The Catalyst: The Collapse of Rana Plaza
In 2013, an event unfolded that would change not only the lives of thousands of people in Bangladesh but also the course of my life forever. At the time, I was just an undergrad student, unaware of the complex intricacies of engineering that would shape my future. The disaster struck in Savar, Dhaka, at the Rana Plaza building, home to five garment factories. Engineers had deemed the building structurally unsound, but it tragically collapsed. The result was devastating: 1,134 lives lost and thousands more injured. The catastrophe exposed not only the flaws in the building's design but also the profound impact poor engineering decisions can have on people's lives.
I remember watching the news unfold, stunned by the magnitude of the collapse. My heart sank with every report of the injured and dead. More than just an emotional response, the event planted a seed within me that would grow into a deep desire to understand the true weight of responsibility that engineers bear when shaping the built environment. The collapse of Rana Plaza, caused by a structural engineer’s poor design, ignited my curiosity and, in many ways, defined the path I would follow. I found myself thinking, what kind of design decisions led to this? How could we prevent something so catastrophic? Although those questions seemed simple, they became the driving force that motivated my pursuit of a career in structural engineering.
From a young age, I had always found satisfaction in solving problems. Whether it was simple puzzles or more complex challenges in my academic life, the ability to break down an issue and find a solution fascinated me. I thrived under pressure, discovering clarity amidst chaos. This trait became my strongest asset throughout my career. As I continued my education, especially in civil engineering, it became clear that the field was not just about designing buildings or bridges, but also about finding solutions that could withstand time, weather, and unforeseen challenges.
I quickly realized that civil engineering, particularly structural engineering, was an avenue where my problem-solving skills could truly make a difference. What fascinated me the most was the responsibility I would bear—not just to meet deadlines or regulations but to ensure that the structures I designed could stand strong and safe for generations to come. The knowledge that my work could directly affect the safety and well-being of others, potentially saving lives, became a motivating force. Unlike many professions, where one’s work may have limited impact, engineering has a profound and lasting influence on society. Every project I worked on, every structure I helped build, contributed to a larger purpose: to create safer, more resilient environments for people.
As I embarked on my academic journey, I was drawn to the vast world of structural engineering. I earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering at Florida International University (FIU), focusing on structural engineering and the resilience of infrastructure to extreme weather. My studies provided me with the opportunity to delve deep into the complexities of building strong, durable, and resilient structures, particularly in regions prone to extreme conditions like hurricanes and floods.
Before FIU, I completed my master’s in civil engineering at Wayne State University, where I specialized in transportation engineering, as well as an MBA in operations and supply chain management. The transition between disciplines was not always seamless, but each step helped me refine my understanding of infrastructure systems, both from an engineering perspective and a management standpoint. The intersection of civil engineering and business management has given me a unique vantage point on large-scale projects—balancing technical challenges with the practicalities of budget, logistics, and time constraints.
My academic career has been a testament to my commitment to lifelong learning. I don’t just take courses or attend lectures—I actively seek out opportunities to experiment, to push the boundaries of what I know, and to engage with new technologies that might revolutionize the way we think about infrastructure. The world of engineering is constantly evolving, and I believe that to stay at the forefront, one must continuously adapt, learn, and grow.
Professional Growth: Large-Scale Projects and Real-World Applications
While my academic experiences were essential in shaping my understanding of structural engineering, it was my professional journey that truly honed my skills. Working on large-scale infrastructure projects boosted my technical expertise and taught me the value of collaboration, leadership, and adaptability.
One of the most significant projects I worked on was the Gordie Howe International Bridge. As a quality technician, I was entrusted with ensuring that the project met the highest standards. The $5.6 billion bridge project required strict adherence to AASHTO and ASTM regulations, and I played a key role in developing quality assurance methods. I conducted structural assessments, working closely with engineers and other professionals to ensure that the bridge would be safe, durable, and reliable. This experience was invaluable—working on a project of this magnitude meant collaborating with brilliant minds, learning from their expertise, and contributing to an infrastructure project that would stand for decades.
In addition to my work on the bridge, I also explored new ways of using technology to improve infrastructure resilience. At FIU, I utilized machine learning models to assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to hurricanes. This research, which combined structural engineering with cutting-edge data science, aimed to develop predictive models for understanding how different buildings and structures would perform under extreme weather conditions. Future building codes could use the results of this work to build infrastructure that can withstand the inevitable challenges posed by climate change.
Furthermore, I worked on GIS-based flood risk assessments, applying geographical information systems to map areas that were most vulnerable to flooding. This work was especially meaningful to me because it combined my academic knowledge with my passion for solving real-world problems. By studying the vulnerability of coastal regions in the U.S. and flood-prone areas in Bangladesh, I contributed to efforts that could save lives and reduce damage during extreme weather events.
