Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
Before joining Brunel as a PhD student, I worked as a Lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Hail. The University of Hail offered me a scholarship to pursue my PhD. After finishing my PhD in 2018, I returned to Hail as an Assistant Professor. Currently, I’m the Head of the Mechanical Engineering department
What does an average day at work involve for you?
I spend the average day giving academic lectures and doing administrative tasks as the Head of the department. Twice a week, I get together with my colleagues in the department either discussing seminars or doing research work. Such meetings provide a great insight into the global challenges in energy savings and environmental issues.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
After leaving Brunel, I published two papers in Q1 journals after very short period of time (two months). Also, leading the Mechanical Engineering department encouraged me to develop the department in terms of laboratories and establishing postgraduate studies related to the 2030 vision in Saudi Arabia.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel provided an amazing environment for doing my experiments. Brunel is famous for the quality of the laboratories of internal combustion engines. Moreover, it provided an integrated campus in which students can balance their study and recreation. And not to forget the high-level professors like my supervisor, Dr Apostolos Pesyridis.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
The facilities at Brunel for my subject are second to none. The great reputation of Brunel in terms of laboratories encouraged me to pursue my PhD at Brunel. To the professors at Brunel University London: Thank you so much. I would honestly recommend everyone to join this great University.
What is your best memory of studying here?
I used to live in a nearby house with my wife and children. In the last six months, during the writing-up stage, my family had to go back home, and therefore, I had to live on-campus. When my family had left, I felt out of place! However, after moving to the Isambard complex, I felt that I was living with my family! I couldn’t forget this experience!
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Study hard, don’t skip classes, get involved in class discussions, but enjoy your classes. Create that balance between study and recreation; keep working on week days and enjoy in the weekends. Get involved in volunteering activities, help others, SMILE, and to sum up - sleep well and start from day one.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Firstly, congratulations on your well-deserved success! Then, if you want to continue your success, “follow your passion, not a pay check” (Jen Welter) and remember: That last round of finals may be over, but there is still an infinite amount of studying to be done - learning to balance a budget, to hunt for the perfect apartment, to cook for yourself, to negotiate a job offer, and the list of the unlearned goes on and on.
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