University at Buffalo (UB)
Alumni Profile
Nan Hua
Tunnel Engineer, Mott McDonald
Nan Hua, PhD '21, civil engineering.
Where are you from?
Hefei, China
What did you like most about engineering at UB?
The great faculty members in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. The lectures given by many world-famous professors are second to none! Many professors have helped me with not only academic activities but also career opportunities.
Why did you choose to go into engineering?
My father is also an engineer and, since childhood, has positively influenced me to love and choose engineering.
What was your favorite place on campus?
Of course Ketter Hall, where I spent most of my four years in UB. All my achievements came out of my office room in Ketter. And that is the place where I met so many great people and felt accommodated.
What are you up to now?
I just graduated in August 2021 and am now a tunnel engineer at Mott McDonald. I do design and analysis for our tunnel structures. I am also a self-motivated researcher and volunteer journal reviewer.
What were involved in on campus?
During my program, I was a TA for two courses and mentored four female students during my PhD.
What have you done that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my research contributions. I gain great happiness when my research is appreciated by people and my papers get cited. The best part is, during this process, I have become a more confident and inclusive person.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about being a great female tunnel engineer and scholar. I want to use my knowledge and experiences to make our infrastructures safer. I also want to show younger female generations that a woman can also be a great engineer!
Was there a particular faculty or staff member who was formative during your time at UB, and how so?
Many thanks to my PhD advisors, Dr. Negar Elhami-Khorasani and Dr. Anthony Tessari, for their great mentorship and all the life guidance. Working with them for four years has made me prepared for my career and more importantly, a better person.
What are your future plans?
I plan to get my Professional Engineering license in the nearest future. The long-term plan is to practice leadership in the engineering field and try to help other members of underrepresented groups achieve success.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Be inclusive. Be thirsty for knowledge. And be a dreamer. You will achieve success in engineering at UB.
In the final year of her PhD, Nan Hua received a 2021 Dean's Graduate Achievement Award from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.