Mr. Rakesh Satyal

About Me

Namaste and warm greetings from Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal—nestled in the heart of the Himalayas!

My name is Rakesh Satyal, and I am a researcher, mathematician, and data scientist working at the crossroads of natural science, data analysis, and global industry. My journey began with a deep interest in numbers and patterns, leading me to earn a Master’s degree in Mathematics and its Applications. But over time, my passion expanded—into the world of essential oils, where science, nature, and people all come together.

Essential oils are not just pleasant aromas; they’re powerful natural compounds used in medicine, wellness, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The global essential oil industry is now worth over $25 billion, and it supports nearly 14% of global employment, especially in agriculture and small-scale production. But this industry, full of promise, is also in trouble.

Farmers—especially in countries like Nepal—are facing unfair competition from synthetic chemical companies that flood the market with cheaper, adulterated oils. Many of these synthetic versions are hard to detect without advanced tools. This has created an unhealthy system where profit often wins over purity, and the small farmers, honest producers, and even consumers lose. Worse, these impure oils can pose serious public health risks, especially if used in medical or therapeutic contexts.

As the Director of Analytica Research Center (ARC) in Kirtipur, I’ve made it my mission to tackle this problem head-on. ARC is a growing research hub focused on essential oil science, authentication, and quality control. I also work as the Satellite Lab Director at the Aromatic Plant Research Center (USA) and as a Data Specialist at doTERRA International, connecting local innovation to global research networks.

One of my major ongoing projects is building the world’s largest essential oil database, designed to support researchers, producers, and businesses worldwide. I also lead the development of tools that help verify the chemical profile, enantiomeric composition, and safety of essential oils. These innovations are not just technical achievements—they are essential for making the industry more transparent, fair, and trustworthy.

As a mathematician, I believe in the power of data to solve real problems. My research applies mathematical modeling and statistical analysis to understand complex natural products and detect fraud. By merging data science with chemistry, I help ensure that essential oils are safe, effective, and ethically sourced.

The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. The essential oil industry plays a big role in the global economy, contributing about 16% to the world’s GDP when you include agriculture, manufacturing, and related sectors. But without strong scientific methods, it risks being overrun by adulteration, supply chain disruption, unhealthy market competition, and rising production costs. In the worst cases, there is even the potential for public health threats from deliberate tampering or unregulated products.

That’s why I also focus on supporting farmers—ensuring they can compete fairly and access markets that value purity and sustainability. Through my research, partnerships, and outreach, I aim to protect the integrity of the essential oil supply chain, from field to consumer.

I am honored to collaborate with world-renowned scientists such as Dr. William N. Setzer, a leader in essential oil chemistry, and Dr. Prabodh Satyal, an expert in adulteration detection. Together, we work to raise scientific standards and build tools that benefit producers, researchers, and consumers alike. At the heart of it all is my belief: “Your future is created by what you do today.”

That’s the driving force behind everything I do—whether analyzing a single drop of oil in a lab or building systems that serve entire industries. From Kirtipur to the global stage, my mission is to ensure that essential oils—and the people who depend on them—have a cleaner, more ethical, and more sustainable future.