A Civil Engineering PhD student in the Geomaterial Research Laboratory, Shome conducts her research under the supervision of Professor Sumi Siddiqua.
Shome is a 2023 recipient of a John Tiedje Fellowships in Clean Energy and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation. The fellowships are awarded to students whose research help create and maintain a healthy environment, with preference for research developing clean and renewable energy, advancing the electrification of the economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or improving the efficiency of energy utilization.
Outside the lab, Shome loves spending time with her daughter, listening to music, and traveling. She also strives to share her passion for engineering with young people and actively promotes STEM to kids across the Okanagan.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am originally from Bangladesh. After graduating from Jahangirnagar University of Bangladesh, I joined in Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. Encouraged by my family to move to Canada and continue my studies, I completed a Master of Engineering from the University of Alberta. My daughter and family are my strength, they inspire me to challenge myself. I chose to pursue a PhD at UBC Okanagan after connecting with Dr. Sumi Siddiqua. She is a role model for women in engineering graduate students.
Describe your research:
The impact of climate change is real, and we are witnessing its impact all around us. This impact is motivated my research project where I am designing climate-resilient building materials. My goal is to develop industry waste-based low-carbon construction materials to minimize CO2 emissions from the construction sectors.
One of the key ingredients in my project is biochar. I cast and test lab-scale samples to better understand the strength characteristics of biochar-amended Portland cement and biochar-amended geopolymer cement materials. Through this analysis, I study the materials feasibility, environmental durability, life cycle, and socio-economic aspects along with its CO2 sequestration ability.
What does the John Tiedje Fellowship recognition mean to you?:
I am humbled and honoured to receive the John Tiedje Fellowship. This recognition gives me courage and opportunity. I am excited to move forward with my project and aim to make a significant scientific contribution.
What are your future aspirations?
My experience at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission helped me establish a passion for policymaking. I hope to meld this passion with my current research in order to contribute to solid waste management and climate change mitigation for environmental sustainability.
Anticipate PhD completion date: April 2026