The Maldives consists of about 1200 small islands strung together in a tropical cluster… there is no university, so Muthasim Fahmy did his undergraduate degree at the University of Adelaide, then returned to the Maldives to work in the Meteorological Office.
“I was always very interested in teaching, so I went from there to work at the Maldives College of Higher Education. This will very shortly become a university, and the rector was very keen for me to gain a higher degree, to have the skills to teach at the institution. “
The Maldives uses the burning of fossil fuels exclusively, for power generation. As well as contributing to global warming, the Islands are in serious danger of being submerged if or when global warming results in the predicted rise in sea level. So the Rector of the College is also understandably concerned about energy generation and the consequences of climate change.
“I received a scholarship to come to Otago, and arrived here in 2004. I have found the staff in the Physics department most helpful and friendly. When I was having some trouble with my visa prior to coming, I contacted the Energy Studies programme Director and he helped sort it all out! It was most appreciated.”
Muthasim's wife has also received a scholarship to study at Otago, and she is based in the Microbiology department. She will also return to teach at the College once her PhD is completed.
The expertise in Otago's Physics department is world-class, and covers a wide range of research interests. Muthasim is working with Zhifa Sun on theoretical questions surrounding the convection at interfaces between gases and liquids caused by buoyancy and surface tension forces, and validating these theories against laboratory experiments. His work will result in new knowledge in augmenting heat and mass transfer processes and quality control of products and will have positive implications for energy efficiency and productivity in many industrial processes.
“When I return to the College as an academic teacher, I will be teaching a broad range of physics and engineering topics, and in the department I can find out about many areas, not just my own field of research.”
And on the subject of energy studies? “Shortage of energy is just round the corner so someone has to do this! Otago offers a variety of pathways, with Energy Studies – which is a science program - and Energy Management which is an applied science program and very practical.”