Md. Yasin Pabel
Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, USA
First of all, we would like to know about you?
Thank you to Biggani.org for inviting me. Along with that, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all readers of Biggani.org.
I am Md. Yasin Pabel. Currently, I am studying for a Ph.D. in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida, USA.
I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. My research journey began in the MCRL lab under the supervision of Professor Dr. Md. Mominul Islam, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, where I completed both my bachelor project and master’s thesis. Afterwards, I joined research activities as a research fellow at BCSIR (Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) with Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir and Dr. Sabina Yasmin.
What is the topic of your research?
My main interest is in electrocatalysis processes. Through this process, it is possible to create various important compounds from oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc. For this, a good catalyst is necessary. An effective catalyst should have several features, such as high activity, selectivity, reusability, and at the same time, it should be affordable and sustainable. I am primarily interested in designing catalysts and exploring electrocatalysis processes.
How are your research works benefiting us or likely to benefit us?
Research is the fundamental basis of generating new knowledge, which drives innovation and development. Although research findings are not always immediately practical, they play an important role in building a sustainable future in the long term.
The main goal of my research is to create effective catalysts. Discovering an efficient catalyst can offer opportunities for revolutionary change. A well-known example is the Haber-Bosch nitrogen fixation reaction, which produces ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds from nitrogen and hydrogen using an iron-based catalyst. This reaction supplies about half of the total nitrogen in global agriculture through chemical fertilizers, while the other half comes from biological nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants. This means that about half of the nitrogen atoms in the human body have passed through a chemical factory at some point, and were converted to ammonia from nitrogen via the Haber-Bosch process. No other innovation has had such a profound impact on human life as Haber-Bosch chemistry.
What qualities do you think a scientist should have?
To be a good researcher, some essential qualities are necessary. The primary duty of a researcher is to make the right decisions based on information and evidence. For this, he or she must be ethical and honest, and this integrity should be reflected from personal to professional life. Because, it is not possible to be a good researcher without being a genuinely good person.
The main task of a researcher is to seek the truth, and for this, their thinking should be simple and clear. Creative and productive thinking should also be purposeful. As the French philosopher René Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.”
Collaboration is extremely important for the advancement of research. For this, good communication skills and commitment are required. Mental stress is common in the research world, so a good researcher must be compassionate and empathetic toward their colleagues. They must develop the mental fortitude to move forward by facing stress. Above all, a good researcher should be truthful, creative, collaborative, and full of humanity.
Do you have any message or advice for young students in Bangladesh who want to work in science?
I myself am a young researcher! However, my master’s supervisor gave us important advice at various times, and I would like to share some of those.
For a young researcher, a deep interest in research is extremely important. You need to enjoy your work and be eager to learn new things, which often requires a lot of time and effort. Timeliness is indispensable in research, so you need to develop the skill to complete tasks on time. Balancing academic studies and research work can be challenging, so prioritizing and developing multitasking skills is very important.
Research cannot be learned alone. So from the beginning, you should develop yourself under the supervision of a skilled supervisor. Often, experience in research is more effective than knowledge. Therefore, advice from supervisors or seniors should be taken seriously, and if any advice seems unclear, discuss and clarify it.
Developing your own uniqueness is very important in research, but at the start, you should imitate your supervisor’s way of thinking and working. Besides, regularly reading research papers is crucial for building your own approach, as it helps increase knowledge, improve writing, and generate new ideas.
Regular participation in conferences and seminars is also essential. These not only create networking opportunities but also keep you updated and informed about emerging areas in research.
At the outset of your research journey, do not measure gains and losses. Research is not a profession—it’s a passion. However, reality cannot be ignored. The biggest challenge for a young researcher is financial stability, especially when preparing for a Ph.D. At this time, significant funds may be necessary, and you may face questions from family and society. The first advice here is to keep moving forward with patience. At the same time, keep an eye out for various scholarships and fellowships and stay updated on scientific institution announcements. Those who want to build a career in the country must prepare for opportunities at these institutions. If needed, openly discuss financial matters with your supervisor, as they may be able to help arrange fellowships.
Finally, preparation for higher education should not be limited to IELTS/TOEFL or GRE; acquiring knowledge and skills in various research-related areas is equally important.
Thank you for sharing the inspiring journey of Md. Yasin Pabel. Heartfelt congratulations on his remarkable achievements and best wishes for his future endeavors. May his contributions to science and research become even more far-reaching, and may his journey continue to inspire many young minds toward research and innovation. Best wishes to Md. Yasin Pabel from the bottom of our hearts.
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