Winning Best Paper at an International Conference: My Journey from Practical Research to PhD Focus

One of the most significant moments bridging my academic and professional worlds was participating in a conference in 2015 at the University of Texas, USA. A few months before the event, I started contemplating a suitable topic to present. At that time, I was deeply immersed in Mika Company, experiencing the busiest phase of my career and gaining a practical understanding of real-world challenges...contrasting sharply with academic concepts. I sought a practical and impactful topic, and I concluded that financial issues—particularly delays in payments faced by employers—pose the greatest risk to project success. I conducted a research study on this issue and achieved compelling results. After submitting my paper to the conference, I was awarded the best paper among hundreds of entries from diverse countries. This recognition not only fueled my enthusiasm and amazement but also motivated me to develop my PhD thesis around this theme. Following this success, I published several additional scientific articles on the topic in reputable international journals, further contributing to the field.

Thesis Defense Under the Guidance of Dr. Hoseini: A Milestone in My Academic Journey

I first encountered Dr. Abdullah Hosseini during my doctoral studies, where he served as my thesis advisor. His kindness and genuine compassion consistently made me feel humbled, and I am forever grateful for the unwavering support he provided. His academic brilliance, professional achievements, and extensive social connections contributed to his remarkable character and reputation....

Tragically, he passed away several months after I successfully defended my PhD thesis. I truly believe that my successful defense and the publications I produced during this period were greatly influenced by his meticulous guidance and collaboration. His dedication and mentorship played a vital role in my academic achievements. I will always cherish his memory.

From Industry to Construction: A Journey of Transformation

While gaining valuable experience in major companies like MG and Kayson—navigating professional environments and bureaucratic procedures—especially while leading large projects such as Pardis Housing, Qom-Garmesar Highway, Shiraz Metro, and Bajuli Holi Dam and Power Plant, I discovered an entirely new dimension by joining a young, innovative construction firm in a fully private setting. As COO and founder of the construction and engineering departments, and serving as Operations Director, I played a key role in shaping the company’s early success....

Initially, the team consisted of just three members—two of whom were the owner’s representatives. In just five years, we built an agile, modern organization that grew to sixty engineers and 150,000 square meters under construction—an incredible achievement driven by camaraderie and shared vision.

Humbly, I thank the Almighty for guiding this journey, though I also regret the missed opportunities in fully understanding alliances, interests, divisions, and setbacks. Mika became a defining milestone in my life, exemplifying the transformative power of self-belief and perseverance.

MG Consultant was like a university for me, a place where I gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and experience to shape my professional growth.

Large bureaucratic companies are like universities for talented individuals—places to immerse oneself in knowledge and use as a stepping stone to success. The projects I faced in MG were complex and extensive. Thanks to their experience in consulting for major government projects, securing contracts was easier. However, due to staffing gaps and talent migration, there was a significant skills gap when I joined....

This presented a unique opportunity. I was entrusted with managing the Qom-Garmasar highway studies and replacing the project manager at a young age. Over two years, from start to inauguration by the president, I gained invaluable experience in technical, managerial, organizational, and high-level communications. In this photo, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development is visiting the project before its opening, where I am presenting as the consultant’s representative.

PhD Entrance Exam ranked 1st

Based on my top-ranked performance as an undergraduate, Sharif University of Technology offered a special quota for outstanding students, known as the "Elite Scholarship." This quota exempted recipients from entrance examinations for subsequent degree programs. Consequently, I was able to pursue my master's degree in Structural Engineering at Sharif University without taking an entrance exam.

However, for my doctoral studies, I aimed to shift my focus toward a management-related ...discipline, leveraging my professional experiences alongside my academic background. Although I had the option to continue directly into a PhD in Structural Engineering without taking examinations, I chose to participate in the national unified doctoral entrance exam, which is organized across Iran for construction engineering and management field. I secured the top position among 371 candidates, which enabled me to gain admission to the University of Tehran, one of Iran’s leading institutions offering programs in this area.

Dr. Tavakoli Award for the Pursuit of Knowledge

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, there is an annual award known as the "Dr. Tavakoli Award for the Pursuit of Knowledge," which is bestowed upon an outstanding individual each year. In 2009, I was honored to receive this prestigious award in recognition of my accomplishments and dedication in the field of education.

From Top Student at Sharif University to Future Success: A Milestone That Shaped My Path

During my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology from 2006 to 2009, I consistently ranked first among a cohort of 105 students across all eight semesters. At graduation, I was honored with the "Top Student Award" for my class, which provided a solid foundation for my future academic and professional pursuits. ...

The Lasting Impact of Dr. Golafshani: Mentorship, Inspiration, and Professional Growth

Dr. Ali Akbar Golafshani

Dr. Ali Akbar Golafshani

Structural analysis is one of the foundational courses taught early in the undergraduate civil engineering curriculum. Fortunately, Dr. Ali Akbar Golafshani, my instructor for this course, contributed significantly to my academic development. His distinctive personality,combined with his extensive scientific expertise gained from studying at Berkeley and his considerable professional experience, formed a character that inspired and deeply motivated me. ...