Words of wisdom/advice for new faculty: “Try to engage minorities in cutting-edge environmental research.”
Career mentors: Dr. Joel Burken, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Dr. Asad Yousuf, Savannah State University
Education: BSc., Civil Engineering (construction), Technical and Vocational University, Kermanshah, Iran; Msc., Civil and Environmental Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; PhD, Civil Engineering (environmental focus), Missouri University of Science and Technology
Age: 36
Tenured: No
Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering Technology, Savannah State University
As Dr. Majid Bagheri teaches undergraduate students at Savannah State University, an historically Black university in Georgia, he engages them in
Dr. Majid Bagheri
He was a first-generation college student as many of them are, and as an undergraduate he explored both environmental science and environmental engineering. The ability that environmental engineering provides to address problems totally captivated him.
“Environmental engineering caught my attention because of its direct impact on the health of our planet and its people,” says Bagheri. “I was inspired by the opportunity to address real world problems like water treatment, waste management and sustainable development through a combination of innovative technologies and practical solutions.”
He had the opportunity to visit wastewater treatment plants and construction sites for wastewater treatment plants, and he learned about the impact of pollutants in the environment.
While working on his master’s degree in his home country of Iran, he realized that to become involved in cutting-edge research, he needed to study at a top research university. Bagheri also wanted to engage with researchers on a global basis, and a U.S. institution provided that opportunity. At Missouri University of Science and Technology, he was able to work on phytoremediation—using plants to remove contaminants from soil and water—and the application of novel technologies for environmental remediation.
“Dr. Majid Bagheri has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to research, education and student development at Savannah State University,” says Dr. Asad Yousuf, professor and chair of engineering technology at Savannah State. “He is currently the principal investigator on three significant federal grants, showcasing his ability to secure substantial funding and foster impactful research initiatives.”
