Amin Sadeghpour
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I grew up in a family where both of my parents had graduate degrees, so words like "thesis," "supervisor" and "defense" were common at home. That naturally made me curious about research and academia from a young age. As I got older and went through my own journey of self-discovery, I realized how important science is, not just for understanding the world around us but also for understanding ourselves. That realization turned into a passion for research and learning, and pursuing a graduate degree felt like the natural next step.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
During my undergraduate studies, I quickly realized that to become a good researcher, it is important to gain a diverse range of experiences and work with multiple supervisors. That is when I knew I wanted to study abroad. Canada became my main choice because of its top universities and welcoming environment for international students. Among the Canadian universities, UBC was my first choice as its size and research scope aligned perfectly with my goal of learning from as many people as possible. Vancouver’s climate was another advantage. Coming from Iran, I wanted to live somewhere warmer, and compared to the rest of Canada, Vancouver seemed like the perfect fit.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The structure of the Master of Applied Science program stood out to me, especially as an international student. The first two terms give you time to take courses related to your research, which helps a lot in getting a solid foundation before diving into your project. It is also a great way to get familiar with UBC, Vancouver and Canadian culture while making new friends along the way. After that, you have enough time to fully focus on research, work closely with your supervisor and build the skills needed to become a strong researcher. It felt like the best balance between coursework and hands-on research experience.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
UBC surprised me with how big and diverse it is. There’s always something happening, whether it is a presentation, an industry event, a sports competition or just a fun gathering. There are so many opportunities to learn, meet people and explore things you never thought you would be interested in. As for Vancouver, I was impressed by the outdoor activities. The beaches are easily accessible, the hiking trails are stunning and there are so many campsites to explore. I had this image of a typical big city in my head before I moved, but Vancouver is nothing like that, and it is more like a place where you can easily escape into nature whenever you want.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
For me, research time is the best part. Having a problem to solve, the freedom to explore different ideas and the guidance of great professors is an amazing combination. It keeps my curiosity alive and pushes me to make the most of my time at UBC. I also really enjoy our group meetings. It is a great chance to see what others are working on, learn from their experiences, and get valuable feedback on my research. Everyone brings different perspectives and skills, which makes the discussions super insightful.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I believe one of the biggest challenges in the future of engineering will be the integration of artificial intelligence. While I don’t see this shift as inherently negative, I think that it will reshape the traditional ways we approach engineering problems. We are currently in a transitional phase, AI tools are still developing and most engineers today are trained in conventional methods. The next generation is caught between mastering these traditional approaches and adapting to emerging AI technologies. Navigating this adaptation phase will bring both significant challenges and exciting opportunities.
In this evolving landscape, I think it’s essential to shift from being a passive user of tools and information to becoming a creator and developer. UBC’s research-based programs offer exactly that opportunity. By spending time on in-depth research projects, students are encouraged to think critically and independently. This process develops a mindset focused on innovation and problem-solving, which is essential for meeting the demands of a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
During my undergraduate studies, I audited some graduate courses, and that helped a lot. Graduate courses tend to be smaller and more focused, so they go deeper into the topics compared to undergraduate classes. That gave me a better idea of what grad school would be like and what kind of research gaps exist in my field. Also, doing an undergraduate research project was a big help. It gave me first-hand experience applying what I had learned in class to a real project, working with a supervisor and managing research within a limited time frame. It also made my graduate school applications stronger since I already had some research experience.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love spending time outdoors. Whether it is going to the beach, hiking in the mountains or exploring forests and lakes, I find it really refreshing. Vancouver has so many great spots for that, and I try to experience them as much as I can. I also enjoy just wandering around different stores and checking out all the unique products. It is interesting to see how things are presented to customers in different ways. And of course, staying connected with my family is really important to me. Even though we are far apart, I make sure to share my daily experiences and the new places I visit with them.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
For those applying to a research-based program at UBC: Take the time to thoroughly research potential supervisors. Go through their website and publications carefully so you really understand what they are working on. Every prospective student has useful skills, but once you know what a supervisor is focused on, you can connect your background to their research and reach out to them in a way that stands out. This is probably the most important step in getting into a research-based program.
For new graduate students at UBC: Do not stress too much, and be confident. The fact that you are here already proves you are qualified. There will always be new things to learn and adapt to, especially for international students, but do not let challenges make you doubt yourself. Keep pushing forward, and you will improve every step of the way.
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Learn more about Amin's research
My research investigates wind-driven upwelling events in Quesnel Lake, a deep fjord-type lake in British Columbia, and their impact on the thermal regime of its outflow, the Quesnel River. By analyzing nine years of wind and temperature data from multiple mooring and weather stations, I identified frequent summertime upwelling events that bring cold hypolimnetic water near the surface. These events lead to rapid drops in Quesnel River temperatures, often by as much as 6°C over two days, which may stress migrating salmon during their upstream journey. Upwelling in Quesnel Lake can occur under relatively low wind speeds, primarily due to the lake’s long fetch and nonlinear response. To better understand the underlying physical mechanisms, I am developing a semi-analytical model to examine how lake geometry and stratification influence the wind thresholds required to induce upwelling. Ongoing work focuses on improving stratification representation in the model and evaluating the role of bathymetric features, such as the lake’s sill.
