Students

Convocation ‘24: Saiful Hoque, PhD Textile and Apparel Science

Donna McKinnon - 12 June 2024

 

Saiful Hoque’s upbringing in Bangladesh, the world's second-largest apparel exporter of Western fast fashion brands, was a profound experience that gave him a unique perspective on the industry, serving as the impetus for his future studies in textile engineering.

“I was driven by a deep-seated passion for exploring various facets of textile research, including manufacturing techniques, sustainability initiatives, and advancements in protective clothing,” he says.

Choosing the textile and apparel science program at the University of Alberta’s Department of Human Ecology to pursue his graduate studies was a ‘clear choice’, he says, citing the quality of the teaching and the reputation of the Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility, which honed and augmented Saiful’s growing interest in high-performance fibers and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Throughout his program, Saiful grabbed any opportunity to enrich his academic life and build on his leadership skills, but as a community-minded individual, he also took on a variety of volunteer roles for campus-based organizations.

“These positions really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he says. “They've also been incredibly rewarding while also building meaningful connections with folks from all walks of university life.”

After graduation, Saiful will continue to build on his smart fibre research and its potential to revolutionize the medical textile industry and soft robotics.

Congratulations Saiful!

 

What program are you graduating from?

PhD in Human Ecology - Textile and Apparel Science

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I hail from Bangladesh, a country renowned for its textile manufacturing industry. Growing up in an industrial city surrounded by textile factories, I was immersed in the fascinating world where science and engineering converged seamlessly. This exposure ignited my curiosity about the intricate processes and innovations within the textile sector. Consequently, I chose to pursue my undergraduate studies in textile engineering, driven by a deep-seated passion for exploring various facets of textile research, including manufacturing techniques, sustainability initiatives, and advancements in protective clothing.

When considering where to continue my academic journey, the University of Alberta emerged as the clear choice for several compelling reasons. Foremost among them was the opportunity to work with Patricia Dolez, whose expertise and contributions to the field of advanced textiles are widely respected. Additionally, the esteemed reputation of the Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility (PCERF) laboratory at the U of A further solidified my decision. I was drawn to the prospect of being part of a dynamic research environment dedicated to advancing the frontiers of protective clothing technology. This choice has not only enriched my academic journey but also positioned me to make meaningful contributions to the field in the years to come.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

It's difficult to single out just one favourite memory from my time at the U of A, as there have been many memorable experiences. However, if I were to choose one, it would undoubtedly be the groundbreaking finding during my PhD research that addressed a significant safety challenge in firefighters' protective clothing. This work solved a puzzle the industry had been facing for decades. More recently, my work on high-performance fibres was also highlighted in a feature called “research comes to the rescue to make firefighters’ clothing safer.” It was a proud moment to see my efforts recognized and to know that my research was truly making a difference.

Moreover, one particularly enriching experience that stands out occurred at the very beginning of my program at U of A — participating as a panelist in the 'Speaker Series: Fast Fashion' organized by the Sociology Undergraduate Students' Association. Being able to share my professional insights and experiences with fellow students and engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the implications of fast fashion was incredibly rewarding and insightful.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

Oh my goodness, this is really tough, given the wealth of remarkable educators I've had the privilege to learn from. Among them, Patricia Dolez has been one of the most helpful professors I could have asked to work with. Similarly, Jane Batcheller's profound knowledge and unwavering dedication to her students left a lasting impression on me. Her insights and encouragement have significantly shaped my research endeavors, for which I am deeply grateful.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

Yeah, I've definitely taken on my fair share of leadership gigs during my time at U of A! Right now, I'm serving as the vice-president at the Institute of Textile Science. Been at it since 2020 in different roles. And before that, I was the president of the Human Ecology Graduate Students’ Association (HEGSA) for the 2020-2021 term. Then I shifted gears to become a councillor-at-large for the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) for the 2022-2023 term. On top of that, I've been involved in the Graduate Program Committee in the Department of Human Ecology from 2020 to 2023, along with stints in the Student Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) from 2021 to 2023, and the International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC) from 2020 to 2021, and many more.

These positions really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but they've also been incredibly rewarding. Through them, I've had the chance to represent my department, faculty and the university in various capacities, while also building meaningful connections with folks from all walks of university life. Overall, it's been a challenging but enriching experience, and I am looking forward to gaining more in the next phase of my career!

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

Well, being an international student sure came with its own set of hurdles. Adjusting to a new country, environment and culture was no walk in the park, especially alongside the challenges thrown my way by the program itself. But I feel incredibly fortunate to have landed in Edmonton, where the people are just so darn welcoming. It made blending into this new country a whole lot smoother. Of course, being far from family was tough, but shoutout to my amazing friends here who made it feel like home.

Now, let's talk about the doctoral program — it definitely wasn't a cakewalk. But you know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Through all the ups and downs, I learned the true value of persistence and resilience. Every challenge became an opportunity for growth, and looking back now, I couldn't be prouder of how far I've come. I've grown not just as a researcher, but as a better human being too. And, that's something I'll always carry with me.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

From my experience, saying “yes” to the opportunities that come along the way is very rewarding. I would suggest recognizing the privilege and support that have helped shape your journey, while also understanding that learning extends far beyond academia. Whether it's developing new skills, exploring different perspectives, or making educated guesses, each experience contributes to your growth. Personally, I've been very open to constructive feedback and corrections, as they offer invaluable opportunities for improvement, and I'm sure it would be the same for you. Remember, as a student, making mistakes is part of the process, so seize this time to learn and grow with minimal consequences.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I haven't nailed down any concrete plans for celebrating convocation just yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. You can bet I'll be taking a well-deserved break and taking some time to reflect on all that I've accomplished.

What's next after graduation?

I've recently started working at the Impact Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Moving forward, I aim to continue focusing on the development of smart fibers, with the goal of revolutionizing the medical textile industry and soft robotics.