I have completed my graduation at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in lab-based courses and worked on a variety of research projects, beginning with a traffic study in my freshman year, simulating the fire resistance behavior of steel structures using the software Abaqus in my junior year, and finishing my thesis on a lab-based study aimed at resolving the scalability issue of distribution pipes in my senior year. The last two works were published at international conferences.
During this period of my life, I tutored high school math and physics privately. This helped me financially and academically. I was also part of a peer-to-peer study group. In the study group, we used reciprocal tutoring techniques, where I was assigned to teach courses on wastewater treatment, project planning, development, and resettlement, hazardous waste management, air pollution control, water quality in Bangladesh, and the finite element method. These courses gave me a broader perspective on my field of study.
Following graduation, I started working as a research assistant on a UK Research and Innovation-funded project focused on delta sustainability. My objectives here include on-site sampling and monitoring of water quality as well as preparing Land Use Land Cover (LULC) map using machine learning in Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS. Using the information, I am trying to examine the relationship between LULC and water quality (physio-chemical and antibiogram) to identify the effects of human activities on the river ecosystems. Working here is flourishing in my development as I collaborate with esteemed researchers from different backgrounds and nationalities for another future article.
Working on this variety of topics provided different challenges, and each time I had to undergo a courageous process of self-study as none of the topics were part of the academic curriculum at that level. Yet, each time, it equally excited me, as learning new topics added a sense of fulfillment within me. During these endeavors, I developed my ability to research new topics, collect and analyze data, use new software, and handle pressure, setbacks, and deadlines. I learned to work in interdisciplinary research, and these experiences reinforced my learning capacity. The relentless and profound guidance of my honorable supervisors helped me immensely, making the research journey enjoyable and rewarding.
On a personal level, I have always been curious and eager to learn new things. I enjoy reading books from different genres, such as fiction, finance, history, and psychology. Owing to my curiosity, I have also taken courses on sign language, psychological first aid, and building sustainable institutions, as listed on my resume. It was only a few days ago that I found a term to define this habit: "generalist." It is a term used to define a person who is knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, irrespective of their usefulness. It conforms with my belief that learning should have no boundaries. Besides being a nerd, I am also a huge soccer fan. I almost never miss a game at Arsenal. When I am not reading or watching soccer, I like to hang out with my friends and family.
Having experience in different fields of civil engineering has broadened my outlook and made me a more confident person. At this point in time, I aspire to become an environmental engineer or a sustainability specialist after graduation. However, I have a lot to learn, and as such, my career vision might change in the future.