8 Mar 2011
Who or what first stimulated your interest in science? And how old were you?
My father, who was a civil engineer. I was 7 years old.
Do you have a science hero?
Nicolas Tesla, Jābir ibn Hayyān (Gaber)
Why did you decide to pursue a science career?
I was always very interested in chemistry and this led to studying chemical engineering.
What attracted you to your degree course(s)?
Interest in chemistry.
How would you persuade young people that science offers interesting and worthwhile career opportunities?
Chemical engineers are always in demand, despite the current financial crisis they are still the one of the most sought professionals. Secondly, science helps you in understanding a lot of technologies that we use in our day to day life.
How did you come to join SCI and why?
Through a friend who recommended it as a good platform for science/engineering young professionals to come in contact with each other.
Is SCI helping you develop your career and how?
Getting this grant was definitely very helpful as I was able to attend a very good conference. Secondly I hope to stay in touch with people working in the similar fields and expand my professional network.
Is there more that SCI could do to help you and others developing careers in science?
I think SCI is currently doing a fantastic job.
If you could do one thing to improve the image of science what would it be?
Developing something useful for humanity and proving that science/engineering is not just about making weapons.
Where do you hope your career will take you in 5 years time?
Working for a university or a big pharmaceutical company at a senior post.
You can connect with SCI members who are in a similar field to Ali, through the SCI Members' Directory.
Related Links
- Fine Chemicals Group
- Early careers
- Members' Directory - log in to view
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