Palista Kharel is the Executive Director of the Water Technologies for Emerging Regions (WaTER) Center at the University of Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Kenyon College, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has previously worked in economic research, data consulting, energy policy, and business analytics. Her professional experience spans county and state governments, universities, and the private sector. In her current role, she oversees the organizational management of the University of Oklahoma WaTER Center to advance water research, education, and outreach for sustainable development.
