Akash Chowdhury | Current Graduate Students

Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering PhD candidate Akash Chowdhury travelled to TU Delft, Netherlands to collaborate with Professor Bijoy Bera as a research assistant. Akash chose to travel to TU Delft because of their research in fluid mechanics and his interest in observing how research is conducted in other academic systems. Akash’s research explores interfacial science. In particular, he has made contributions towards developing Liquid-Liquid Encapsulation Technology.

Akash describes the valuable skills and experience he gained during his time at TU Delft: "Over the four months, I learned several experimental techniques that I was able to bring back and apply in my lab at the University of Waterloo. Beyond technical skills, I gained valuable hands-on experience in planning experiments, troubleshooting when things didn’t work as expected, and thinking more critically about data and results. I also experienced a different research culture first-hand and worked alongside international students in the group, exchanging ideas and contributing perspectives based on my experience at UW.”

Akash’s favourite part of travelling to the Netherlands was the infrastructure dedicated to bicycling and the opportunity to explore Europe. “As someone who likes to bike a lot, the Netherlands, with dedicated biking lanes all over, is a dream country. I biked a lot. Also, being part of the EU, I got to travel all over Europe and was able to visit 10 countries in total.”

Akash shares his advice for other students considering an international experience: “Go for it! You get to experience a new culture, new food, and network academically. You will learn to adapt to new places and overcome language barriers. You will not only grow academically but also personally.”