Memorial even better now than in the good old 90’s, says alumna

I remember how quiet it was in the hallway on the third floor of the Engineering building as I headed to the tunnel near the Earth Sciences building.  I saw smiling faces in the tunnel and the noise was infectious with excitement and positive energy on my way to the QEII library.  This was MUN in 1995 and this atmosphere is now sunnier than ever before.   

The diverse environment

While pursuing my degree in Environmental Science at MUN in 1995, I was fortunate to have the guidance and inspiration of a diverse faculty from various disciplines.  My program director, Dr. Teofilo (Jun) Abrajano from the Environmental Sciences Department guided me in my progress.  I was also inspired by his research work and by the friendly, hard-working graduate students. 

I learned invaluable biochemistry laboratory techniques from my research advisor, the late Dr. Anver Rahimtula from the Biochemistry Department.  He was very kind and supportive of my research work.  Working long hours in his laboratory allowed me to improve on my research skills. 

The courses for my program were also a highly enriching experience.  It was the graduate course by Dr. Robert (Bob) Helleur from the Chemistry Department on chemical pollutants, particularly his lectures, that started my interest in chemical fate and transport and now in regulations. 

Dr. Murray Colbo from the Biology Department was instrumental in encouraging me about my future career path.  “What career path would you like to pursue?” he would ask me.    

My colleagues were students from different countries pursuing research in various disciplines.  I learned about their cultures and we also shared research ideas.  Their research work also expanded my mind, whether it was observing them apply research approaches in applied ecology or quantifying a pollutant from a remediation study. 

My Dad, my intellectual buddy

Every day, I spent time on the MUN campus with my father the late Dr. Tahir Husain, a professor in the Engineering Department.  We tried the different cuisine in the cafeteria and I also hung out at his office, either listening to his feedback on one of my upcoming term papers or wondering about the engineering equations or flowcharts on his green board.  At other times he challenged me about a research idea I had. “Why do you think this technique would reduce the levels of trihalomethanes in the water? What is the chemistry behind this?” he asked me. 

But above all this, he always encouraged me to try out my research ideas.  And he provided me the space I needed to develop academically at MUN while I remain a deep admirer of his stellar research contributions and kind personality.

There is no place like MUN

The warm, friendly environment where cutting-edge research is done in diverse disciplines by the dedicated faculty and students is the hallmark of MUN.  I feel this and each time stronger than before whenever I am on campus.  I cherish my time at MUN, I cherish my every interaction with the highly intellectual and kind faculty and colleagues that transformed me into an intellect.  I  am proud to be a MUN alumnus and always will be as I embark further in my professional journey.

Saleha Kuzniewski