Bhanu Shrestha

Bhanu Shrestha

PhD Candidate, NTNU

Currently pursuing an integrated PhD at the department of computer science with Colourlab group at NTNU i Gjøvik. Formerly a Senior Software Engineer experienced in building distributed systems across diverse tech stacks, and later an IT Officer leading digital transformation from the ground up. Skilled in streamlining operations, planning, and managing individual tasks as well as larger organizational administrative processes. Now, focused on advancing the state-of-the-art in computer vision and biometric security with a focus on understanding and utilizing human cognition with respect to face image manipulation detection.

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Research Focus

Biometrics Computer Vision Deep Learning Face Recognition Face Morph Detection

Tech Stack

Languages

Python Java Go C++

Frameworks & Tools

SpringBoot ReactJs FastAPI OpenCV Docker PyTorch

Education

MACS

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

2022 - 2024

B.Sc. CSIT

Tribhuwan University (Prime College)

2011 - 2015

Master Thesis Project

Understanding Cognition and Competence of Human Observers in Detecting Manipulated Faces

Studied the impact of a unique facial manipulation technique on facial recognition systems and human detection ability. Developed platform to collect and analyze data from infrared eye-trackers, created a diverse dataset of manipulated faces, and conducted experiments with 40 participants to analyze cognitive processes and fixation patterns. Findings reveal key vulnerabilities in both humans and automated facial recognition systems and insights into manipulation detection and human competence.

Delivered: June 2025

Python

Experience

Integrated PhD

Department of Computer Science, NTNU

Oct 2023 - Present

  • Advanced research in the field of biometrics, focusing on robust face recognition systems and face manipulation detection specifically face morph attack detection.
  • Applying deep learning techniques to solve real-world face image manipulation challenges.
  • Human training and collaboration with real life human observers working in the field of biometric security.

IT Officer

Swarnim School

Sep 2019 - Aug 2022
  • Led the end-to-end migration of school operations from paper-based workflows to a digital ecosystem.
  • Conducted various activities to build up digital literacy across the school community of 50+ teachers and staff as well as 800+ students and their guardians.
  • Served as part of the administrative team, utilizing data analysis to assist in long-term policy planning and streamlining day-to-day operations.
  • Maintained and optimized the full suite of hardware and software used at the school, ensuring reliability of the digital infrastructure.

Sr. Software Engineer

Fusemachines Nepal

Jun 2015 - Aug 2019
  • Worked on designing the architectecture and development of distributed fintech applications using Java and Spring Boot.
  • Research and develoment to build high-performance microservices with Go and C++.
  • Research and implementation of event-driven architectures using reactive programming and system deployment via Docker containers.

Awards

Microsoft Student Partner of the Year

2014 • MIC Nepal