Syed Muhammad Ahsan Abbas

What motivates you?

"While managing several public welfare projects in recent years, I have observed that the professional engineering community lacks in the adoption of state-of-the-art engineering models. Since Pakistan is facing energy and climate change challenges, it is of immense importance that industry leaders and practitioners equip themselves with the latest knowledge to combat energy problems. Because I am serving as a lead electrical engineer in a governmental body, I believe I have both an opportunity and responsibility to promote the adoption of modern engineering models in the design and implementation of energy projects.

"Currently, there is a huge vacuum between academia and industry, which needs to be closed through continuous feedback between practitioners and researchers. Furthermore, the existing engineering knowledge of budding professional engineers is insufficient to cope with upcoming energy challenges and thus, needs to be supplemented with the latest technological advancements."

What drew you to your professional field?

"I had an early childhood inclination towards science and personal interests. Later, after passing my higher secondary school exams, our country's energy crisis inclined us to opt for electrical power subjects."

Why did you apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?

"The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is the most prestigious full bright program, which aims to select multi-discipline professionals from around the globe to study and learn at the best-ranked U.S. universities. Since, the Humphrey Fellowship Program is offering a Natural Resources, Climate Change and Environmental Policy program and Pakistan is facing energy and climate change challenges, it is of immense urgency that the industry leaders and practitioners equip themselves with the latest tools to combat energy and climate problems. Because I am serving as a lead electrical engineer and in a managerial position in a governmental body, I believe I have both an opportunity and responsibility to promote the adoption of modern engineering models in the design and implementation of energy projects. Currently, there is an alarmingly huge gap between academia and industry, which needs to be plugged through close liaison between practitioners and researchers."

What do you hope to take away from this fellowship and apply to your work or at home?

"With the country’s energy crises and climate change challenges and while serving in a public-sector organization for infrastructure development, I aspire to integrate the concept of energy-efficient and sustainable green construction in my projects. I am working as an electrical manager in a government body and leading the electrical design of numerous public building projects. My aim is to deliver the best international standard engineering solutions for infrastructure development projects for public welfare focusing on the latest worldwide design codes and practices, saving costs and employing green building concepts. In most public sector projects in Pakistan, many cling to old-school engineering design concepts. I, however, concentrate on the most efficient, cost-effective, innovative and optimum engineering design solutions. The knowledge and valuable experiences gained through this fellowship will surely enable me to achieve this goal of employing the latest international practices."

What is something from your country that you would like to share with the UC Davis community?

"The diverse culture of our country. Especially Lahori’s food and Punjab province colors of friendliness and hospitality. Generally, people are hard-working and would love to help the poor and weak. I can share my professional experiences and learnings."

How would you like to engage with UC Davis and the community here?

"I have a passion for cycling. I was excited to learn that Davis is a platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community. I am eager to make new friends, have good company, exchange cultural talks, and spread a message of a healthier, happy lifestyle. I want to reduce the burden of carbon discharge and fuel bills. I'm also interested to help the community in making the town greener, cleaner from waste, improve water conservation/re-utilization and including small power generation ideas for public areas like street lights, gardens, walkways, water pump stations, homes and other utilities with the help of local municipality and power companies."