Meet Sunika - who studied MSc Clinical Psychology.
Sunika Joshi - Alumna
Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?
My journey began in the education sector, where I taught psychology to undergraduate students in Nepal and facilitated mental health workshops and interventions in schools, IT companies, and women’s groups. Realising the mental health disparities, I co-founded a mental health platform, ‘Lighthouse Neural,’ a community-based solution designed to increase awareness of and accessibility to psychological support. I collaborate with national and international organisations to assess mental health needs, design interventions, and advocate for policy changes.
My other activities include leadership and policy advocacy, I’ve been a mentor for the Youth Sounding Board, an EU initiative in Nepal, and last year I had the privilege of speaking about gender equality and human rights at the International Youth Forum at the United Nations Conference Center. Recently, I was selected to join the Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit, becoming part of a dynamic network of women changemakers across Southeast Asia and Nepal.
What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?
I was fortunate to have an exceptional supervisor, Dr. Nuno Nodin, whose mentorship was instrumental in shaping my academic and professional growth. Under his guidance, I developed a deeper understanding of psychological interventions and learned to critically engage with research and challenge myself intellectually. His support encouraged me to explore complex topics with rigor and curiosity. All the lecturers are accessible and available to support your personal and academic challenges and contributed to a nurturing and inclusive experience. The University’s careers guidance helped me navigate professional opportunities and refine my aspirations.
What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway?
Be curious, ask questions, and immerse yourself. If you are passionate about psychology Royal Holloway has exceptional teaching and resources and a diverse and intellectually stimulating classroom environment. Engaging with future psychologists from varied backgrounds broadened my perspectives and enriched my learning experience. The entire experience strengthened my theoretical and practical knowledge and instilled in me a commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and ethical practice in psychology, qualities that have profoundly shaped my career path since graduation.
What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway?
Some of my happiest moments were spent studying in the library, laughing with friends on the sprawling lawns, or simply admiring the stunning views of the building against the changing seasons. The iconic Founder’s Building left me in awe every single day! Most importantly, I met some of my closest friends here, making Royal Holloway not just a university, but a place where I created lifelong memories. It was truly one of the most magical chapters of my life.
