This article summaries the conversation I had with Dr. Cynthia on her STEM Podcast. If you think some of these conversations are interesting, you are in for a ride with the rest of her content in the Podcast.
Here is the link: “https://anchor.fm/cynthia-waliaula/episodes/Ep-10-Doing-a-masters-for-3-years-and-the-difference-between-a-civil-engineer-and-an-architect-e1cjuin/a-a76t28g”
The summary is in a form of question and answers and I hope any other STEM related champion can testify to at least some of these!!!
• Introduce yourself (You can be as specific as you’d like)
Hi, my name is Neema Stephen. I am a Civil Engineering Master’s Graduate at the University of Cape Town. And whenever I say that, now I just have to laugh because it’s been 3 years, so somebody definitely needs to kick me out of school so that I can stop dodging taxes and start paying them. lol
Anyways, I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Dar es salaam and worked for a bit, before jumping into this ship. On a good day, if you would take me back to secondary school years and ask me if engineering was worth it? I would tell you, absolutely is. I mean, have I been able to design, construct, and maintain a structure yet? No. But have I been able to grasp the science involved in most exciting structures and infrastructures in my country? Absolutely, yes. And that for me is engineering. Fathoming the magic in creation.
• Which field do you currently work in and what was your inspiration for your career choice?
I currently work in the Laboratory and my never-ending corrections from my peers. No worries, It’s actually a good thing. Ask anybody working in the research field, corrections? Are a good indication.
So, I work specifically in the materials research department. I am the kind of expert that deals with the raw forms of construction materials and try and come up with a way to use them mechanically and durably in the field. I know, you might ask me, aren’t there standards already for that? Yes and no. Yes, because all engineers abide to codes of practice depending on their countries accepted standards. No, because most of these standards are not as specific to the kind of materials used in the specific environments. And I’m sure you can all agree with me that the world has different climates and people keep building in the most adverse places ever. Plus, due to challenges such as global warming and higher levels of carbon dioxide emissions (especially, created by the production of cement alone) we, engineers have to research on alternative materials to used for construction. Cheaper, accessible and durable materials for that matter.
Have I over done it? Does that explain it? I hope so.
Why the materials research choice? Well, my Masters course is titled, Master’s of science in civil infrastructural maintenance and management. The research part was a bonus that my professor thought I could manage. Average time for masters is 2 years. It’s been 3 years now. Can I really? Lol.
• Did you always want to be an engineer?
No. lol. Funny story. But I originally wanted to be an economist. Then an Architect, and finally after a long and [very unconfirming to all my beliefs] talk with my late grandfather (may he rest in peace) I finally realized, what I actually wanted to be was an engineer.
• What has been your biggest achievement so far (either specifically in your career or generally in your life)?
In my career? Mmmhh — It’s actually not a win but I treasure it so much. I was chosen among the six candidates out of 200 applicants for an interview with BAM research materials lab in berlin Germany for a research assistant position. But as you can tell, I didn’t get it. The experience alone was amazing.
In my life? Well, It should be that one time I was able to cook chapati’s with a round shape and they also stayed for a couple days without getting torrid. Now if you are an East African girl, like me who likes cooking for herself; YOU KNOW THAT’S NO EASY FIT. Lol
• What has been your favourite job/position/project that you’ve undertaken so far and why?
The Msikaba Bridge project. I did some laboratory tests on the concrete materials that they sent into the lab. It is a cable-stayed steel deck bridge, currently under construction, spanning the Msikaba River, near Lusisiki in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Designed by the Danish firm Dissing+Weitling, the bridge when complete will have a main span of 580m supported from a pair of 127m-tall pylons. The deck will be 194m above the valley floor, making it the third highest bridge in Africa.
Why? My last point.
• What challenges have you faced and how have you dealt with them?
On that project? Haha a lot. Laboratory tests are a fickle thing. But I dealt with my analysis and testing issues by always having second eyes.
General career challenges? It been when to jump ship and at what point. For example, If I was asked to if I should take my masters’ when I did again? I would ask myself for two extra years to actually work in my field and then come get my masters.
Why? Because that’s the average time it takes a normal graduate engineer to be a professional engineer in Tanzania.
• Any career mistake(s)? What did you learn from that experience?
Haha Nice. One of my biggest career mistakes is never being conversant with EXCEL. I need to hear drumrolls guys. If anyone didn’t tell you or remind you, let me do. LEARN YOUR EXCEL AND EXCEL AT EXCEL. You will need it.
• What’s something new and interesting/exciting in your industry?
Oh wow. A lot I actually have a lot. Please allow me to pick 3.
1. 3D printing of houses using mortar; a combination of cement, sand and water
2. BIM Technology — Building Information Modelling.
3. Self-Healing Concrete. This is the type of concrete that during the mix design they include a form of enzyme found in red blood similar to the ones that repair our tissues inside, to repair concrete cracks.
• What’s a common misconception about your work?
That Civil engineers and Architects do the same job? Or that all Civil engineers can design buildings.
• Any advice for other girls and women interested in joining your career path? / What do you wish your younger self knew about your current profession?
Advice for other young girls? Mmhh — I mean, what other profession is as cool?
Haha, I won’t lie. You nor I, are probably out of 99% that are never going to be like Einstein’s (If you do become one, ignore me) Anyways, … since the basics have been done and dusted, always be specific. Even in picking Civil Engineering as your career path, look at your community and it’s challenges and be a minor heroine in that very specific issue.
I wish my younger self jumped into the civil engineering research field earlier. But other than that, be more inquisitive. Participate in more practical STEM related activities and not been afraid to take industrial trips across town.
• Aside from your career, what else interests you? Do you have any unique hobbies? Which other areas of your life are you exploring/ nurturing/ growing?
Hiking. A very current and serene activity for me. Definitely nurturing the painting sessions. And — Mhh, who I lying to? Sleeping and eating. Definitely those two.
• What does the future look like for you?
Anyone know of the Net Zero agenda? The future for me would be to part of making that agenda true. The NetZero agenda is a climate change agenda. It circles around making concrete a Net zero material. That is the amount of Carbon dioxide it produces during the manufacture process; it can take back during the infrastructure lifetime. The icing on the top would be to work for an organisation like GCCA or Bam research institute while doing that work.
• Where can listeners find you online? *Feel free to use this time to promote any business ventures/initiatives/ platforms you have*
Ohh — My Twitter handle is @05_Kemmie. Same for IG (However that account is private. Safe spaces everyone, safe spaces lol) and I also, write some articles on Medium under nskahabi. And LinkedIn under Neema Stephen Kahabi.
I, hope this conversation is as fruitful for you and it was for me. Cheers and have an amazing yeah start. Compliments of the season.
