Mehnaz Tabassum scored just 25 percent on her first midterm as a PhD student in electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Technological University. She was understandably worried when her instructor for the course, Zhaohui Wang, asked Tabassum to come to her office hours following the exam. Tabbassum assumed Wang would be upset with her.
“When I met [Wang], she surprised me by saying that a poor grade on one midterm wasn’t the end of the world,” says Tabassum. “She pointed out many strengths and qualities in me as a student and as a person that I hadn’t even recognized in myself. She offered to help me with the topics that I was struggling with. We spoke for about half an hour, and that conversation changed my life.”
In the end, Mehnaz Tabassum finished the course with a passing grade and a new perspective.
“That day, I decided to carry her message forward in my own work. Now, as an assistant teaching professor, I strive to be a combination of the best qualities I observed in my professors, especially those who took the time to support and encourage me when I needed it most,” says Tabassum.
Graduate student commencement speaker Mehnaz Tabassum will address fellow Huskies during the commencement ceremony at 10:30 a.m.on Saturday, December 14 in the Wood Gym in the University’s Student Development Complex. For more information, visit Michigan Tech’s Commencement website.
I will remember Dr. Wang’s inspiring words my entire life and the way she influenced me, and I try to pass on that same support and encouragement to my own students.
Now, as Michigan Tech’s 2024 Mid-Year Commencement graduate speaker, Mehnaz Tabassum is reflecting on her time at Michigan Tech. Originally from Kushtia, Bangladesh, Tabassum completed her PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2023 with a research focus in vehicular communication.
“I decided to come to Michigan Tech for its strong engineering reputation and unique research opportunities in wireless communication and networking, which align with my interests. The collaborative environment, supportive faculty, excellent lab facilities, and the beautiful surroundings also drew me in,” says Tabassum. “And I chose Electrical and Computer Engineering because it offers the perfect blend of hardware and software engineering, allowing me to work on innovative solutions in technology.”
At Michigan Tech, Tabassum found what she was looking for. She successfully defended her dissertation, titled “Advancing Vehicular Communication Systems: An Evolution from DSRC To 5G NR C-V2X Technology for Enhanced Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency in Intelligent Transportation Systems,” which she describes as “one of the most nerve-wracking moments” of her academic journey.
“The most challenging part was managing the vast amount of data and refining my research focus as new challenges emerged,” says Tabassum. Her advisor was Aurenice M. Oliveria, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, whose mentorship, Tabassum says, “was instrumental in guiding my research and helping me overcome obstacles along the way.”
Tabassum credits much of her success at Michigan Tech to her collaboration with fellow graduate students and faculty. The connections she formed with her classmates at Tech came as a welcome surprise.
“The challenging academic environment brought us closer, and I found incredible support from peers who became lifelong friends,” says Tabassum. “Whether it was working on group projects, tackling late-night study sessions, or just exploring the beautiful surroundings, these connections were the highlight of my experience.”
This sense of collaboration and community carried over into Tabassum’s work as an educator.
“The opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant also enhanced my communication and leadership skills, which have been invaluable in my current role as an educator,” she says.
Through her roles as teacher and collaborator, Tabassum became a beloved community member on campus. During her time at Tech, she received the 2022-2023 Jonathan Bara Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, the 2022-2023 Graduate Service Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to graduate education, and the 2019 Outstanding Teacher Award. “Engaging with the academic community at Tech gave me the confidence to navigate the challenges of graduate studies and beyond,” she says.
Following her dissertation defense and the conferment of her degree, Tabassum is looking forward to how she can make a difference for both students and her field of research. “In the long term, I envision a career in academia that combines teaching, research, and mentorship,” she says. “I am passionate about advancing the field of vehicular communication and wireless networks and I plan to continue contributing to this area through innovative research.”
Currently, as an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Wichita State University, Tabassum uses her collaborative teaching approach to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications. She aims to empower students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“My goal is to inspire the next generation of engineers by creating a dynamic learning environment, mentoring students, and making a meaningful impact through both research and education.”
Mehnaz Tabassum found her strength in working with others and suggests future graduate students do the same. “Take advantage of the resources and support systems available to you, whether it’s your advisors, fellow students, or campus services. Graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s important to pace yourself and find a balance between work and personal life,” she says.
Tabassum knows she wouldn’t have arrived at this point in her endeavors without her personal support systems.
“During my time at Michigan Tech, I had the privilege of receiving tremendous support and
guidance from several individuals who played a significant role in shaping my academic journey,” she says. “I especially want to express my gratitude to Glen E. Archer and Shane Oberloier, who made my experience as a teaching assistant so rewarding. Their constant appreciation for my work and their encouragement inspired me to pursue a career in academia.” Tabassum would also like to thank Will H. Cantrell, associate provost and dean of the graduate school, for his invaluable advice and motivation throughout Tabassum’s years of study.
“Above all, the unwavering support and motivation from my husband and my family in Bangladesh kept me going through the challenges of graduate school,” says Mehnaz Tabassum. “I am deeply grateful to them for being my anchor throughout this journey.”
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