor Ryan Bailey.
