Dipti Mainali

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal 

Education Background: Architecture 

How did you get interested in your field? 

I was exposed to urban design projects in my professional practice as an architect. I realized that the design issues often require a higher-level understanding and interventions. This led me to City Planning for my graduate studies. 

What was your background prior to coming to Penn? 

I was an Architect before I joined Penn. I worked in different types of development projects- Mixed use, residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, and urban design. 

Why did you choose Penn? 

I chose Penn firstly because the courses here are interdisciplinary. In all the other universities that I had applied to and got accepted, none had City Planning under the school of design; this was the only one. Secondly, the faculty members are great. I found that areas of research of some of the faculties aligned with my field of interest. And lastly, its location. As an international student, I wanted to explore the major cities in the United States, and traveling to those is very convenient from UPenn, Philadelphia. 

What has been your favorite class so far? 

All classes have a different motive, yet they can be connected if we design it that way. Modeling Geographic Objects (ArcGIS)taught me creation and analysis of city maps. This I consider is an important skillset for any designer or planner. Public Health, Cities and Climate Change, an elective from Landscape architecture, gave me insights on how climate change affects cities and public health and the ways these three entities could be coherently addressed as a planner.  

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?

I planned my courses ahead of time so that I could learn more on my field of interest. My focus is on sustainable property development and also climate finance. Apart from my core classes, the classes that have really helped me hone my economic and financial understanding would be International Development. It has deepened my learning on Climate Finance and different global organizations involved in various aspects of it. 

What do you like best about Philadelphia? 

I like that Philly is a Historic City. The architecture and Urban planning here have much to do with the entire history of America. So far I feel Chinatown is the most vibrant part of the city. The South East Asian Market in the FDR Park on the weekends is a must-visit for all Asian. Also taking walks in the Schuylkill River trail from the University or your Apartment is very refreshing and rejuvenating. The Chinese Lantern Festival in the Franklin Square in the Summer is also really fascinating. Networking by going to Campus Philly Events is really helpful on expanding the perspective outside of Penn. I mean this city has all the spaces and events that you need for a great student life. 

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in? 

I teach Yoga at Pottruck, the University Health and Fitness Center. This is one of my on-campus jobs that I love. Apart from this, I am also currently active on the Student Council as a team leader for the Swap Shop. I am also involved in the City Planning Real Estate Club. In addition to this, I am involved in Penn IUR, which has helped me dive deep into Climate finance. 

What are your career ambitions?  

I would love to work on a planning job that focuses on sustainable real estate development and also work for climate finance in the global south. I am also thinking about a PhD in the near future, but not immediately after graduation.