2016/11

Ali SDIRI氏

① Please tell us about your current work .

After receiving my PhD in Geoenvironmental Sciences from the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, I had the chance to extend my stay in Tsukuba as a researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). Then, I joined the teaching staff of National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS) as laureate of the national competitive recruitment examination. ENIS is one of the most renowned institutions in Tunisia; it plays a central role in providing trainings, expertise, organizing the conferences and a consultancy services. As an active member of the georesources and environment department, I have been offering lectures and supervisions for undergraduate and graduate students since 2013. As researcher, I am still working on topics that concern the removal of hazardous metals from aqueous solutions by natural geological materials. This is fundamentally important for the development of raw materials sector in Tunisia, in addition to its scientific sound contribution to environmental protection. I have authored more than 18 publications in internationally renowned journals.

② When you reflect on the University of Tsukuba,what do you think is the merit to study at the University of Tsukuba?

When I was selected for doctoral program in Geoenvironmental sciences in Tsukuba University, I was looking for deeper motives behind the research activities.
My interests were somewhat diverse, but I had a unique goal in my schedule: "get my PhD certificate within the time limit". I had the overwhelming feelings of distress and fear, but remediated by my willingness of hard working and the endless help of Professor Teruo Higashi and other university staff. During my first months, I found Japanese classes and professors "inspiring" and "stimulating," and I loved the ability to learn Japanese despite the increasing load of laboratory work.
When thinking back about Tsukuba University, many good memories come to my mind. More than three years after leaving Japan, I am thinking about the slogan "IMAGINE THE FUTURE", Mt. Tsukuba (Tsukubasan) and Ushiku Daibutsu. Of course, lots of good memories in Tsukuba are fond ones.

③ Please give a message to the University of Tsukuba and our current students.

"The process of BRAINSTORMING requires you to think out of the BOX... A box that is keeping you in the problem... One way to think out that box is to think different... New thoughts always come after fighting with 'old' findings... It's a fight... a storm... A process of brainstorming"