Q1 Why did you choose to study at Kyushu University?
Since I was a child I was dreaming about being an international researcher that can provide an innovative ideas and inventions to support the humanity facing their biggest fears and obstacles.
After I got my Bachelor degree from my former university, I started looking for postgraduate position all around the world. However, among all the options, Japan was superior to me providing advanced leading English based research programs with the opportunity to experience such a unique culture. Therefore, I started aiming at the top universities in Japan, where Kyushu university is one of the former Imperial Universities and is the 4th oldest university in Japan with a history that can be traced by medical schools of the feudal domains built in 1867. During my undergraduate degree research focusing on the Geotechnical Engineering, I found many references to alumni and staff related to my research field. With such high motivation and ambition, I decided to apply to the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, Civil and Structural Engineering Department, Kyushu university with a history going back to 1953 and considered as a pioneer and leading laboratory in this field.
Q2 What do you research in your major?
My research considers Micro – Scale Evaluation of the Fluid Movement through Unsaturated Porous Mediums. As mentioned by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification [UNCCD, 2009], due to drought and desertification each year 12 million hectares are lost. Knowledge of porous medium hydraulic properties and the related fluxes are of significant industrial and engineering importance. The coupled water – vapor movement through porous medium is influenced by many internal [porous medium] and external [meteorological, driving forces…etc.] factors. The outcomes are expected to significantly improve the water resources management, soil covers design and many other geotechnical and geo – environmental aspects.
Q3 How do you like Japan, Kyushu or Fukuoka?
As a consequence of coming to such a completely different culture, a huge cultural shock and great obstacles integrating with the Japanese society and culture was expected. However, the great hospitality, support and kindness of the local people and foreigner communities within Japan and specially Fukuoka city guaranteed a smooth integrating and great progress in the new environment. Fukuoka which is the fifth largest city in Japan combines both natural scenery [mountains, golden sandy beaches waterfalls …etc.] and the developed urban city enriched with a long cultural roots and many traditional and cultural festivals and events providing the chance to enjoy every single moment in a different taste.
Q4 please advise something to younger students who come to Kyushu University.
I believe that every person has a potential and all the exhaustion related to the hard work can dissipate as soon as the results can be seen. In addition, I would like to highlight that in order to enjoy any culture, learning the native language is a key. Although the Japanese language might seem to be difficult to learn with all the research duties and busy schedules, gaining the minimum language and communication skills are crucial for smooth integrating with the surrounding environments. Finally, I would like to advise my juniors that as much as working hard is important, releasing stress and refreshing are important to maintain a productive life not only as students but also through all life stages. Therefore, enjoy every single moment through your stay in Kyushu university, Fukuoka and all around Japan.
