2020 Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipient: MD Ruhul Amin

MD Ruhul Amin, from Bangladesh, is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. He is in the pursuit of his PhD in Physiology and Developmental Biology.

Why did you choose this area of study?

How the brain works, particularly how individual neurons communicate with each other, was always fascinating to me ever since I started understanding science. Every little memory of someone's fun/joy from their childhood or a single decision everyone makes to be functional in their everyday life is somehow dictated by neurons. To me- the human brain is the most complex unit and we know very little about it. So, I choose to study this area to have a better understanding of it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I like to learn new things every day and pass the knowledge to the new generation. As a researcher, I am open to ask new and interesting questions and pursue them accordingly. I am trying to be equipped with the necessary skill sets to solve the problem in the scientific world. So, I would like to be a scientist/ instructor in an institution where I get the opportunity to learn and contribute to science.

Who are three of your heroes (living or historical) and why?

My heroes are as below - my mother because of her uprightness & integrity; my father for being insightful & visionary. Last but not least my cousin (Dr. Altab Hossain) because he used to motivate me during early life.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I think confidence is the most overrated virtue. Sometimes it leads to overconfidence- and there is a very fine line between confidence and overconfidence.

Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?

"The Great Gatsby" by Scott Fitzgerald & "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod.

What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?

Self-learning and adaptability would be essential for humanity.

Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?

My Supervisor, Dr. Declan Ali has made a huge impact on UAlberta success.