How to find your research interests 

As a Master student who switched majors, I  had a really hard time pinpointing my academic interests and future path. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, a subject focusing on understanding the environment and geographical changes. For example, I studied hydrology, ecology, and the most interesting, isotope dating. Indeed, we also hadContinue reading “How to find your research interests “

My study journey starts with a challenge

2022 was an unusual year for me as I started a new journey in a different country. I packed my bags and got ready to go. After a 14-hour flight and traveling halfway around the world, I finally set foot on this foreign land. Everything here was strange and new to me. With the joyContinue reading “My study journey starts with a challenge”

“Interdisciplinary Approaches to Water Research” 

Every morning, I take the Edmonton city train across the Kisiskāciwani-sīpiy (North Saskatchewan River), and I thank the river. I thank it for providing me with water to drink, cook, and clean with. I thank it for recreation, for its strength, and for the lessons it teaches me; I think of all the connections overContinue reading ““Interdisciplinary Approaches to Water Research” “

The journey to a passion for a cleaner and sustainable environment

Research has always been my passion. I grew up with parents who were core advocates for education and continuous learning as they believed it was a great compass to navigate the world.  At a very early age, I wanted to become many different things: – from a doctor, an accountant, to an engineer. As timeContinue reading “The journey to a passion for a cleaner and sustainable environment”

What does it mean to be a water research focused academic?

My pathway to becoming an Assistant Prof in a research-intensive university in Canada was not straightforward. I was trained in Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo (UW), and my only work exposure before my graduate studies was being a co-op student in environmental consulting. I did not even know what research was all aboutContinue reading “What does it mean to be a water research focused academic?”

Methods of Job Hunting that You May Not Have Thought About – Water Industry

Finding a new job, whether you have recently graduated, are looking to leave your current position, or are returning from a break, can be difficult and frustrating. I’ve heard someone describe the process as “submitting resumes into the void,” which begins to feel accurate after your tenth application has no response. Job descriptions can beContinue reading “Methods of Job Hunting that You May Not Have Thought About – Water Industry”

How to finish your Ph.D. in less than three years?

“What year of your Ph.D. are you at?” This is a question that all Ph.D. students hate, and everyone knows it is like asking a woman about their age. The hard feeling that comes with this question is that a Ph.D. student might spend 4 to 7 years in the program and as soon asContinue reading “How to finish your Ph.D. in less than three years?”

Empowering Yourself on the PhD Journey

I left the Nano-Engineering Laboratory for Energy & Environmental Technologies (NLEET) research group at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) a few months ago. Looking back, it still excites me to believe that I was part of such a fantastic research group supervised by a great professor, Dr. Hadis Zarrin, with talented, diligent, and cooperative lab mates.Continue reading “Empowering Yourself on the PhD Journey”

IWA World Water Congress: From the Perspective of a YWP

From September 12 to 15, 2022, Copenhagen hosted the IWA World Water Congress, which included keynote speeches, an industrial plenary, and technical talks. The ambition of the Congress was to bring together multi-disciplinary professionals from the water industry to discuss issues pertaining to sustainability and the development of sustainable cities. Copenhagen was the prime location,Continue reading IWA World Water Congress: From the Perspective of a YWP