By Kritagya Regmi
For most students, earning a PhD is a test of diligence, intellect, and patience. But for two couples at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), it was also a deeply personal journey, defined by shared ambition, struggles and achievements. On May 23, 2025, they celebrated a unique milestone at AIT’s 143rd Graduation Ceremony, donning doctoral graduation gowns and receiving their diplomas, hand in hand.
Dr. Shella Ira Talampas and Dr. Wendell Daaca Talampas (Left) and Dr. Toma Deb Nath and Dr. Arindam Biswas
Dr. Shella Ira Talampas and Dr. Wendell Daaca Talampas from the Water Engineering and Management (WEM) program at the School of Engineering and Technology, and Dr. Toma Deb Nath and Dr. Arindam Biswas and from the Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE) program at the School of Environment, Resources and Development, navigated the challenging path of doctoral research together.
Shella and Wendell: A shared interest in Water and Sustainability
Wendell and Shella’s story began with a common background in Chemical Engineering. Wendell later specialized in applied mathematics, while Shella pursued interdisciplinary studies through an EU-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship in chemical innovation and regulation. The couple were working as faculty at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) when they were drawn to AIT’s PhD program in WEM, driven by a passion for water and environmental issues. AIT had established a capacity building partnership with USTP to facilitate its qualifying faculty to elevate their academic credentials in Thailand at AIT. Encouragement from alumni of this program, especially those from their home university, helped solidify their decision to take this path together.
“We had different academic paths but a common goal, to work on meaningful, sustainability-driven research,” Shella said. “AIT felt like the right place to align our interests in water governance and sustainability.”
Wendell and Shella completed their PhD under the supervision of Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology. Wendell’s PhD research focused on transboundary aquifer governance and modeling climate and demographic scenarios over the long term. Shella concentrated on developing catchment-level indicators and integrating stakeholder viewpoints in water management. Though their research topics were distinct, they complemented each other well, with plenty of peer consultations that enriched both of their perspectives. “We often reviewed each other’s work, especially during proposal development and assessment,” Wendell noted.
They also commended AIT’s extracurricular ecosystem, featuring international conferences, seminars, and workshops, which helped broaden their perspectives. These activities enabled connections with global experts, exposure to cutting-edge research, and meaningful discussions on emerging trends, enhancing their knowledge and professional networks.
Toma and Arindam: From a short course to a shared future
Toma and Arindam’s journey began in 2016 when they enrolled in a certificate course in Gender and Development Studies at AIT. “That course sparked everything,” Arindam recounted. “It inspired us to envision a long-term academic future at AIT.” Arindam later completed his Master’s in Agricultural Systems and Engineering at AIT, while Toma pursued a Master’s in Organic Farming Management at Thammasat University while residing next door on the AIT campus. They were drawn to AIT’s reputed faculty, strong research environment, and global perspective on climate-smart agriculture. “AIT’s focus on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable farming aligned perfectly with our shared academic goals,” Toma said.
Under the guidance of Prof. Avishek Datta, Head of Department of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR), Arindam explored innovative agronomic practices using biostimulants, phytohormones, and drought-resilient techniques to enhance crop performance. Toma focused on the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of climate-resilient farming, and how policies can better support agricultural communities. “Our goal was to connect scientific innovation with practical policy support for farmers facing climate challenges,” Arindam explained.
Strength in Support and Shared Experience
For both couples, being in the same program offered a unique support system. Studying side by side made the journey less isolating, and mutual encouragement helped them stay motivated through their coursework, research challenges, and deadlines. Although they didn’t formally collaborate on research, they shared lab spaces, exchanged ideas, and helped each other navigate tough times, whether it was submitting proposals, publishing papers, or presenting at conferences.
For Wendell and Shella, one of the biggest struggles was finding a balance between academia and their personal life. “It’s easy for research stress to carry over into your relationship,” Wendell admitted. “Staying mindful of each other’s well-being really helped us stay grounded.”
For Toma and Arindam, the challenge was perhaps even greater, as they raised two children during their academic journey: one during their Master’s studies and another during their PhD period. “Juggling coursework, field experiments, and parenting wasn’t easy,” said Toma. “But watching our kids grow up while finishing our theses gave everything a deeper meaning.” Arindam added: “There were tough days, but shared responsibility and open communication got us through.” The couple attribute their success to AIT’s multicultural environment, child-friendly facilities, and the secure campus, which greatly contributed to reducing their day-to-day stress, enabling them to focus more effectively on their studies.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose
Both couples treasured the journey from advancing to candidacy, delving deep into research, attending international conferences, and ultimately defending their dissertations. “Seeing each other succeed was immensely motivating, and made everything worth it,” said Shella. “It’s rare to have someone who understands every detail of your academic journey.”
Having completed their studies, they now look forward to a successful and impactful future in their fields, a vision they share with their fellow graduates. Wendell and Shella will return to USTP in the Philippines as faculty members; Wendell in Environmental Science and Technology and Shella in Chemistry. Meanwhile, Toma and Arindam plan to contribute to research and education in sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh, focusing on climate-resilient systems. Arindam will work as an agricultural researcher at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), while Toma will take on a faculty position at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
To other couples or students considering a shared academic path, their advice is clear: support each other, communicate openly, and celebrate the small milestones. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about the degree, it’s about the journey, and the person walking beside you,” they agreed.
