Growing up in a family of civil engineers, Altaf's path seemed almost predestined. "I consider myself as a problem solver and I saw civil engineering as an opportunity to address some of the critical challenges we face today," she shares, reflecting on her early influences. 

The decision to pursue a PhD at Queen's University Belfast was a combination of personal interest and professional recommendation. "Queen's University Belfast is one of the well-known universities established in the UK and the Higher Education Ministry of Kuwait has recommended Queen's to do my PhD in Civil Engineering," Altaf explains. Her specific interest in environmental and sustainable remediation aligned perfectly with the research areas at Queen's School of Natural and Built Environment, making it an ideal choice for her doctoral studies. 

Altaf's research focused on a cutting-edge topic: the sustainable remediation of recalcitrant organic carbon contamination using a Bio Electrochemical System (BES). This innovative approach had personal significance for Altaf, as she saw its potential application in addressing crude oil contamination in Kuwait, a legacy of the Gulf War. “The topic of my research is a novel and multidisciplinary. So much so that when I applied the technology on a laboratory scale, my main challenging factor was to optimise and upscale it commercially.” 

The PhD journey was not without its challenges, particularly during the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, Altaf's resilience shone through. "During the full lockdown when my laboratory work stopped, I managed to busy myself and wrote a book chapter which has been published in the Wiley Library," she proudly states. This ability to adapt and find opportunities amidst adversity is a quality that served her well throughout her academic journey. 

Beyond her research, Altaf immersed herself in the university community. She served as a course representative for postgraduate researchers in Civil Engineering from 2019 to 2024, a role that enhanced her leadership skills and allowed her to support fellow students. "Only when you start a PhD, you realise how very challenging it can be," Altaf reflects, highlighting the importance of peer support and community in the doctoral journey. 

Altaf's experience at Queen's was enriched by the university's diverse and inclusive environment, "One of the interesting things about Queen's is the variety of multicultural students. Being an international student is not easy, there are many things to deal with like the visa, course requirements, so it’s amazing to have other international students that can relate to these problems." she notes, appreciating how this diversity created a welcoming atmosphere for international students like herself. 

Now back in Kuwait, Altaf is applying her expertise as a Senior Civil Engineer in the Ministry of Oil, focusing on environmental issues. Her PhD research has direct applications in her current role, allowing her to contribute to solving critical environmental challenges in her home country. “I feel like it's part of my responsibility, after all this knowledge and all this work during my PhD, to participate in solving a serious problem in Kuwait.” 

Reflecting on her time at Queen's, Altaf is unequivocal in her appreciation: "If I had the option to start my PhD at Queen's all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I have gained loads of knowledge and support from Queen's University Belfast which I'm so grateful for". 

For prospective PhD students, Altaf offers sage advice: "Understand that a PhD could be challenging. However, with discipline and determination, you can ultimately get your degree." She emphasises the importance of work-life balance, engaging with peers, and not hesitating to seek help when needed, “The most important thing is don't suffer in silence, if you need help just ask for it.” 

Altaf's journey from Kuwait to Belfast and back again is more than just an academic success story. It's a narrative of personal growth, cultural exchange, and the power of education to drive positive change. Her experience at Queen's University Belfast has not only equipped her with advanced technical knowledge but also with the skills and perspective to make a meaningful impact in her field and her country. 

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For enquiries please contact Daria Pudovkina at: d.pudovkina@qub.ac.uk