ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.

UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT PALPASHA KARKI, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.
Duke Kunshan University | Kunshan, China | Advancing SDG 11, SDG 15, SDG 13 & UNAI 9

" “Make it Happen”, was what my 9th grade teacher said to me after my final class presentation. Although in the moment, it was regarding my science presentation- those words have meant the world to me since. Over the years, I’ve learnt that most things are way easier said than done. For example, change is easier to envision than create. However, as a Millennium Fellow, I hope to make things actually happen. I hope to create lasting and meaningful change for those who need it, as well as further my academic journey. I’m excited to be a Millennium Fellow as it would give me access to a wide network of like-minded individuals, all who are already making it happen in their own ways. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Anti-Bird Collision Project
Birds are imperative to natural systems- such as pollination, and pest control. However, in the 21st century, the lack of bird biodiversity has become increasingly dire. The USDA estimates that over 97% of bird deaths (300m- 1b), are caused by anthropogenic sources- more specifically, bird collisions. Even within my school, Duke Kunshan University, an ongoing campus survey has shown a sharp increase in bird deaths correlated with campus expansion due to the use of glass materials in construction. The Anti-Bird Collision project is both a campus club and ongoing research project aiming to help raise awareness about this issue. With the help of around 128 national and 100~ on-campus volunteers, our research has been able to effectively track causes and impacts of bird deaths in greater China. On the club side, my team and I work to raise awareness by hosting campus awareness events, and by pushing school administration to utilize more sustainable practices in future campus development. Due to our efforts, newer campus buildings boast a decrease in use of transparent glass, and an increase of glass with anti-collision designs (fritted glass/taunt screens). We’ve also been able to support the application of anti-collision markers on older campus buildings.
About the Millennium Fellow
Palpasha Karki is an innovative, aspiring pre-med student studying Global Health with a track in Biology at Duke Kunshan University. She was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, resides in the Colorado, United States, and is currently studying in Kunshan, China. Palpasha is passionate about sustainability, improving health systems, and prides herself on being a global citizen. Throughout her high school and college years, Palpasha has been a catalyst for change on a community level. As a Millennium Fellow, she hopes to carry the impact forward and beyond.





