Abdul Mobin Ibna Hafiz

Why FSU?

Florida State University offered the perfect environment to pursue my passion for environmental engineering and water quality research. The emphasis on designing practical solutions for pressing environmental problems, coupled with cutting-edge research facilities, aligned perfectly with my research goals. Geographic location and state priority wise, it was a suitable choice for pursuing research on hydrology, water quality and associated environmental problems. I was particularly drawn to the work of Dr. Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf and Dr. Nasrin Alamdari, whose research focuses on water quality modeling and environmental pollutant fate - areas that resonated with my interests and previous experience. FSU's Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Response (RIDER) Center provided an ideal platform to study microplastic transport in urban stormwater systems, which has become the cornerstone of my doctoral research.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research on microplastic transport in urban stormwater systems addresses one of the most critical emerging environmental challenges of our time. Microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5mm, have become ubiquitous pollutants affecting ecosystem health and potentially human well-being. My work bridges a crucial gap between urban and agricultural microplastic pollution research, providing insights for effective stormwater management strategies. The USDA-funded research I'm conducting quantifies microplastic transport from surrounding environments to urban farms and investigates the effectiveness of green infrastructure, in mitigating microplastic pollution. This work is especially relevant in Florida's environmental landscape, where frequent, intense rainfall makes stormwater management crucial for protecting both natural and urban ecosystems. Additionally, my involvement in the NSF funded Hurricane Debby project, studying microplastic transport during extreme weather events, provides unique insights that can inform resilient urban water management systems. The findings from these studies will guide policy and regulatory decisions aimed at reducing microplastic pollution while advancing broader environmental sustainability goals.

Career aspirations

My career goal is to become a leading researcher and educator in urban stormwater management, with a special focus on emerging contaminants like microplastics and the impacts of extreme weather events on stormwater systems. I aim to develop innovative, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions for mitigating water pollution that can be implemented in both developed and developing countries. Coming from Bangladesh, where sustainable stormwater management systems are lacking and water pollution severely impacts communities, I'm deeply motivated to create solutions that can be applied globally, particularly in developing countries. I hope to secure a position in academia where I can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in my field while mentoring the next generation of environmental engineers. Through my research and teaching, I aspire to foster more resilient and environmentally conscious urban water management systems worldwide.

Who has been most influential in your graduate journey and why?

Dr. Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf has been the most influential figure in my graduate journey. As my primary advisor, he has provided invaluable guidance in developing my research methodology and analytical skills. His expertise in environmental pollutant fate and transport modeling has significantly shaped my approach to studying microplastic movement in urban environments. Additionally, the will to pursue higher studies was ingrained in me by my father, a Ph.D. holder in mathematics. From an early age, I observed his dedication to knowledge and his commitment to educating younger generations. Seeing him devote his life to academic pursuit and teaching inspired my own academic journey and shaped my aspiration to contribute to both research and education. I will consider myself successful if I can achieve his level of dedication and devotion to academia.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

I believe the most important part of graduate school success is finding an area of study that genuinely motivates you. Equally crucial is developing the necessary skillset to pursue your topic of interest effectively. Finding a supervisor who brings out your best qualities and challenges you to reach new horizons is also essential to your development. Communication serves as a cornerstone in academia, fostering healthy professional relationships with advisors, colleagues, and collaborators. Above all, honesty, dedication, and hard work often yield greater results than relying solely on natural talent. Finally, learning to accept criticism constructively and using feedback for improvement is a vital skill that will serve you throughout your academic journey and beyond.