3rd Batch of MS and PhD joins USPCAS-W Mehran University, Jamshoro

A welcome and orientation ceremony for the third cohort of MS and PhD students starting at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro was held Monday. Speaking atthe ceremony, Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of MUET, said that consistency is a prerequisite for one’s success in the field of academia and research.  If anyone wants to be successful, they need to be consistent in their work.

He said that MUET imparts a quality education and provides modern research facilities to the students of the country.  Dr. Ali said that USPCAS-W, as a national Center of Excellence in Water, provides a conducive environment for academic and research activities. He said researchers should set a series of goals and remain dedicated to achieving them in the given time frame according to their capacities and capabilities. Dr. Ali further said that USPCAS-W produces water leaders in Pakistan who strive for cost-effective and sustainable solutions to the water problems of the country.

Dr. Jeffery Layton Ullman, Associate Research Professor at the University of Utah (USA) and the technical advisor to USPCAS-W, said that USPCAS-W is the part of USAID’s $127 million (13.3 billion rupees) investment to develop innovative, practical solutions to Pakistan’s energy, water, agriculture, and food security challenges. He said that USPCAS-W is committed to change the academic culture of Pakistan through this partnership, which also encompasses curriculum development, teaching, mentoring, research, and establishment of new laboratories. Dr. Ullman said USPCAS-W offers scholarships of higher studies and research in the water sector, while the University of Utah provides technical support to produce water leaders in the country. “University of Utah is eager to provide technical support, education and modern applied research techniques forthe water sector in Pakistan”, he added.

Dr. Bakshal Khan Lashari, the project director USPCAS-W, said that this Center is established with the generous support of USAID and technically helped by the University of Utah He said that USPCAS-W also focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in regards to water and its related targets. He informed the students of the facilities provided by USPCAS-W for academic and research activities during their course of study.

Dr. Lashari further emphasized to the students to work hard to reach their desired goals.  Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar, Deputy Director of Academics and Research at USPCAS-W, presented a vote of thanks and congratulated the new students. Dr. Kamran Ansari, Director of Career Counselling and Placement at USPCAS-W, gave a detailed presentation on Academic Policies and facilitated a faculty introduction to the newly enrolled students. Afterwards, the students toured the new USPCAS-W building and its laboratories. On this occasion, the students were presented printing and promotional material by the management of the Center and they had also brief guided tour to the building of the Center.