
Field of Study:
Agriculture
Home Institution in the U.S.:
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Host Institution in Nepal:
Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research, and Development (LI-BIRD), Sanepa
Start Month/Year in Nepal:
July 2024
Duration of Grant:
Ten months
Mika Ulmet
Mika Ulmet, a graduate of Cornell University with a master’s degree in global development focusing on food and nutritional security, has a rich background in sustainable agriculture and community development. Before her studies at Cornell, Mika dedicated herself as a Peace Corps Volunteer in western Nepal from 2019 to 2020. Inspired by her experiences in Nepal, Mika’s research interests have centered on building resilient value-added grain systems. With a vision for transformative change in local food systems, Mika aspires to leverage her farming and baking skills to promote the consumption of nutritious grains and support community livelihoods.
In her Fulbright project, Mika, in collaboration with her partner affiliation, the Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research, and Development (LI-BIRD), is advocating for the preservation and consumption of Nepal’s diverse indigenous grains and pseudocereals. Her research specifically involves documenting the stories and recipes of farmers from various ethnic communities who have historically cultivated and consumed finger millets. By raising awareness about the social, ecological, and cultural significance of this crop, Mika seeks to contribute to their revival from farm to plate, thereby enriching Nepal’s food culture.