#023 Modern Technology in Reusable Materials: Dr. Zakaria Hossain

Dr. Zakaria Hossain is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at Mie University, Japan. Before joining Mie University in 1999, he conducted research as a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at Kobe University. He completed his higher education (M.Sc. Ag. Engg. and PhD) at Kyoto University, Japan. As a Bengali scientist from Bangladesh, he earned his B.Sc. Ag. Engg. degree while working as a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University.

Dr. Zakaria’s main research areas involve composite materials, soil stability, and the inherent properties of soil-bound composites. He regularly works on inventing recyclable and eco-friendly materials and developing applicable technologies for engineering structures. The outcomes of his research have the potential to be applied not only in Japan but also in developing countries like Bangladesh.

💬 Q&A Session:

Question: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your education and career.
Answer: I am currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at Mie University, Japan. Before joining Mie University in 1999, I did research as a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow at Kobe University. I completed my higher education (M.Sc. Ag. Engg. and PhD) at Kyoto University. In Bangladesh, I worked as a Research Assistant at Bangladesh Agricultural University, where I obtained my B.Sc. Ag. Engg. degree.

Question: What are your primary research areas?
Answer: Composite materials, soil stability, and interaction of soil-bound materials.

Question: Please tell us about your current research institution.
Answer: I work at Mie University. More information can be found at: http://www.mie-u.ac.jp/en/

Question: How did you become interested in this research field?
Answer: My interest began during my undergraduate years when I was designing and constructing a ferrocement (cement composite) tank. This established my foundation in construction materials, which has continued through my MSc, PhD, and PostDoc work.

Question: What future trends do you anticipate in your research area?
Answer: Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is much more advanced in terms of flexibility, durability, toughness, and crack-arresting capabilities than conventional composites. Due to environmental pressures, the use of recyclable materials is increasing. This not only helps reduce waste but also conserves limited natural resources. Through ECC, new technologies can be applied in slope stabilization, roads, canals, embankments, and agricultural structures.

Question: What was the subject of your recent publication?
Answer: In recent years, I have researched several topics:

• Analyzing different types of ECC failures in soil
• Developing low-cost, environmentally friendly composites
• New technologies for protecting roads and river embankments in Bangladesh

Question: What has been your most successful moment?
Answer: Every moment of achieving my personal goals is a success. The most significant moment was joining a Japanese university as a faculty member.

Question: Which renowned scientist or engineer has inspired you?
Answer: Professor Dr. Naaman’s research paper deeply inspired me during my undergraduate years. Even today, every research paper I read sparks new ideas for me.

Question: What current research projects are you working on?
Answer:

• Developing environment-friendly disaster prevention technologies
• Creating new composites using recyclable materials
• Slope stability analysis for fill dams, reinforced earth, roads, and river embankments
• Researching soil-structure interaction through experiments and FEM

Question: What are your future plans?
Answer: To apply my research outcomes not just in Japan or developed countries, but also in developing countries like Bangladesh.

Question: What advice do you have for young researchers?
Answer:

• Be determined in your field
• Explore new things proactively
• Maintain a friendly relationship with your supervisor
• Seek advice if you do not understand something
• Avoid recreating old ideas
• Strive to invent something new

Question: Can you share your email address?
Answer: Yes, [email protected]

🔗 Profile link:
https://www.mie-u.ac.jp/en/

Dr. Zakaria Hossain’s research is making a significant contribution in the field of eco-friendly materials and soil stabilization. His goal is to apply these research findings not only in Japan, but also in developing countries like Bangladesh. The Scientist Org team wishes Dr. Zakaria the very best in his research. We hope his work will inspire the young scientists of Bangladesh.