We hired a new Graduate Research Assistant, Roshika Uprety! Roshika shares what attracted her to COSMOS and what are her aspirations and goals.

What is your name, and what role will you play at COSMOS?

My name is Roshika, and I am a new Graduate Research Assistant at COSMOS; I will be helping with research and social media.

Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience?

I’m a Master’s student in Business Information Systems and Analytics at UA Little Rock with experience in data analysis, project coordination, and social media management. I’ve worked as a Graduate Assistant supporting research and held roles in digital marketing. My background also includes project coordination, team collaboration, and creating impactful reports to support academic goals.

Were there specific aspects of COSMOS’ culture or mission that resonated with you?

I really like that Prof. Agarwal has cultivated a culture of collaboration at COSMOS. The COSMOS team works on different areas together and uses technology to solve real-world problems. This matches well with what I’m studying and what I enjoy doing: using data to make a real impact.

Are there any specific skills or experiences you’re looking to gain at COSMOS?

I’m eager to build on my background in data mining, machine learning, and social media analytics by gaining hands-on experience in social network analysis and computational modeling.

Is there anything that stood out to you during the onboarding process?

The onboarding process was clear and well-organized, which made the transition smooth and easy to navigate.

How do you see yourself growing professionally within COSMOS?

Prof. Agarwal has several real-world projects at COSMOS that provide great opportunities for me to expand my skills beyond content creation and social media management into more technical areas like social media mining and behavioral modeling. I hope to grow into a well-rounded researcher under Prof. Agarwal’s mentorship and combine my experience with data-driven analysis to address real-world challenges.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone starting a new role at COSMOS?

From my experience, I’d suggest that new members at COSMOS stay curious, be proactive, and maintain open communication, whether by sharing ideas or learning new tools. It’s also important to blend creativity with research objectives to make meaningful contributions.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or fictional character, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any historical or fictional figure, I’d choose Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption. His quiet strength, resilience, and hope in the face of injustice are truly inspiring. I’d ask how he stayed strong, what kept him going, and how he devised his escape. Andy didn’t just survive; he uplifted others, built a library, and changed lives. Dinner with him would be a powerful reminder that patience and hope can lead to freedom and happiness, even in the darkest times.