Boulder proudly celebrates Hrishikesh “Rishi” Lamichhane as the 2025 MPH Student Researcher of the Year. With a sharp mind for data and a heart for public health, Rishi is already making a meaningful impact in the field.

Rishi Lamichhane, NourishED’s Network Mapping Lead, will begin pursuing his MPH at Brown University in fall 2025

A Mind for Mapping

Rishi is a Research Assistant and Resident Biostatistician at the NourishED Research Foundation, where he trains under Boulder’s own, Dr. Brenna Bray (PhD). He specializes in network mapping and mixed-methods analysis, focusing on environmental factors in binge eating disorder, using tools like Kumu, Python, R, SPSS, and ArcGIS.

Rishi’s network mapping and mixed-methods analyses help visualize how social and structural forces shape health outcomes. How work transforms the presentation of qualitative analyses.

Academic Excellence

Rishi holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Trinity International College and a dual degrees in Public Health and Computer & Information Science from Springfield College.

This fall, he will begin pursing his MPH in Epidemiology at the prestigous Brown University, while also serving as Teaching Assistant in their Meditation and Mindfulness course.

Research That Matters 🔍

Rishi is a co-first author on two major studies set for publication in 2025, lead by Boulders own Brenna Bray (PhD) through the NourishED Research Foundation. One study explores network mapping methods for qualitative data, and the other investigates environmental factors linked to binge eating disorder.

Lamichhane used two different open-source netowrk mapping tools to develop new ways to visualize thematic networks. The image shown will be published in Lamichhane & Bray’s 2025 publication (under revision).

His work helps redefine how public health research is conducted and applied. He will be presenting this work at the NourishED Research Summit, Sept 11 – 14 (https://nourishedrfi.org/nrfi-summit).

A Global Perspective

Beyond his work at NourishED, Rishi has contributed to the Springfield College Wellness Institute and the Massachusetts Health Officers Association. These experiences deepened his understanding of public health systems and community care and enable him to bring a global lens to local issues.

Rishi’s passion for health equity and data-driven solutions makes him a standout in the field. By staying engaged at both local and national levels, he’s preparing to lead change on a global scale.

Boulder’s Public Health Trailblazer

Rishi Lamichhane is more than a student—he’s a rising researcher, innovator, and advocate. His ability to connect data, people, and purpose makes him one of Boulder’s brightest public health voices to watch.

Boulder is proud to celebrate Rishi’s achievements and looks forward to the change he’ll bring to the world.

Brenna Bray

Dr. Brenna Bray, a local health and wellness coach, stress researcher, associate professor, and avid ultra-marathon mountain runner, holds PhDs in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, and Complementary and Integrative Health. Her journey through an eating disorder fuels her dedication to coaching, merging personal experiences with scientific expertise. Through her practice, Bray empowers clients to access and harness their innate healing abilities and achieve remarkable health and wellness transformations. Committed to community engagement and holistic well-being, Dr. Bray shapes a brighter, healthier future for all. Learn more about Dr. Bray at www.brennabray.com.