Student Highlight: S M Abdur Rob, CCNY
1. Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are today.
I am currently doing my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at CCNY. I completed my MS in Manufacturing Engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and BS in Industrial & Production Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology. I have experience in advanced manufacturing systems, instrumentation & control, building energy modeling, sustainable HVAC technologies, and decarbonization.
2. What got you interested in research, and why are you interested in the BEST Center research you are doing?
During my undergraduate senior design project, I got interested in doing research, which eventually pushed me to pursue a PhD. The BEST Center research project provides me with the opportunities to conduct research in advanced heat pump systems, which will contribute to the decarbonization efforts in the U.S. I am passionate to work on the BEST Center project because I find this project dynamic, challenging, highly implementable, and befitting to confront global warming.
3. Where do you see your project going in the future, and/or how will working on this project help your career in academia and/or industry?
The scope of our project will be broader in the future since new ideas are coming up from different perspectives, e.g., using different low GWP refrigerants, developing new control strategies, and developing robust design of different components. Since global leaders are seeking sustainable solutions to deal with the climate crisis, the outcomes of our project will pave the way for the team to pursue a career in academia or industry.
4. What are your career ambitions?
My career goals are to become an expert in sustainable energy, HVAC technologies, and environmental control and to work in academia, national laboratories, or in R&D for industry to continue conducting research and expand my expertise to serve the world.
5. What is an interesting fact about you?
One of the most interesting facts about me is that I am always very calm and patient. Even in serious and critical situations I can hold and control my composure smoothly without showing excitement or instability.
S M Abdur Rob is working on the BEST Center project “Sustainable Air Source Heat Pump Systems for Electrified Transition Markets in the Multi-Family Buildings Sector” with Prof. Jorge Gonzalez-Cruz and Prof. Prathap Ramamurthy. Student profiles are linked to on the People page of the BEST Center website.