Taimoor Akhtar

Why did you choose Cornell?

Cornell has a diverse student community, excellent facilities and an environment that inspires learning and innovation. I joined the University as a Master of Engineering student and the enriching experience impressed me immediately. An offer to join the Ph.D. program in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department was a huge honor, and I accepted the offer without second thoughts.

Why are you pursuing a Ph.D. Degree?

I joined the program with a desire to eventually pursue a career in academia.  However, the pursuit of a Ph.D. at Cornell has been a lot more than the desire to be an academic.  It has evolved my problem solving capabilities, and has given me the confidence to think out of the box and be creative. I learn everyday and wish to continue to learn everyday.

What is your research project?

I develop heuristic algorithms for multi objective optimization of computationally intensive simulation optimization problems. The algorithms are coupled with watershed simulation models to assist in the process of watershed management through informed decision analysis.

How has your advisor influenced your educational experience?

Christine Shoemaker’s presence as an advisor has been highly motivating, throughout my tenure at Cornell. Her breadth and depth of knowledge and experience has been pivotal in my development as a researcher and as a person. At various junctures, I felt frustrated and lost, but she always found a way to motivate me and guide me through the rigors of research. She taught me that it is not only important to be innovative, but also to communicate ideas effectively and eloquently.

What other activities are you involved in?

I have been actively involved in communicating the culture and traditions of Pakistan to the Cornell community. I have served as an active member of the Pakistan Students Association at Cornell, and have assisted in hosting several cultural events.

I have also been a member of  "Raga and Rock." Raga and Rock is a music-oriented student organization at Cornell, focused towards communicating a music genre, which is a blend of South Asian classical and western rock.

What has been your greatest moment or accomplishment so far at Cornell?

I presented my first research effort at the 2009 American Geophysical Union Meeting and was awarded with an "Outstanding Paper Award."

What do you think about living in Ithaca?

Ithaca, for me, is wonderful friends, an intellectual and vibrant community, set within a beautiful landscape. Being an international student, it is easy to feel homesick when you are thousands of miles away from home. However, Ithaca always feels like home.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to pursue a career in academia.