The third episode of the PROfessors project features a conversation with Professor Mohammed Hafed Awad

Dear friends, we are continuing our introductions to the professors and educators at SIUT. Today, we are excited to have a fascinating conversation with Professor of Engineering – Mohammed Awad from Canada.

Good day, Professor! We are delighted to welcome you to our project. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Good day! Thank you for the invitation! It is a great honor for me to be a guest on this project.

Professor, the goal of this project is to acquaint our readers more closely with the academic and creative lives, and the experiences, of each professor. Traditionally, we begin our discussion with childhood memories.

I was born in a very known tribal family in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. We are a large family; I am the fourth of six children. From a young age, our parents supported us in learning, religion, and foreign languages. It was during my childhood that I set a goal to delve deeply into various sciences and apply my knowledge and experience to different aspects of life. This desire contributed to my success at school: I was among the top students in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Over the years, my aspirations shifted towards engineering. And today, I am an engineer who teaches at a university. To some extent, I have achieved my childhood dream.

How much did the environment in which you were born and raised influence your choice of an engineering profession?

My choice of this field was primarily influenced by my family environment. Moreover, I was inspired by the fact that I was fortunate to be born in Baghdad, a city that founded the Academy of the Caliph Al-Mamun – “Bayt Al-Hikma”, known as the “House of Wisdom”, renowned worldwide. Great scientists, thinkers, and sages contributed to the advance of science in the Islamic world. From this perspective, one can say that the scientific environment in the country motivated me to pursue a life in science.

Although I spent many years working as an engineer in the oil and gas industry, my passion for scientific research and sharing accumulated knowledge and experience drove me to choose one of the most responsible professions – that of an educator.

Speaking of experience, we understand that you have a wealth of international experience as an engineer. Could you tell us about it?

I started my career in the oil and gas industry as a wireline logging engineer for Schlumberger Limited in the United Arab Emirates. I always enjoyed working in various places, both onshore and offshore, discovering new countries and cultures. I then moved to Canada and acquired Canadian citizenship. It is no exaggeration to say that a new chapter in my life began at that moment. It was then I decided to expand my knowledge in the field of engineering. In 2015, I enrolled in the Chemical Engineering program at Ryerson University. After successfully graduating, in part thanks to the support of my family and spouse, I decided to continue my academic career. Finally, I became a lecturer at the Process Quality Engineering Department at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, Cana

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You have a very interesting experience, professor! Could you share an event related to your profession that you remember the most?

Yes, of course, there have been many memorable events related to my profession. But my first job in the oilfield is the one I remember most (smiles). Every time I think about it, I feel proud. Schlumberger Limited, the company where I started my first steps in my professional career, is one of the leaders’ providing services to multiple oil wells at the same time. Despite being young and inexperienced, I was tasked with a very responsible job. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle the job and supervise a team of crew chiefs and operators. But at that moment I realized that fear, combined with caution and attention to detail, is a healthy practice. Despite the difficulties, I tried to do the job, and it turned out quite successfully!

I would also like to note another memorable event. It is related to my decision to change my career direction from working in the oil and gas industry to academic and teaching activities. Since teaching is my passion, and conducting scientific research is like a duty to society, I was sure that I would enjoy it. I realized that teaching students and witnessing their successes in life and work became a source of positive energy and motivation for me.

It is often said that there is no better friend than experience, and no better teacher than a mistake. What do you think of this statement?

I completely agree with it. A person can never achieve anything without making mistakes. I believe that mistakes are one of the most powerful ways to acquire knowledge and wisdom. After all, a person encounters difficulties on their path and begins to draw conclusions from each challenge. Personally, when faced with a difficulty head-on, and even if it means taking a step back, I strive to move two steps forward. I wouldn’t be wrong to say that timely learning from my missteps is the reason for my success today. And this is a lesson I often repeat to my students.

Could you please share your impressions of working at SIUT? Overall, how do you like living in Samarkand?

Before I answer your question, I would like to express how honored I am to serve Samarkandians and to serve the science of Uzbekistan, to educate the Uzbek youth at this wonderful university.

I am delighted to have discovered this magnificent city. The rich history of Samarkand, its particular importance on the Silk Road, and its place in Central Asia have captured my interest. Samarkand is a crossroads of cultures, and this harmony has been centuries in the making. I am inspired by the great scholars and thinkers who have lived and worked on the fertile Uzbek land.

SIUT is a young institution with ambitious goals, one of which is to prepare a new generation of engineers. In achieving this goal, I am actively involved alongside a great team of international experts. I teach chemistry to engineering students who will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Uzbekistan’s industry and infrastructure in the futu

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What advice can you offer young people to achieve high goals?

I encourage young people to never tire of learning and to discover new facets of science. Most importantly: value your time and dedicate it to the right cause. Always be responsible, determined, and demanding. Never forget, if a person respects themselves and their work, they will certainly achieve their goals.

Thank you, Professor! Our conversation has been very interesting and enlightening.

Thank you! I was interested in participating in this project too! I wish everyone good luck!