HCPHC Receives Summer Intern from USM

June 20, 2023

KILN, MISS: Hancock County is excited to announce their newest addition to the team for the summer, Barsha Pudasaini, a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Barsha will serve as an economic development intern, adding practical experience to her Masters degree in Economic Development.

This is not Barsha’s first Masters degree as she also holds a Masters in Business Administration,  specializing in Finance, from her home country, Nepal. She has over five years of working experience including different positions as an Underwriter in the non-life reinsurance and life insurance sectors. While working as a graduate research assistant for USM, Barsha focused on projects with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, USM Innovation and Commercialization Park, regional industrial development corporations, and the Mid-Mississippi Development District. Through these experiences, Barsha developed an interest in data analytics and economic research aspects of economic development.

Though she lives in Hattiesburg, MS, Barsha is passionate about learning different facets of economic development through research and practical experience, to see how various forces interplay to stimulate community development in Hancock County. Upon graduation in August 2023, Barsha plans to explore opportunities to serve as an economic developer. “I am most excited to learn about the economic and workforce development programs of the commission, conduct research, and the management of real estate databases of the region through this internship,” said Barsha Pudasaini.

Lara Bowman, Director of Development for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission states: “HCPHC is excited to offer the opportunity to a student who is completing their degree in Economic Development to gain real world experience to coincide with their coursework. Our staff has been impressed with Barsha for several months as she initially reached out to interview staff for a project she was assigned. Her global view and perspective will add an area of expertise to our team. Barsha understands the importance of community and increasing opportunities for local citizens. This is what led her to the USM Economic Development program from Nepal. Barsha will help the HCPHC staff complete requests for information from companies, research projects and data tracking and analysis.”

Barsha kicks off her internship this week and we look forward to her insight and providing a rich internship experience.

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The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to 30 companies with more than 1,000 employees. For more information visit www.portairspace.com.