MS Scholars of USPCAS-W MUET Depart for USA on Exchange Visits

The first cohort of second batch consisting of fifteen (15) MS Scholars of U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro departs to the University of Utah, USA on Friday, 1^st September 2017. Before their departure, a consultative meeting was organized for them at USPCAS-W MUET on Thursday.  Dr. Bakhshal Khan Lashari, Project Director USPCAS-W said that the exchange visitors will be very much beneficial for the students for their research skills. He said that USPCAS-W was established by the U.S. Agency International Development (USAID) and this exchange visit is fully funded by USAID. Dr. Lashari further suggested the scholars involve themselves in academic, research and co-curricular activities at University of Utah (UoU) USA. Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar, Deputy Director USPCAS-W and Mr. Muhammad Ali Nizamani, Academic Coordinator also had a brief meeting with the exchange students. Prior to leaving Pakistan, they also presented their first seminar regarding their research studies.

Exchange scholar Mr. Ahmad Abdur Rehman gave presentation on his research topic “Assessing the effectiveness of linear anionic polyacrylamide (la-pam) as seepage reluctant in earthen irrigation canals”, he said that the outcome of his research to introduce the cheap material for the lining of the canals to increase the water efficiency and to overcome the water scarcity cause from the seepage. Mr. Zulfiqar Ali said that he will suggest some unique strategies through is research study for ground water management and the judicious use of water as a precious commodity. Mr. Faris Ahmed Bhatti while sharing his research topic on Agricultural best management practices and optimization of water usage, through policy reforms in one of the provinces of Pakistan said that It includes various integrated approaches which will contribute to the climate change, water policy, water optimization and cropping patterns.

Ms. Pashmina Iftikhar shared that she is working on the accessibility and Quality of WASH Facilities for Girls in Schools in Urban areas of Hyderabad. Ms. Sumra told that she is interested to carry on the research on the Assessment of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Public Primary Health Care Centers of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan.

Mr. Tahir Ali Shaikh will work on Assessing Hydrologic, Environmental, and Socio-economic impacts of Thar Coal Field: A Case Study of Gorano Dam. Exchange students included Mr. Mehran Sattar Soomro, Ms. Uzma Jabeen, Exchange scholars included Mr. Mehran Sattar Soomro, Ms. Umza Jabeen and Ms. Umama Soomro shared their expectations from the exchange visit and thanked USAID for establishing water research center and provided this exchange opportunity for them. The exchange group included six female students will spend four months in UoU USA and will be facilitated and supported by their mentors for catering their teaching and research need. The students would attend specific courses and work on their research projects in co-supervision of their respective professors and mentors at USA.