During his undergraduate years at COMSATS University Islamabad, Farooq's interest in research was sparked by his supervisor, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to delve deeper into the field. This early exposure to research led Farooq to publish his work as a senior undergraduate, laying the foundation for his future academic endeavors.
Farooq's decision to pursue graduate studies at Â鶹AV was influenced by his desire to specialize in traffic safety, particularly in understanding the dynamics of traffic accidents. Dr. Xiaoduan Sun's expertise in this area, coupled with Â鶹AV's welcoming atmosphere and supportive faculty, made it the ideal choice for Farooq's academic pursuits.
At Â鶹AV, Farooq has been involved in impactful research projects, including analyzing the effectiveness of traffic enforcement measures such as SafeLight SafeSpeed cameras and studying the factors contributing to crashes among older adults. His dedication to making roads safer and the interdisciplinary approach through the Systems Engineering Ph.D. program highlights his commitment to solving real-world problems.
Reflecting on his time at Â鶹AV, Farooq emphasizes the warm and supportive community that has made his academic journey memorable. He appreciates the welcoming nature of Lafayette, echoing the sentiment of the "Happiest City" and highlighting the faculty's supportiveness and mutual support.
In Farooq's own words, "My experience at Â鶹AV has been truly remarkable, marked by a welcoming community and the unparalleled support from the faculty and staff. Choosing to join this department is, without a doubt, the best decision I have made."
Farooq Azam's story demonstrates the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence that defines Â鶹AV's Graduate School and its programs in Civil Engineering M.S. and Systems Engineering Ph.D.