91ÅÝܽ

Sustainable Energy Engineering doctoral student in the

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I’m a PhD candidate in Sustainable Energy Engineering at 91ÅÝܽ, with a focus on railway vehicle-track interaction and friction identification. My research combines advanced simulation and real-world data from instrumented revenue vehicles to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail systems. What drives me is the challenge of turning complex physical interactions into actionable insights using data science and machine learning. I’m inspired by the real-world impact of my work—improving infrastructure that millions rely on every day—and the opportunity to innovate in a field where engineering meets public service.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because of its strong focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation in sustainable engineering. The opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Oldknow—an expert in railway dynamics—and to collaborate on real-world projects with industry and international partners made SFU the ideal environment for impactful, application-driven research.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I study how trains and tracks interact with each other—specifically, how the contact between the wheels and the rails affects safety and performance. My goal is to understand how much friction is happening at that contact point and how it changes under different conditions. I use data from real trains and run computer simulations to figure this out. By doing this, I can help railways prevent damage, reduce maintenance costs, and make train travel safer and more efficient.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Wheel-Rail Interaction, Friction Identification, Predictive Modeling

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My coursework has given me a solid grounding in vehicle dynamics, data analysis, and sustainable engineering—core areas that support my research. As a Research Assistant, I’m collaborating with leading organizations like the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT), Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), L.B. Foster, and Airlube to access real-world data and refine simulation models. These partnerships have been essential in bridging theory and practice. My TA experience has helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills, while non-academic experiences—like international collaboration and project coordination—have strengthened my ability to manage complex tasks and work effectively across cultures and time zones.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience—research rarely follows a straight path, and learning to adapt when things don’t go as planned has been crucial. I’ve also realized the power of collaboration; working with international partners and industry experts has shown me how much stronger research becomes when diverse perspectives are involved. Finally, balancing technical depth with clear communication has been key—not just solving complex problems, but being able to explain their relevance and impact to different audiences. These lessons have shaped not only my academic growth but also my professional mindset.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I approach networking as a way to build meaningful, long-term connections that support both learning and collaboration. Within academia, I actively engage in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research—especially through my PhD work with international partners like IRT and ARTC. Outside the academic setting, I’ve built strong ties with industry through LinkedIn, technical discussions, and project-based collaborations. One example is my connection with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), which began through professional networking and led to my current part-time role as a Vehicle-Track Interaction & Predictive Modeling Specialist. These experiences have taught me that effective networking is about mutual value—sharing knowledge, staying curious, and finding common ground across sectors.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Balancing academic and personal life as a PhD student can be challenging, but a few strategies have really helped me. First, I treat my research like a full-time job—setting clear work hours and respecting my downtime. I prioritize tasks using weekly planning and break large goals into manageable steps. I also make time for activities outside of academia that keep me grounded, like spending time with loved ones, going for walks, or pursuing creative hobbies. Most importantly, I’ve learned that rest is productive—stepping back when needed often helps me return with more clarity and energy.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would first and foremost dedicate my research to Raha, the love of my life. Her unwavering support, endless encouragement, and belief in me have been my greatest source of strength throughout this journey. I also dedicate it to my family—especially my parents—whose sacrifices and constant support have made this path possible. And finally, to future engineers who will continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable and intelligent transportation systems. I hope my work serves as a small step toward the progress they will carry forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work on research that connects theory with real-world impact. What excites me most is the potential of engineering to solve complex challenges in transportation and sustainability—and to do so through global collaboration. I’m committed to continuing this journey with curiosity, purpose, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to both science and society.

Contact Reza:rha98@sfu.ca

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