ABOUT AVISHEK
A Geotechnical Engineer &
A Lifelong Learner
I’m Avishek Shrestha, a geotechnical engineer with a background in civil engineering. Outside of my technical work, I enjoy slowing down to read, write and explore a more creative side of life.
Think of this website as a quiet notebook for whatever I’m learning, building, or reflecting on along the way.
MY WORK
Connecting research
with practice.
My work focuses on soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and the behavior of unsaturated soils. Over the years, moving between field investigations, laboratory testing, design, and teaching has taught me to look at engineering problems from more than one angle.
Projects across Nepal, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, and Laos have taken me into diverse terrains and working cultures, deepening my appreciation for how academic insight meets practical, on-the-ground realities.
CURRENT EXPLORATION
Understanding
changing ground.
At the University of Auckland, my PhD research examines desiccation cracks and their influence on the hydromechanical behaviour of unsaturated soil.
Alongside this research, I consult with Helical Pile Thailand on helical pile foundations.
THE JOURNEY
A career built layer by layer - like soil stratigraphy
2024 – now
PhD in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical), University of Auckland
Characterising desiccation cracks and how they change the hydromechanical behaviour of unsaturated soil. Also a part-time consulting engineer on helical piles with Helical Pile Thailand.
2021 – 2024
Soil Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu
Led a soil and material testing laboratory and managed site investigations, with a year of visiting-faculty teaching at Kathmandu University.
2017 – 2020
Geotechnical Engineering Research & Development Center (GERD), Bangkok, and an M.Eng at Kasetsart University
Research and design of helical piles, plus slope, dam and erosion projects in Thailand, Cambodia, Japan and Laos.
2014 – 2017
Rural Access Programme 3, Nepal
Road corridor design, surveys and maintenance in remote districts, including the Mugu–Humla link road.
2009 – 2013
Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Kathmandu University
Where the voyage began.
BEYOND ENGINEERING
Other ways of paying attention.
A camera, a guitar, and a place to write. Each gives me a different way to explore and share.
YouTube
Occasional cover songs and vlogs—more enthusiasm than actual skill, posted once in a blue moon.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Let’s share ideas.
For an engineering discussion, a creative collaboration, or simply to say hello, I’d be glad to hear from you.