What happens when science meets songwriting? Ask Ashra Kunwar

A PhD researcher and pop singer, Kunwar believes music can do more than entertain—it can educate and empower.

Ashra Kunwar is a Nepali singer, environmental researcher, and activist who combines art, science, and advocacy in her work. She has been performing since 2010 and leads a band called Ashra & The Parables. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at the University of Florida, focusing on human-wildlife conflict and applying General Strain Theory to big cats in Nepal. Alongside her studies, Kunwar has organised musical tours in several countries, using her voice to entertain and raise awareness about environmental and social justice issues.