Winning this Award is a significant achievement. Can you share with us how you felt when you received the news and what it means to you?

It was an extraordinary feeling when I received the email. Back in my home country, Bangladesh, it was already midnight, so I could not call my parents immediately to share the news. Shortly after, I had a conversation with my PhD supervisor, Dr. Kshama Roy. While I was truly thrilled by the award, I was also trying to process the practical challenges of arranging my visa and travel from Canada to Germany within such a short time. Dr. Roy reminded me that those arrangements could be managed, but moments like this should first be celebrated with gratitude.

Later on, as anticipated, the travel arrangement did bring a few challenges. Getting a visa appointment slot itself needed considerable effort and time, and after I traveled to Ottawa for the appointment, I found out that it had been cancelled. I had to extend my stay there and reschedule it, while still planning the trip with the uncertainty that the visa might not be processed in time. However, with support from the Austrian Embassy and my supervisor, everything eventually worked out, and I was able to attend the Pipeline Technology Conference on time to receive the award. That made the experience even more meaningful. For me, this award is not only a recognition of what I have done so far, but also a strong encouragement at this early stage of my PhD journey. It gives me the confidence to work harder and stay committed to my research, and I hope it will open many new doors for me.

Could you provide an overview of your work or research focus and the potential impact it can have on the pipeline industry?

My PhD research addresses the critical problem of ensuring the resilience of existing buried pipeline infrastructure against natural hazards, which are becoming increasingly severe due to climate change. Pipelines are particularly vulnerable to hazards such as creep ground movement, which can lead to failures like buckling, differential settlement, or rupture. Current resiliency assessment approaches rely heavily on probabilistic extrapolation of historical data, often neglecting the underlying mechanical behavior of pipe-soil interactions.

The aim of our research is to bridge this gap by integrating mechanics-based numerical modeling with probabilistic risk assessment. The work involves advanced finite element simulations, laboratory testing, and field data analysis to develop physics-informed resilience metrics for pipeline systems.

What motivates and inspires you to continue pursuing a career in research and academia?

The motivation for a career in academia comes from teaching itself. I worked as a faculty member at my alma mater, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, for almost three years before starting my PhD at Memorial University, and that experience shaped my understanding of academia in a very personal way. I have found it deeply fulfilling to guide students, help them understand difficult concepts, and watch their curiosity slowly turn into confidence. Beyond that, this career would provide me with opportunities to explore new research ideas. It would give me a voice to respond to the growing infrastructure challenges in this changing world not only with concern, but with technical work that can support safer and more resilient infrastructure.

As an emerging professional in the pipeline industry, what do you believe are the most pressing issues or trends that need to be addressed? How do you plan to contribute to their resolution?

One of the most pressing issues in the pipeline industry is how risk is currently assessed and interpreted. Risk is often quantified using probabilistic analysis of historical performance, past responses to hazards, and available test data. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on integrating machine learning and AI into risk prediction. While these approaches are valuable, I believe they should be complemented with a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanics governing pipeline response, particularly pipe–soil interaction. By integrating mechanics-based modeling with data-driven and probabilistic approaches, we can develop more robust and reliable frameworks for pipeline design and integrity assessment. Through my PhD research, I aim to contribute to this integration by identifying where and how these approaches can be most effectively combined.

Another critical trend is the evolving nature of geohazards under climate change. While significant attention is being given to climate-resilient design for new pipelines, there is a clear gap when it comes to existing infrastructure, much of which was not designed for current or future hazard conditions. Addressing this requires a better understanding of how hazard patterns are changing and how these changes impact pipeline performance. As part of my research, I am involved in efforts to characterize these evolving geohazard conditions, which I see as an essential step toward developing practical and implementable adaptation strategies for existing pipeline systems.

Beyond your technical skills and research expertise, what other qualities or attributes do you think have contributed to your success as an emerging young professional in the pipeline industry?

Beyond technical skills, I believe a systems-thinking approach and leadership abilities have contributed significantly to my journey.

Systems thinking, for me, means viewing a problem not as an isolated technical challenge, but as part of a larger network of interacting causes and consequences. I have been consciously developing this perspective since my master’s studies in Bangladesh. In particular, in Fall 2025, a graduate course on ‘Sustainable Civil Infrastructure Systems’ at Memorial University of Newfoundland further helped me sharpen this systems-thinking approach by encouraging me to evaluate engineering decisions within broader environmental, social, and lifecycle contexts. Overall, this mindset has helped me approach problems more critically, continually reassessing solutions from multiple angles rather than moving too quickly toward a single answer.

Apart from that, leadership and communication skills have also helped me navigate complex situations with confidence. I have actively engaged in activities beyond coursework and research, including organizing technical events and helping to establish student chapters of engineering communities. These experiences have taught me how effective collaboration can significantly improve outcomes.

I also think these skills are increasingly important in the context of rapidly advancing technologies, such as AI-based tools. The ability to communicate clearly, coordinate tasks, and guide collaborative efforts is essential not only for traditional teamwork but also for effectively leveraging such tools to solve complex problems more efficiently.

What lessons have you learned throughout your journey that have significantly impacted your personal and professional growth?

Among many lessons I have learned from my experiences, peers, and mentors, I would like to mention two.

Firstly, a challenge often becomes what we make of it. I have learned that a significant part of success lies in perceiving any situation with positivity, instead of being overwhelmed by its difficulties.

Secondly, the only real limit is often the boundary of our own thinking. In this era of technology, a world full of resources, knowledge, and tools is almost within the palm of our hands. In many cases, at least in my field of research, we have surpassed many technical constraints and are now able to analyze possibilities that may first appear too ambitious or even unrealistic. Thus, it all comes down to how far we are willing to stretch our thinking and explore those possibilities.

Apart from your professional pursuits, what are some of your hobbies or interests that bring you joy and help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Cooking is something that brings me a lot of joy. It helps me calm down and gives me a mental escape from the stress of academic life. As a foodie, I often enjoy sharing food with people around me and experimenting with different recipes, although I cannot claim that it turns out delicious every time.

Very recently, I have also started gardening, and it is slowly growing on me. Since we do this as a group activity within our research group, it has become more than just a hobby. It gives me a chance to spend time with my research mates and professor outside the usual academic setting, which also helps us build a stronger bond as a team.