• Postgraduate research student from Nepal awarded University Medal
• Research was driven by personal connection to help predict the onset of Type 2 diabetes
• Research used machine learning algorithm to help predict the onset of the chronic illness

A Charles Sturt University postgraduate student from Kathmandu, Nepal, whose research helps predict the onset of Type 2 diabetes has been awarded a University Medal.

Mr Bibek Shrestha came to Australia to complete his Master of Information Technology (system analysis/software design and development) in the Charles Sturt University School of Computing and Mathematics.

Mr Shrestha said he chose to research diabetes as he has friends with the condition, and he recognised the widespread impact of the chronic illness.

“This research aims to predict the onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by applying a machine learning algorithm (Sparse Balance Support Vector Machine using the Electronic Health Records),” Mr Shrestha said.

“This research can help people worldwide to slow down the effect of T2DM or take precautions to avoid it.

“I am not the first to undertake this type of research, but my research did achieve more accurate performance metrics and indicators than previous work.”

Mr Shrestha dedicated his University Medal to his family and friends.

“I am honoured and grateful to win this prestigious medal. This award is one of the highest academic achievements for me and is dedicated to my family and friends, who have always supported and guided me. I feel like all my hard work paid off.”

Mr Shrestha had previously completed a Bachelor of Electronics and Communication in Nepal, and in his search for the ‘perfect’ university he decided to study his postgraduate degree with Charles Sturt.

“I found Charles Sturt University to be a well-reputed university with highly dedicated and skilled professionals,” he said.

“Additionally, because of the internship opportunities and recommendations from friends, I chose to join this university.”

He said that what he had achieved would not be possible without the guidance and support of his supervisors and lectures while studying at the Charles Sturt Study Centre in Sydney.

Mr Shrestha is hoping to secure work in data science or data analytics.