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Degrees of Determination: Md Mehdi Masud

From Roots and Resilience

Born in Bangladesh, Md Mehdi Masud's story is one of determination and intellectual curiosity. Despite the limited research resources in his home country, he transformed these challenges into steppingstones for success.

"My upbringing instilled a deep sense of perseverance and commitment to learning, which has driven me to pursue research in the USA and to overcome various obstacles along the way," he said.

The Path to Physics

The allure of understanding the fundamental properties of materials drew Masud to physics. His decision to join UC Merced was driven by the university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its strong computational condensed matter physics program.

"UC Merced stood out for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and the opportunity to work in computational condensed matter physics, which aligned perfectly with my interests," Masud said.

Under the guidance of Professor David Strubbe, Masud found not just a mentor but a catalyst for his academic growth. The mentorship transformed his approach to research and helped build his confidence as an independent researcher.

"Professor David Strubbe has guided me in navigating complex computational methods and encouraged me to explore new research areas, significantly shaping my expertise and confidence as an independent researcher."

Pioneering Research

Masud's research delves into the fascinating world of materials under extreme conditions. His work investigates electron localization, ionization potential depression and continuum lowering.

"This research has the potential to advance technologies in high-energy density physics and contribute to innovations in fusion related research as well as to know the physics inside the core of planets," he said.

Personal Triumphs

Masud's journey is marked by numerous achievements, both personal and professional. His most cherished experience is sharing his academic journey with his wife, Kishwar-E Hasin, a fellow Ph.D. student at UC Merced. His accomplishments include:

  • Participation in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
  • People's Choice Best Poster Award at the Electronic Structure Workshop
  • First place in the GSA Pet Photo Contest
  • Research Photo Award from the Department of Physics
  • Service as an APS Student Ambassador
  • Two-year tenure on the GSA Executive Committee

"The collaborative journey my wife and I have been sharing as Ph.D. students at UC Merced is really an amazing experience, where we have supported each other through the challenges of graduate school," he said.

Legacy in the Making

Masud's story exemplifies how determination, coupled with the right opportunities and support, can transform challenges into achievements. His journey from Bangladesh to becoming a respected researcher at UC Merced continues to inspire others in the academic community.