SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chemical Engineering Application Engineer at Xylem Inc.
Job Titles:
- Principal Investigator
- Principal Investigator / Associate Professor Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering Associate Director, Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Hello! I'm Hassan Nawaz. Originally from the beautiful lands of Pakistan, I am now honored to be a PhD research scholar at the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Under the expert mentorship of Dr. David Sanchez, and having been a dedicated student of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, I'm delving deep into the transformative world of water and wastewater treatment. My primary research revolves around the utilization of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) - a cutting-edge innovation shaping the future of water purification. I am particularly passionate about addressing the challenges of arsenic and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination in water bodies.
But my journey with water purification and environmental challenges began much earlier. In the past, I've extensively worked on composting, especially hot composting. I spearheaded initiatives to understand how hot composting can aid in the removal of arsenic from plant tissues. This venture wasn't just academic; it was about forging pathways for more sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, recognizing the pressing water contamination issues in my homeland, I've dedicated time to study the removal of various pesticides from Pakistan's water bodies. To me, research isn't just about academia; it's about making tangible improvements in the world around us.
In a nutshell, my journey in environmental science and engineering is fueled by passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Together, through research and collaboration, I believe we can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for our planet.
My name is Suraya Rahim, and I am from Afghanistan. I have a bachelor's degree in Civil and Industrial Engineering from Kabul Polytechnic University, as well as a BBA in Operations Management from the American University of Afghanistan. I have worked with several international humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Program and UNFPA. I am actively pursuing a master's degree in Sustainable Engineering with a concentration in environmental and water sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh, where I am concurrently conducting research which studies emerging contaminants in water and their biodegradation processes. After completing my degree, I plan to continue my research to help introduce new, sustainable technologies and practices that positively impact the environment on a global scale.
I chose to attend Pitt because of the Swanson School of Engineering's world-class research facilities, supportive environment, and great cultural diversity. Furthermore, MCSI's Sustainable Engineering program will give me the opportunity to develop sustainable solutions through applied learning projects and gain experience with real-world sustainability issues. I am highly passionate about addressing environmental challenges and integrating effective solutions, especially those in relation to water treatment. I believe that water is the most important part of our lives and is a crucial component of sustainable development, as it impacts us both socially and economically. Through my work, I aspire to improve not only our current quality of life, but that of future generations as well.