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Tell us about your doctorate and why your research is important. My research focuses on proposing novel transmission schemes for future mobile cellular networks. Access to high-quality communications services is vital in today’s internet-based ecosystem and despite recent developments in the Canadian communications sector, more than half of rural and remote Canadian households do not have the basic internet connectivity of 50/10 Mbps download/upload speeds. There is a clear gap between the quality of the communications services provided in rural and remote areas compared to those in urban ones. Under the supervision of Dr. Anas Chaaban, I realized we don’t just need an evolution in current communications technologies to keep up with the requirements of next-generation mobile networks. What we really need is a revolution in the design of mobile cellular networks. What are some challenges you’ve faced so far in your academic career? As an international student who came to Canada with his family, I faced cultural and language challenges as well as homesickness. But the School of Engineering and Dr. Chaaban have helped me overcome these issues. This encouraged me to be more connected with the local area and helped me feel more mentally stable. That’s why I always advise incoming international students to seek support and resources whenever they need help. UBC Okanagan provides many services and resources specifically designed to help international students transition to life in a new country and succeed in their studies. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they influenced you? Dr. Chaaban is always available when I need him, and he encourages me to stay focused on my goals. He also always shares his knowledge and experience with me, helping me learn from his successes and mistakes. I’m also a mentee in the UBC Engineering Mentorship Program, which offers an outstanding opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with industry professionals while developing vital communication skills. This program helps me see the next steps I need to take to succeed in engineering. What’s the best advice you have for other students, whether they are undergraduate or graduate? Every student’s journey is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches and adjust your strategy as needed. Setting goals and creating a plan to achieve them is also essential. This can help you stay focused and motivated on your academic and personal goals. You also have to stay engaged with your coursework—take part in class discussions, ask questions and seek extra resources or learning opportunities. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This can be from professors, classmates, tutors or other supports. In the end, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing. Get enough sleep, eat well, and find time to relax and recharge. What do you think makes UBCO unique? UBC Okanagan is home to several institutes and centres that enable students from all over the world to engage in hands-on research. This diverse environment adds to the campus’s vibrant and dynamic community, and provides students with the opportunity to learn from and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now? I dream of starting up my own research and development company that provides advanced wireless and data science technologies for mobile devices, networks and services worldwide. I want to exploit the current revolution in machine learning and data sciences to design self-optimizing mobile networks that can provide high-quality communications services. Completing my doctorate in electrical engineering at UBC Okanagan is the first step toward achieving my dream. I know that to fulfill this, I must also gain strong experience in entrepreneurship and leadership. That’s why I joined entrepreneurship@UBCO, which provides training and mentorship to explore startup ideas, build connections and develop the skill set needed to launch a successful new venture. I have confidence that within 10 years, I’ll be able to do just that. The post Mahmoud Hasabelnaby is looking towards the future of mobile networks appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.

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What is your PhD focus and why does it inspire you? I’m working on advanced additive manufacturing, with the goal of developing programmable 3D-printed aerogels that can be used for electromagnetic shielding, environmental protection, human motion monitoring and energy preservation. The inspiring part of my research is the ability of the developed systems to go beyond the boundaries of state-of-the-art materials science. We could reach exciting results that could be the key to solving a set of global challenges, like the ever-growing rate of 5G and 6G telecommunication systems, or crude oil pollution in oceans and streams. The aerogels framework we’re developing could mitigate the effect of hazardous electromagnetic waves on living creatures or sensitive electronic equipment by attenuating these waves. It could also serve as a potent oil absorber because of its porous structure, which can separate heavy oils from water sources. This porous structure also leads to the potential for thermal insulation capable of preserving heat and avoiding energy loss, which is crucial for energy-efficient infrastructure. What’s the best advice you have for other students? I can summarize this in three words: “Never give up.” Follow your dreams; your thoughts create your pathway, and you’ll become the person you see in your dream if you don’t forget those three words. Another thing that has been the key to my success is teamwork; change your attitude from “I” to “we” and work in a team. Remember, spring will not happen with one flower. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they influenced you? I believe each person requires a source of inspiration; someone who can provoke your mind about life and science, and steer you toward the right path. I’ve been very lucky to learn from capable mentors who taught me how to survive in both the academic and real world. I should send regards and thanks to my kind mentors, from the very first one who I met seven years ago at a conference, to the one that always feeds my spirit with the lessons of life, and I count the seconds to meet him again. What are some challenges you’ve faced so far in your academic career? Challenge is the beauty of academic and scientific work, and without these, life has no meaning. During my academic career, I faced many challenges, from living in a sanctioned and under-pressure nation to the global crisis that was COVID-19. However, despite these, I choose to fight, to stand up after each fall. These struggles strengthened me and motivated me to reach further in life. What do you hope to do after graduation? I have a beautiful dream in mind that I want to turn into reality. I want to become a university professor and mentor caring people who can transform the world into a more beautiful place. I want to help clean up the mess human beings have made on this lovely planet through new and practical ideas. I want to teach others how to think critically and how to observe their surroundings with a more detailed perspective. I also want to establish a technological company and bring advanced science into active use. What do you think makes UBCO great? Canada is the land of opportunities, and UBCO makes it even better for me. The university has an international and multidisciplinary nature, as well as advanced infrastructure and research facilities. There are knowledgeable and friendly faculty and staff, combined with the beautiful landscapes of the Okanagan Valley. UBCO is an inspiring place for minds to flourish with new ideas capable of addressing worldwide challenges. The post The beauty of academia is challenge, says Seyyed Alireza Hashemi appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.