PhD candidate Mohammad Tauhidul Islam was selected for the Callahan Fellowship, a $5,000 award for “the most promising and academically qualified PhD applicants to the Case School of Engineering."

Islam, who was born in Madaripur district in Bangladesh and spent most of his life in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was initially drawn to materials science and metallurgy because it was one of the least developed engineering fields in his home country.  While his main research interest is magnetic materials, he is also interested in design and manufacturing work.

Shortly after arriving at Case Western Reserve University, Islam began working to improve the magnetostriction property of Fe-Ga Alloy, which has potential application in manufacturing sensors.  He is trying to achieve giant magnetostriction by new alloy formation and controlling the microstructure.

During his PhD studies, Islam hopes to “learn how to think of a new project and new idea which doesn't exist but is achievable. I want to do at least one project which can be considered extraordinary.”  He also looks forward to learning new skills and collaborating with other research groups.

Long-term, Islam hopes to be a direct part of a technology “that can improve everyday lifestyle or advance humanity one step ahead. Real-life application is the ultimate focus of my work.”

Islam was drawn to CWRU because of its reputation in the field of materials.  He was particularly drawn to Associate Professor Matthew Willard’s studies of magnetic materials.  Islam praised Willard, now his advisor, as “very clear, understanding and helpful.”

Prior to coming to CWRU, Islam earned his Bachelor of Science in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and his Master of Science in Materials Science from Missouri State University.  In addition to being a scientist, he is an avid traveler and would eventually like to visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Colorado, Vermont and the Grand Canyon.