Nijal Munankarmi

I am Nijal Munankarmi, an Assistant Professor of Design at Oklahoma State University, focusing on typography, UI/UX design, and design justice. My Newari heritage has profoundly shaped my academic journey, which inspired my MFA thesis exhibition. The project used augmented reality (AR) technology to address the pressing issue of preserving the Newari language. It sparked meaningful conversations about cultural preservation and the role of design in education.

My professional experience includes a UI/UX design internship at Bottlerocket Studios in Dallas, where I developed a strong foundation in creating user-centered digital experiences. My current research explores the intersection of emerging technologies and cultural narratives, with a particular interest in leveraging AR to preserve and celebrate indigenous traditions. I am working on a digital archive of Nepal’s god and goddess masks, which combines illustration and AR to document and share these important cultural artifacts.

As an educator, I am passionate about mentoring students and encouraging them to think critically about design's social and cultural dimensions. I believe in using design to address social issues and create meaningful change, and I strive to inspire the next generation of designers to do the same.