Spotlight: Sharfan Upaul, MS ‘23
As a faculty member at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Sharfan teaches undergraduates and contributes to the research and development projects focusing on environmental pollution management in collaboration with federal organizations.
Sharfan earned a master’s degree in geography and environmental engineering (MSGEE) from the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering in 2023. After graduating, he continued his work as a lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology in Bangladesh. KUET is one of the leading technical institutions in Bangladesh. As a faculty member, Sharfan teaches undergraduates, and contributes to KUET's research and development projects focusing on environmental pollution management in collaboration with federal organizations.
What was your favorite class?
My favorite class was Hazardous Waste Engineering & Management, offered by Hedy Alavi, PhD. I learned a lot about the EPA codes and regulations regarding hazardous constituents and engineered design to control water and air contamination. I also learned the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment through this course. This knowledge will help me in my future journey in this field. Apart from the class, I enjoyed my master’s research most, under the supervision of Scot Miller. Through this research, I mastered geospatial variability of PM2.5 across Baltimore City and NOAA_HYSPLIT wind trajectory model.
In addition to the academically engaging atmosphere and strong sense of community, Baltimore's varied neighborhoods and historical significance offered a rich cultural backdrop.
How did your degree from EHE prepare you for your career path?
My degree will significantly contribute to my instructional responsibilities at KUET. Specifically, it will enhance my teaching in courses such as Environmental Planning, Coastal & Special Zone Planning, and Infrastructure and Utility Service Planning. The specialized coursework undertaken during my MS program, including Thermodynamics Mechanism of Climatic Events, Quantitative Analysis of Hazardous Constituents, and Chemical Risk Assessment of Pollutants, has provided me with a profound understanding and insight into these areas. This knowledge will be instrumental in delivering comprehensive and insightful lectures in the corresponding subjects at KUET.
Furthermore, my research endeavors during the MSGEE program, which focused on climatic interpolation using local station and satellite data for pollution detection and diversification, have equipped me with valuable experience and skills in environmental research. This expertise will be beneficial in my role at KUET, particularly in conducting and leading research projects in collaboration with federal organizations in the field of environmental pollution management.
What was your favorite thing about living in Baltimore or going to Johns Hopkins?
The dynamic culture of Baltimore and the academic stature of Johns Hopkins University shaped my time there. In addition to the academically engaging atmosphere and strong sense of community, Baltimore's varied neighborhoods and historical significance offered a rich cultural backdrop. My time there was challenging and rewarding because of the urban experience and rigorous academics that it offered.
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