My name is Abdullah Alhaj, I am from Mukalla, Hadhramout. I completed my B.S. degree in Geophysics from King Saud University in 2015, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and M.S. degree in Geological Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in 2018. I am currently attending Missouri S&T for my Ph.D. in Geological Engineering. I am working in the research area of using non-destructive geophysical techniques for subsurface geotechnical and environmental investigations. I have been involved as a GRA in multiple funded and non-funded research projects during my M.S. and Ph.D. programs. I also served as the 2020 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) student chapter president and have participated in some international and national geoscience conferences.
Upon my graduation, I will be delighted to serve as an assistant professor in Hadhramout in the field of geological engineering, and/or other related geosciences. Studying abroad at Missouri S&T will definitely assist me to contribute to the academic as well as private sector during my service in Yemen. For instance, developing the teaching, researching, and training strategies of geosciences related programs. In addition, geological engineering is a combination of studying the geology and the applications of engineering to solve complex geological problems such as geohazards mitigation and remediation, mapping subsurface for natural resources, and soil compatibility and slope stability for infrastructure development. These are all extremely important to the unique geology and future development of Hadhramout and Yemen in general.
I have learned that patience, determination, persistence, and flexibility in life are very important especially during any hardship situation. I am praying that we get back to normal life after this unprecedented pandemic. I am very grateful for all the support from the Hadhramout Foundation and Missouri S&T during my educational journey.