Scientific Bangladesh is very much delighted to interview Mr. Md Samdani Azad from Disaster Resistant Structures Lab (DRSL), Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea this time. Mr. Azad has extensive research experience in structural dynamics and seismic risk assessments and has published more than 15 articles in reputed journals including Nuclear Engineering & Technology. Let’s get back to him to know more about his amazing journey in the field of structural engineering.
1. Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic and, your University to our readers.
Md Samdani Azad: I have completed my B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology in 2016. Later on, I have joined Mahidol University in Thailand to pursue my Master’s degree in 2017. During my Master’s degree, I got the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant in a project entitled “REliability and Safety Engineering and Technology for large maritime engineering systems” under “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange” funding scheme. I have completed my Master’s degree in 2019 and after after that, I have started my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Konkuk University. I am also working as a Research Assistant at DRSL (Disaster Resistant Structures Lab), Faculty of Engineering, Konkuk University. I participate in government research projects in my lab. My research topic includes structural dynamics, structural reliability, seismic assessments, reinforced concrete shear wall, etc.
2. Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing PhD?
Md Samdani Azad: During my master’s degree, I have worked on fatigue damage of Offshore monopile. I had the opportunity to develop my skill in developing mathematical models of structures. Moreover, I developed my skills in numerical programming, structural dynamics, and developing in-house software programs for research. During this time, I faced numerous problems which made me understood that I need to enrich myself more. Besides, I have a passion for research which can be found in my researchgate profile as well. I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge in structural engineering, wanted to be introduced to new techniques, and wanted to dedicate myself to scientific society. This is something that had driven me to start my Ph.D.
3. Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Md Samdani Azad: I have chosen my Ph.D. topics based on my previous research background and my skills. I wanted to continue improving my skills. Besides, my research topic is quite demanding due to its involvement in present construction industries as well as energy industries. I have chosen the institute because I wanted to be a part of my present laboratory since it has good fame in the Civil Engineering society over the world.
4. Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Md Samdani Azad: For a PhD or Masters, you should have a master or bachelor degree in the relevant field.
5. Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Md Samdani Azad: He needs to find an advisor first. Once he finds it, he can apply for a PhD position.
6. Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
Md Samdani Azad: The prospective student should be polite enough while contacting. He should present his previous experiences and should demonstrate how he can contribute if he gets selected. He shouldn’t be rude and shouldn’t provide any false information.
7. Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Md Samdani Azad: I don’t have any straightforward answer to this question. It is dependent on the policy of the University, department, laboratory, and Advisor.
8. Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Md Samdani Azad: Since he is an expert in this particular field, I wanted to work with him.
9. Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Md Samdani Azad: Having a Professional attitude is an important thing.
10. Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Md Samdani Azad: Labmates are like family. Of course, it is a professional environment. But we spend more time together than family. A decent and nice attitude towards labmates is necessary.
11. Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Md Samdani Azad: It depends on time and varies from person to person. In my case, I always try to be professional in my work. For releasing stress, we travel for a while or do gaming as well. In general, I try to be calm during stressful situations. Because I believe “Once the time will come, I will achieve something”.
12. Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Md Samdani Azad: The policy of my lab working time is 5 days a week.
13. Scientific Bangladesh: PhD is considered as training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing to develop or developed by this time?
Md Samdani Azad: My focus is on developing novel techniques to perform seismic assessments of shear walls.
14. Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Md Samdani Azad: I am unclear about it. I might go back to Bangladesh or I might go somewhere else.
15. Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Please, try to know if you are ready for a Ph.D. You should be clear about your future. You should think if the Ph.D. is necessary to achieve your goal. If it is necessary, then prepare yourself and try to find a suitable Ph.D. position.
Thank you very much Mr. Azad for sharing your experience with our readers. We wish you all the best.