Resume

Laxman Kafle

Laxman Kafle

Cambridge, USA • lk360@mit.edu • linkedin.com/in/laxman360

Education

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, USA
PhD, Geotechnical & Geo-environmental EngineeringJun 2023 – May 2029
Research: Enhancing rock permeability through electrical fracturing.
Tsinghua UniversityBeijing, China
MS, Civil EngineeringSep 2019 – Jun 2022
Thesis: Precipitation and reservoir level variation effects on slope stability and landslide tsunami.
Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan UniversityLalitpur, Nepal
BS, Civil EngineeringNov 2012 – Sep 2016
Thesis: Limit state design of a commercial building in Kathmandu Valley.

Publications

  1. Kafle, L., R. Villamor-Lora, and H.H. Einstein. “Electrical Rock Fracturing Techniques and Applications.” In 59th Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Santa Fe, NM, 8–11 Jun 2025. https://doi.org/10.56952/ARMA-2025-0737
  2. Kafle, L., R. Villamor-Lora, U. Mok, H.H. Einstein, and J. Germaine. “Characterization of Direction Dependent Properties of Sierra White Granite: Initial Results.” In 58th Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Golden, CO, 2024. https://doi.org/10.56952/ARMA-2024-0544
  3. Kafle, L., Xu, W.-J., Nagel, T., 2024. “Numerical Investigation of a Potential Landslide-Induced Tsunami at the Suofengying Reservoir in China.” Landslides. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-024-02217-9
  4. Kafle, L., Xu, W.-J., Nagel, T., 2022. “Influence of Rainfall and Reservoir Water Level Variation on Slope Stability and Evolution of Landslide-Tsunami: A Case Study of Bianjiazhai Landslide at Suofengying Reservoir in China.” Presented at AGU Fall Meeting, 2022.
  5. Kafle, L., Xu, W.-J., Zeng, S.-Y., Nagel, T., 2022. “A Numerical Investigation of Slope Stability Influenced by the Combined Effects of Reservoir Water Level Fluctuations and Precipitation: A Case Study of the Bianjiazhai Landslide in China.” Engineering Geology, 297, 106508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2021.106508

Awards & Honors

  • Mathworks Fellowship, MIT School of Science (2025–26) — ~$107K support.
  • Michael L. Batzle Scholarship, SEG (Sep 2025 – Jul 2026) — $2,421.23.
  • Louis Berger Fellowship Fund (A), MIT (2023–24) — tuition + stipend + insurance.
  • China Scholarship Council (CSC) Type A, Tsinghua University (2019–22).

Research Experience

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, USA
Graduate Research AssistantJun 2023 – Present
  • Investigating rock fracturing mechanisms using electric potential (pulsed/steady) to enhance permeability for geothermal applications.
  • Characterization of direction-dependent properties of Sierra White Granite via uniaxial, triaxial, and Brazilian tests.
Tsinghua UniversityBeijing, China
Graduate Research AssistantSep 2019 – Jun 2022
  • Analyzed rainfall- and reservoir-level–induced landslides using fully coupled hydromechanical FEM.
  • Simulated landslide-induced tsunami and cascading effects with a two-phase, depth-averaged FVM model.
Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan UniversityLalitpur, Nepal
Undergraduate Thesis2016
Limit state design of a commercial building in Kathmandu Valley.

Teaching Experience

Nepalgunj Technical CollegeNepalgunj, Nepal
Dept. Head, Civil EngineeringNov 2016 – Dec 2017
  • Taught Hydraulics, Estimation & Costing, Structural Engineering, Drawing, and C-Programming.
  • Supervised final-year projects and coordinated as department head.
National Campus for BusinessLalitpur, Nepal
A-Level Mathematics TutorOct 2011 – Jun 2013
Tutored A-Level Mathematics and led revision sessions.

Professional Experience

Manning’s Consult Pvt. Ltd.Lalitpur, Nepal
Geotechnical Engineer / Team LeaderJun 2022 – May 2023; Nov 2018 – Sep 2019
  • Led catchment area protection planning for a proposed hydropower dam in Western Nepal.
  • Consultant site engineer for health post construction and blood bank retrofitting.
National Reconstruction Authority (NRA)Gulmi, Nepal
Civil EngineerDec 2017 – Nov 2018
  • Supported reconstruction/retrofitting of earthquake-safe housing in affected communities.
  • Inspected and verified compliance with NRA guidelines and recommended subsidies.

Research Interests

Dynamic Rock Fracturing Geothermal Energy (EGS) Underground Construction Slope Stability & Debris Flow Landslide Tsunami Climate Change Impacts

Technical Skills

  • Programming: MATLAB, Python, C++, C
  • Open-source: OpenGeoSys, DClaw
  • Software: Fusion360, ArcGIS, Plaxis 3D, GeoStudio
  • Digital Fabrication

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • NASA RASC-AL Finalist 2024–25; led CAD design of lunar infrastructure systems; presented to NASA leaders in Cocoa Beach, FL.
  • Non-life insurance surveyor (License A; Insurance Board, Nepal; No. 1699/078/79).
  • Certificates: Retrofitting of Rural Housing (NRA, 2018); Earthquake-Resistant Building Construction (CLPIU, 2017); Global Leadership (Orbis Institute, 2010).